Light Aircraft DC Power Generation Quiz

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What is the function of the thermal circuit breaker in normal operation?

Disengage the latching mechanism

Radiate heat to the load (correct)

Operate the bimetallic strip

Prevent current flow to the load

What triggers the thermal circuit breaker to 'trip' in case of current exceeding its rating?

Latch mechanism releases

Bimetallic strip disengages

Temperature of the thermal element increases (correct)

Contact switch unit activates

What is a disadvantage of a rotary inverter compared to a static inverter?

Higher surge capability

Lack of frequency control (correct)

Higher efficiency

Less scheduled maintenance

Which part of the thermal circuit breaker directly opens the main switch contacts when tripped?

Bimetallic thermal element Signup and view all the answers

What must be done to reset a tripped thermal circuit breaker?

Manually reset the circuit breaker Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a rotary inverter typically leads to more scheduled maintenance than static inverters?

Brushes and commutator Signup and view all the answers

What is responsible for releasing the latch mechanism of the thermal circuit breaker when tripped?

Bimetallic thermal element distortion Signup and view all the answers

What voltage range does the static inverter mentioned in the text use as input?

18 to 30-V DC Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the load is removed from a rotary inverter?

It shuts down Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for circuit breakers to clearly display their current rating?

To show the maximum current they can handle Signup and view all the answers

What type of generators are used as the principal source of electric power in almost all transport-category aircraft?

AC generators Signup and view all the answers

Why should the control box on top of a rotary inverter not be disassembled in the field?

To avoid damaging the inverter Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the output of the static inverter mentioned in the text?

115 V, single-phase AC Signup and view all the answers

Why are AC generators preferred over DC generators in transport-category aircraft?

They are lighter in weight. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Transformer Rectifier Units (TRUs) on larger aircraft?

To convert AC to DC power Signup and view all the answers

Why are DC alternators used in modern light aircraft?

To produce DC output from AC voltage Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the aircraft serves as the backup DC source if other sources do not operate?

Aircraft main battery Signup and view all the answers

What type of drive is an AC generator on light aircraft NOT suitable for due to weight constraints?

'constant-speed' drive Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the reverse current cut-out relay in the generator circuit?

To disconnect the battery from the generator when the generator voltage is less than the battery voltage Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the reverse current cut-out relay is not used in the generator circuit?

The battery could discharge through the generator, driving the generator as a motor Signup and view all the answers

How does reducing the output voltage affect the generator current?

Reduces it Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the rise in generator voltage and current in the described system?

Demagnetization of L3 core and closing of contact points Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the voltage regulator in the system?

Actuated by line voltage Signup and view all the answers

Why is a certain minimum value of load current necessary in this system?

To cause the current limiter to vibrate Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the output voltage rises above a specified critical value in a vibrating-type voltage regulator?

The field rheostat is removed from the circuit. Signup and view all the answers

How does a vibrating-type voltage regulator maintain an average voltage with load changes?

By opening and closing contact B several times per second. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the solenoid in a vibrating-type voltage regulator?

To connect and disconnect the field rheostat from the circuit. Signup and view all the answers

Why does contact B open when the output voltage exceeds a critical value?

To reduce field current and lower output voltage. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does the dashpot serve in a vibrating-type voltage regulator?

It prevents hunting by acting as a dampener. Signup and view all the answers

How does capacitor C contribute to the functioning of a vibrating-type voltage regulator?

By reducing output voltage fluctuations. Signup and view all the answers