EMP Module 1

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Questions and Answers

Where does the compressor discharge air enter?

Exhaust pipe flange assemblies

Combustion chamber

Torus turbine assembly

Turbine plenum (correct)

What is the purpose of the turbine plenum?

To house the turbine assembly

To provide structural support for the unit

To regulate lubrication system pressure

To collect compressor discharge air (correct)

What is attached to the rear outer flange of the second stage compressor diffuser?

Exhaust pipe flange assemblies

Turbine plenum (correct)

Torus turbine assembly

Combustion chamber

What is the function of the torus turbine assembly?

To generate power Signup and view all the answers

How many paths of structural support are provided by the turbine plenum arrangement?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the mass airflow in the turbine plenum?

A large portion of it passes through the combustor and turbine unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the turbine wheel in an APU?

To change the direction of the gas flow and produce torque Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the reduction gear train in the accessory drive section?

To reduce the speed of the compressor shaft and increase the torque Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sun gear in the planetary reduction gears?

To connect the compressor shaft to the reduction gear train Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the high velocity gas flowing through the turbine nozzle?

A change in the direction of the gas flow, producing torque Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the torsion shaft in the accessory drive section?

To connect the compressor shaft to the reduction gear train Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the planetary reduction gears in the accessory drive section?

To reduce the speed of the compressor shaft and increase the torque Signup and view all the answers

What type of impeller is used in the second stage of the compressor?

Single-sided single-entry Signup and view all the answers

How many bearings support the compressor/turbine shaft?

A single race ball bearing and a bronze bush Signup and view all the answers

Where is the single bronze bush located?

Forward of the turbine between the second stage compressor and turbine Signup and view all the answers

How are the first and second stages of the compressor connected?

Through a series of crossover ducts Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the crossover ducts?

To act as diffusers and transfer air Signup and view all the answers

Where is the turbine plenum chamber located?

After the second stage compressor Signup and view all the answers

What sequences electrical power to the fuel shut-off valve during APU start?

Centrifugal speed switch Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the rate control valve in the fuel system?

To regulate fuel pressure during on-speed conditions Signup and view all the answers

How is the starter motor de-energized during APU start?

When the centrifugal speed switch reaches 95% Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the centrifugal speed switch reaches 95% during APU start?

The starter motor is de-energized Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fuel governor during APU start and on-speed conditions?

To govern fuel flow Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the secondary orifice in the fuel system?

To open at 75 PSIG fuel pressure when flow divider spring tension is exceeded Signup and view all the answers

Which electrical system component is responsible for igniting the fuel/air mixture?

High energy ignition unit (HEIU) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of power for the APU electrical components during initial start and operation?

Aircraft's battery Signup and view all the answers

At what fuel pressure does the secondary orifice open?

75 PSIG Signup and view all the answers

What is the output capacity of the APU generator?

115 volt AC Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the APU electrical system during initial start and operation?

To provide a means of starting the APU, controlling the fuel supply, igniting the fuel/air mixture, sequencing APU acceleration, and monitoring APU operation Signup and view all the answers

What happens at point A in the APU start-up sequence?

The oil pressure sequencing switch activates Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 35% speed switch in the APU start-up sequence?

To de-energise the starter motor Signup and view all the answers

What is the state of the APU at point D in the start-up sequence?

On speed with EGT stabilising Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the FCU at point E in the APU start-up sequence?

It changes from acceleration limiting to fuel governing mode Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the APU reaching point E in the start-up sequence?

Electrical power from the APU generator and/or bleed air from the APU can now be utilised Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the pneumatic thermostat at point E in the APU start-up sequence?

It changes from acceleration limiting to load control mode Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Load Control Valve (LCV)?

To regulate the amount of air that is bled from the APU for aircraft services Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum percentage of compressor discharge air that the APU can provide without detriment to its performance?

8% Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the three-way solenoid valve in the Load Control System?

To connect the LCV to the pneumatic thermostat and the control air line to the FCU Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the pneumatic thermostat in the Load Control System?

To monitor the temperature of the turbine section Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Load Control Valve (LCV) mounted?

On the APU plenum chamber Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of valve that the Load Control Valve (LCV) is?

Pneumatically operated butterfly valve Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the three-way solenoid valve in the load control system?

To pneumatically disconnect the FCU and connect the LCV to the pneumatic thermostat Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the load control solenoid in the load control valve operation?

