Fuel System (PDF)

Fuel system - stores and delivers fuel from the tanks to the engine, ensuring that the engine operates efficiently and reliably. Fuel Tanks - are storage containers for the fuel used by the aircraft. Fuel pumps - move the fuel from the tanks to the engine. Fuel Filters - remove...

Fuel system - stores and delivers fuel from the tanks to the engine, ensuring that the engine operates efficiently and reliably. Fuel Tanks - are storage containers for the fuel used by the aircraft. Fuel pumps - move the fuel from the tanks to the engine. Fuel Filters - remove contaminants from the fuel to prevent clogging and damage to the engine components. Fuel Lines - are the pipelines that carry fuel from the tanks through the system to the engine. Fuel Control Unit (FCU) - regulates the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, ensuring the correct air-fuel mixture for efficient combustion. Fuel Injectors/Carburetors - responsible for delivering fuel into the engine's combustion chamber. Vents and Drains: - equalize pressure as the fuel is consumed, and drains to remove water or other contaminants that might accumulate at the bottom of the tank Most common location of fuel tanks: 1. Wings 2. Fuselage 3. Center tank 4. Auxiliary tank Fuel system process 1. Fuel Tank - where the fuel is stored 2. Fuel Pumps - move the fuel from the tank to the engine 3. Fuel Lines - pipes that carry the fuel from the tank to the engines 4. Fuel Filters - remove contaminants that could damage the engine 5. FCU - regulates the amount of fuel delivered to the engines 6. Engines - fuel reaches the engine where it is mxied with air abd combusted o produce thrust Gravity Feed Fuel System - the fuel tanks are usually located higher than the engine, as seen in high-wing aircraft. - Fuel flows naturally from the tank to the engine by gravity. - The Fuel Selector Valve allows the pilot to choose the fuel source. - Carburetor is required - Does not require FCU fuel selector valve - allows the pilot to choose which fuel tank supplies fuel to the engine(s). Engine Primer - used to introduce a small amount of fuel directly into the engine's intake manifold or cylinders before starting the engine. Oil Dilution Solenoid - used in aircraft engines to thin the engine oil, making it easier to start the engine in extremely cold conditions. Pump Feed Fuel System - These systems have tanks equipped with electric boost pumps that push fuel toward the engine. - requires a carburetor to properly mix the fuel with air before combustion - engine-driven pump - electric pump - FCU Fuel Injection System - high pressure pumps to push fuel - FCU - the fuel is injected directly into the cylinders or intake manifold Multi-Engine Fuel System - used in two or more engines - uses multiple tanks with its own fuel pumps and cross feed valves - managed by fuel selector valve and cross feed options - some multi engine use carburated engines while others use fuel injection systems Jet Engine Fuel System - have complex tanks w/ multiple high pressure pumps and scavenge pumps - floaters and probes measures fuel - fuel is pressurized by pumpls and controlled by FCU - do not use carb Rich Mixture - higher portion of fuel relative to air - more fuel, less air - used for more power and cooling Lean Mixture - lower portion of fuel relative to air - less fuel, more air - used for fuel efficiency and economy