A320 Electrical System Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of power during normal flight operations for the A320?

  • Engine-driven generators (correct)
  • External power
  • Emergency generator
  • APU generator

Which component is responsible for converting battery DC power to AC during emergencies?

  • Bus Tie Contactors
  • Emergency generator
  • Static inverter (correct)
  • Transformer Rectifiers (TRs)

What does the electrical system rely on when parked on the ground?

  • Emergency generator
  • Only engine generators
  • Only APU generator
  • APU or external sources (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the A320's power priority rules?

<p>APU is prioritized over external power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the capacity of each battery in the A320 electrical system?

<p>23 Ah (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When starting up the electrical system, which action should be taken first?

<p>Switch batteries to AUTO mode. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the APU or external power sources after engine start?

<p>They are disconnected automatically. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Bus Tie Contactors in the A320 electrical system?

<p>To isolate the left and right electrical sides. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Maintenance Bus Switch in the electrical system?

<p>To allow ground servicing without powering the entire system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When AC power is unavailable, which buses are powered by the batteries?

<p>DC BAT and DC ESS. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during engine start with respect to generator power?

<p>The engine’s generator replaces APU power. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a green 'AVAIL' light indicate in the external power operation?

<p>External power is available for use. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of failures results in power loss to DC BUS 1, DC BUS 2, and DC BAT?

<p>Dual TR Failure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition does the Emergency Generator activate automatically?

<p>When airspeed exceeds 100 knots and both AC BUS 1 and AC BUS 2 fail. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of disconnecting the Integrated Drive Generator (IDG)?

<p>Power shifts to the second generator or APU. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of circuit breakers triggers ECAM warnings if tripped for more than 1 minute?

<p>Green CBs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Static Inverter in the event of insufficient airflow for the Emergency Generator?

<p>It sheds non-essential buses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that the Emergency Generator is operational on the ECAM ELEC page?

<p>A green 'EMER GEN' memo. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are the primary AC power sources on the A320?

Three engine-driven generators, one APU-driven generator, an emergency generator (RAT-driven), and a static inverter provide AC power to the aircraft.

How is AC power normally supplied on the A320?

Engine-driven generators are the primary source of AC power during flight. APU or external sources power the system on the ground.

How is DC power generated on the A320?

Transformer Rectifiers (TRs) convert AC power to DC power, supplying the aircraft's DC buses.

What are the primary DC power sources on the A320?

Two batteries provide backup power and are connected to Hot Buses. These batteries provide essential power in case of a total power loss.

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What is the purpose of Bus Tie Contactors?

The Bus Tie Contactors normally isolate the left and right electrical sides but connect to share power during emergencies.

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How does the A320 handle power distribution during single generator operation?

One generator can power both sides of the aircraft through the Bus Tie system, but generators are never paralleled.

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Where can you find the controls and indicators for the A320 electrical system?

The Electrical Panel, Emergency Electrical Panel, and ECAM Electrical page provide a comprehensive overview of the electrical system status.

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What is the priority for power sources on the A320?

A priority structure ensures a reliable flow of power, with engine generators taking precedence over other sources.

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External Power Panel

A panel that displays indicators for ground power availability. It provides information about the status of external power supply to the aircraft.

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ECAM ELEC Page

A display on the ECAM panel that provides a synoptic view of the electrical system, showing power sources, buses, and flow.

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Maintenance Bus Switch

A switch that allows ground servicing to be performed without powering the entire aircraft system. This enables selective power distribution.

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Battery Operations

Batteries provide emergency power to critical buses (DC BAT and DC ESS) when AC power is unavailable. These systems are essential for essential aircraft functions.

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Normal Power Flow

After both engines are running, their generators provide power to each side of the electrical system, with the generators operating independently.

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IDG Disconnect

Triggered by high oil temperature or low oil pressure, the IDG disconnect isolates the generator for safety and power redistribution.

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AC BUS Failures

A failure in an AC BUS prevents the Bus Tie system from connecting to power the failed bus, requiring power redistribution.

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Emergency Generator Activation

When the RAT is deployed, it provides hydraulic pressure to the blue system, which drives the Emergency Generator, supplying essential power.

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Emergency Generator Power Supply

The Emergency Generator powers the AC ESS BUS and DC ESS BUS, which are critical buses for essential aircraft functions.

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Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers protect electrical components from overloads. Green CBs are monitored and trigger warnings, while black CBs are not monitored but offer direct protection.