To open the ball valve (B) and close ball valve (C) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the diaphragm (D) when the load control valve is opened?

It moves against spring tension and air pressure in chamber (E) to slowly open the butterfly valve (F) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ball valve (C) in the load control valve operation?

To close the load control valve Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the spring tension in the load control actuator diaphragm chamber?

To keep the load control valve closed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the lever pivoting at point (X) in the load control valve operation?

To open ball valve (B) and close ball valve (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the three-way solenoid valve in the APU operating mode?

To connect the thermostat to either the FCU or LCV Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the acceleration limiter circuit in the FCU?

To connect the thermostat to the FCU when the solenoid is de-energized Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition required for the load control circuit to be connected to the thermostat?

When the 95% speed switch is made and bleed air is selected to on Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the air pressure regulator valve in the APU system?

To receive air from the turbine plenum and reduce it to approximately 20 PSI Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an over-temperature occurs in the pneumatic thermostat?

The high expansion material expands, unseating the ceramic ball valve and bleeding off the control air pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the load control valve in the APU system?

To control the load of the APU under varying engine pressures and temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

APU Major Sections

The APU consists of three major sections: compressor, accessory drive, and power section.
The compressor section consists of a two-stage centrifugal impeller compressor, diffusers, and ducting.
The accessory drive section consists of a reduction gear train and housing.
The power section consists of turbine, combustion, and exhaust components.

Compressor Section

The compressor section has two stages: a double-sided double-entry impeller and a single-sided single-entry impeller.
Both stages are located on a single shaft with the turbine.
Air is transferred between the first and second stages by a series of crossover ducts that act as diffusers.
The compressor/turbine shaft is supported by a single race ball bearing and a single bronze bush.

Turbine Nozzle Assembly

High-velocity gas from the turbine nozzle is directed against the turbine wheel vanes, causing a change in gas flow direction.
The resultant force produces the torque to rotate the turbine wheel.
The torque developed by the turbine is returned through the shaft to rotate the compressor.

Turbine Wheel Assembly

The turbine wheel is a radial inflow turbine wheel.
The turbine wheel vanes are subjected to high-velocity gas, producing torque to rotate the turbine wheel.

Accessory Drive Section

The accessory drive section consists of a reduction gear train and housing.
A torsion shaft splines between the compressor shaft and the sun gear of the planetary reduction gears.

Power Section

The power section consists of turbine, combustion, and exhaust components.
The turbine plenum collects compressor discharge air in preparation for bleed air extraction or combustion.
The turbine plenum is attached to the rear outer flange of the second stage compressor diffuser and is sandwiched between the exhaust pipe flange assemblies.

APU Start-up and Operation

The start-up events of the APU are sequenced by the oil pressure sequencing switch, ignition system, fuel shut-off valve, and exhaust gas temperature (EGT).
The APU accelerates to 35% speed, then 95% speed, and finally reaches on-speed condition.
The fuel governor controls fuel supply during start-up and on-speed conditions.
The electrical power is generated and supplied to the aircraft's systems during APU operation.

Electrical System

The electrical system provides a means of starting the APU, controlling the APU fuel supply, igniting the fuel/air mixture, sequencing APU acceleration, and monitoring APU operation.
The main components of the electrical system are generator, starter motor, tachometer, generator start meter, centrifugal speed switch assembly, and high energy ignition unit (HEIU).

Load Control Valve (LCV) Operation

The LCV is a pneumatically operated butterfly valve that regulates the amount of air bled from the APU for aircraft services.
The LCV system components include three-way solenoid valve, air pressure regulator, pneumatic thermostat, and LCV.
The load control valve operates in closed and open modes, controlled by the load control solenoid, air pressure regulator, and pneumatic thermostat.

Pneumatic Thermostat

The pneumatic thermostat is located in the APU exhaust flange and exposed to exhaust gas.
The thermostat operates in two modes: start acceleration (no bleed air) and load controlling.
The thermostat regulates the air pressure holding the load control valve in the open position, and closes the load control valve in case of over-temperature.

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Description

Learn about the major components of a compressor power section in aerospace engineering, including turbines and exhaust systems. Identify the key parts of a compressor and their functions. Test your knowledge of aerospace engineering systems.