Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary source of power during normal flight operations for the A320?
What is the primary source of power during normal flight operations for the A320?
Which component is responsible for converting battery DC power to AC during emergencies?
Which component is responsible for converting battery DC power to AC during emergencies?
What does the electrical system rely on when parked on the ground?
What does the electrical system rely on when parked on the ground?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the A320's power priority rules?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the A320's power priority rules?
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What is the capacity of each battery in the A320 electrical system?
What is the capacity of each battery in the A320 electrical system?
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When starting up the electrical system, which action should be taken first?
When starting up the electrical system, which action should be taken first?
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What happens to the APU or external power sources after engine start?
What happens to the APU or external power sources after engine start?
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What is the purpose of the Bus Tie Contactors in the A320 electrical system?
What is the purpose of the Bus Tie Contactors in the A320 electrical system?
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What is the role of the Maintenance Bus Switch in the electrical system?
What is the role of the Maintenance Bus Switch in the electrical system?
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When AC power is unavailable, which buses are powered by the batteries?
When AC power is unavailable, which buses are powered by the batteries?
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What happens during engine start with respect to generator power?
What happens during engine start with respect to generator power?
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What does a green 'AVAIL' light indicate in the external power operation?
What does a green 'AVAIL' light indicate in the external power operation?
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Which combination of failures results in power loss to DC BUS 1, DC BUS 2, and DC BAT?
Which combination of failures results in power loss to DC BUS 1, DC BUS 2, and DC BAT?
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Under what condition does the Emergency Generator activate automatically?
Under what condition does the Emergency Generator activate automatically?
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What is the consequence of disconnecting the Integrated Drive Generator (IDG)?
What is the consequence of disconnecting the Integrated Drive Generator (IDG)?
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Which type of circuit breakers triggers ECAM warnings if tripped for more than 1 minute?
Which type of circuit breakers triggers ECAM warnings if tripped for more than 1 minute?
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What is the function of the Static Inverter in the event of insufficient airflow for the Emergency Generator?
What is the function of the Static Inverter in the event of insufficient airflow for the Emergency Generator?
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What indicates that the Emergency Generator is operational on the ECAM ELEC page?
What indicates that the Emergency Generator is operational on the ECAM ELEC page?
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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.