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Study Notes

A320 Electrical System Overview

  • AC Power Sources: Engine-driven generators (90 kVA), APU-driven generator, emergency generator (RAT-driven), and a static inverter; external power is available when parked.
  • AC Power Normal Operation: Engine generators are the primary source during flight. APU or external sources power the system on the ground.
  • AC Power Backup Sources: Emergency generator supplies essential AC and DC buses during total power loss. Static inverter converts battery DC power to AC in emergencies.
  • DC Power Sources: Transformer Rectifiers (TRs), two batteries (23 Ah capacity each) providing backup power. Batteries connected to Hot Buses.
  • DC Power Flow: TRs convert AC to DC to supply DC buses. DC buses then power essential systems.
  • Power Distribution: Bus Tie Contactors normally isolate left and right electrical sides but can connect to share power. A single generator can power both sides through the Bus Tie system, but they are never paralleled.

Controls and Indicators

  • Flight Deck: Electrical Panel, Emergency Electrical Panel, and ECAM Electrical page for monitoring and control.

Operational Use

  • Startup: Check battery voltage, switch batteries to AUTO, and enable external power if available. Start APU and switch to APU power (or to external power if APU is unavailable).
  • Engine Start: Engine generators take over AC power supply, disconnecting APU or external sources.
  • In-Flight Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring of electrical systems for normal operation.
  • Post-Landing: Start the APU or connect external power at the gate. Shut down engines only after external power is available and selected.

Power Priority Rules

  • Engine generators.
  • External power (if no engine generator is available).
  • APU generator (if external power is unavailable).
  • Opposite-side engine generator to power unpowered buses.

A320 Electrical System Abnormal Operations

Circuit Breakers (CBs):

  • Green CBs: Monitored by the Fault Warning System (FWS). Trigger ECAM warnings if tripped for over one minute.
  • Black CBs: Not FWS-monitored, directly protecting components.
  • WTB CBs: Red-capped CBs for Wing Tip Brakes. Never reset during flight.

IDG Disconnect

  • Reason: High oil temperature (>185°C) or low oil pressure.
  • Process: Open switch guard, press IDG pushbutton briefly (maximum 3 seconds). Requires confirmation before reconnection; reconnection only possible on the ground.
  • Impact: Isolates the generator; power shifts to the second generator or APU via the Bus Tie system; galley power may be shed.

AC BUS Failures

  • Fault Behavior: A fault prevents the Bus Tie from closing, affecting the failed AC BUS.
  • AC BUS 1 Failure: DC power rerouted via the DC BAT BUS to maintain functionality for both DC BUS 1 and 2. AC ESS BUS and ESS TR automatically switch to AC BUS 2 (manual intervention may be needed).

TR Failures

  • Single TR Failure: Opposite TR powers both DC buses. DC ESS BUS is supported by the ESS TR.
  • Dual TR Failure: DC BUS 1, DC BUS 2, and DC BAT BUS lose power. DC ESS BUS is powered only by the ESS TR.

Power Distribution (Normal Configuration)

  • Generators: Each powers its respective AC BUS (Gen 1 for AC BUS 1; Gen 2 for AC BUS 2).
  • DC Flow: TR 1 and TR 2 convert AC to DC for their respective buses. Critical systems powered via TR 1.
  • Batteries: Hot Buses powered by Battery 1 and Battery 2.

Warnings and Cautions

  • Alerts: Failures trigger ECAM warnings, aural alerts, and visual indications.
  • Alert Inhibition: Alerts may be temporarily inhibited during specific flight phases (like takeoff and landing).
  • MEMO: "EMER GEN" memo in green indicates Emergency Generator activation.

A320 Emergency Generator

Activation

  • Automatic Deployment: Triggered when both AC BUS 1 and AC BUS 2 fail and airspeed exceeds 100 knots. The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) extends, providing hydraulic pressure to the blue system to drive the Emergency Generator.
  • Manual Deployment: Pressing the guarded MAN ON pushbutton on the EMER ELEC PWR panel deploys the RAT and activates the Emergency Generator, regardless of airspeed. (Separate RAT MAN ON button on the Hydraulic Control Panel only deploys the RAT, not the Emergency Generator).
  • Ground Operation Warning: RAT deployment on the ground may cause injury.

Power Supply

  • Powered Systems: AC ESS BUS and DC ESS BUS via the Essential TR (ESS TR).
  • ECAM Indication: Green "EMER GEN" memo appears on the ECAM ELEC page when operating.

Failure Scenarios

  • Insufficient Airflow (RAT Failure): If airspeed falls below 100 knots or the RAT stalls, the Emergency Generator cannot function. Power transfers to batteries and Static Inverter, shedding non-essential buses (AC SHED ESS and DC SHED ESS).

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Description

Explore the A320's electrical system, focusing on AC and DC power sources, backup mechanisms, and power distribution. This quiz covers critical components like generators, batteries, and emergency power systems to deepen your understanding of aviation electrical systems.

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