Republic of the Philippines

PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS

Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

MODULE 6 Power Distribution Systems

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICS Page 1

 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

Learning Outcomes:

1. Obtain a theoretical understanding in the basic principles of electricity.

2. Develop creative, logical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
within the discipline.

CLO 3. Demonstrate tests and analytical skills on electrical components,

circuits, generators, and other aircraft electrical equipment.
4. Demonstrate mastery of the principle of aircraft-related electricity.
5. Analyze and interpret designs and symbols of electronics/electrical
circuits and components of the aircraft.

1. Discuss how the power is distributed to the electrical system of the

TLO aircraft.
2. Discuss the operation of the sources of electricity in the aircraft.

1. Identify the sources of electricity that powers the aircraft.

MLO 2. To understand the functions and operations of each components in
electrical system of the aircraft.

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 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Power Distribution System………………………………………………………………………..4

Need for Protective Devices………………………………………………………………………4
Electrical Load…………………………………………………………………………………….4
Electrical Load Analysis…………………………………………………………………………..5
Simple Electrical System………………………………………………………………………….5
Electrical Power System for Single Engine Aircraft……………………………………………...6
Electrical Components for Light Aircraft…………………………………………………………7
Electrical Power System for Double Turbine Engine Aircraft……………………………………9
Normal Configuration……………………………………………………………………………..9
Abnormal Configuration…………………………………………………………………………10
Emergency Configuration………………………………………………………………………..10
Battery Configuration……………………………………………………………………………10
Control of the Power Distribution System……………………………………………………….12
Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………13
Reference………………………………………………………………………………………...13
Module Activity………………………………………………………………………………….14
Honesty Clause…………………………………………………………………………………..15
Rubrics…………………………………………………………………………………………...16

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICS Page 3

 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Modern aircraft require a consistent and reliable supply of electrical power. There are
four common sources of electrical power used during normal aircraft operations. These sources
are dc alternator, dc generators, ac alternators (generators), and the aircraft’s storage battery. The
aircraft’s battery is typically used for emergency operation and any intermittent system
overloads. DC Alternators are typically used on medium-sized turbine-powered aircraft. AC
alternators are used on large commercial aircraft and military aircraft.

Some form of electrical distribution system must be employed on every aircraft

containing and electrical system. A simple power distribution system consists of basic copper
conductor called the bus bar or bus. This type of system is found on most single-engine aircraft.
The bus is a conductor designed to carry the entire electrical load and distribute that load to the
individual power users. Each electrical power user is connected to the bus through a fuse and or a
circuit breaker.

Need for Protective Devices

Short circuits in electrical systems constitute a serious fire hazard and also may cause the
destruction of electrical wiring and damage to units of electrical equipment. For these reasons
adequate protective devices and system must be provided. Such devices include fuses, circuit
breakers and cutout relays. In the generating system the protective devices must be of a type
which will de-energize and disconnect faulty power sources and power transmission equipment
from their associated buses with sufficient rapidity to provide protection against hazardous
overvoltage and other malfunctioning.

Protective devices are not required in the main circuits of starter motor or in circuits where no
hazard is presented by their omission. Each circuit for essential loads must have individual
circuit protection; however, individual protection for each circuit in an essential load system is
not required. All fuses, circuit breakers, switches, and other electric controls in an airplane must
be clearly identified so that the pilot or other member of the crew can quickly and easily perform
in flight any necessary service to the unit.

A master switch must be provided which will make it possible to disconnect all power sources
from the distribution system. By means of relays, the actual disconnect should be made as near to
the power source as possible.

ELECTRICAL LOAD

The electrical load of an aircraft is determined by the load requirements of the electric units or
systems which can be operated simultaneously. It is essential that the electrical load of any
aircraft be known by the owner or operator, or at least by the person responsible for maintenance
of the aircraft. Electrical-load analysis is made to determine the electrical load of an aircraft.

This is done by adding all the possible loads which can be operating at any one time. Loads may
be continuous or intermittent depending upon the nature of the operation. Examples of
continuous loads are navigation lights, rotating beacons, radio receiver, radio navigation
equipment, electric instruments, electric fuel pumps, electric vacuum pump, air conditioning
system, and all other units or systems which can be operated continuously during flight.
Examples of intermittent loads are landing gear, flaps, emergency hydraulic pumps, trim motors,
landing lights and circuits for other electrically operated devices which are normally operated for
a very short period of time.

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 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

ELECTRICAL LOAD ANALYSIS

Prior to installing any electrical equipment to an aircraft, the technician must perform an
electrical load analysis. This is done to ensure the aircraft’s electrical power system will not be
overloaded by the addition of the new equipment. The goal is to compare the sum of all
continuous electrical loads to the generator/alternator’s maximum output. If total continuous load
is less than the rated generator output, more equipment may be added; however, the maximum
generator output may never be exceeded by a continuous load.

There are basically two (2) means to determine an aircraft’s electrical load; measurement or
summation of the individual loads.
1. To measure electrical loads, an accurate ammeter must be placed in the generator output
lead. The ammeter will measure the total electrical load and this value can be compared
to the generator’s rated output.
2. To find the total load through summation, each individual electrical current load must be
known. The aircraft’s service manual may provide this information or it can be obtained
form the data plate of each individual unit. The generator’s maximum rated output is then
compared to the sum of electrical loads. The total continuous load must always be equal
to or less than the generator’s maximum rate output.

Simple Electrical System

A simple electrical system for a light aircraft consists of a battery circuit, an alternator circuit
with associated controls, an engine starter circuit, a bus bar with circuit breakers, control
switches, an ammeter, lighting circuits, and radio circuits.

The high current-carrying cables in this system are connected from the battery to the main
battery relay, from the battery relay to the starter relay, and from the starter relay to the starter.
The ground leads for the starter and the battery are also of heavy cable.

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 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

The main alternator power cables are also considerable larger than the normal circuit wiring;
however, they are usually smaller than the cables required to carry full battery current. This is
because the battery is used for starting the engine and the starting current is very large. During
operation of the aircraft, the battery is connected to the system but is not supplying power.
Instead, it is taking power from the alternator in order to maintain a charge. All the normal load
currents are supplied by the alternator during flight. The distribution bus receives power from the
alternator and/or battery during different operating modes. The bus then distributes the electrical
current, through the individual circuit breakers, to their respective loads.

ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM FOR SINGLE ENGINE AIRCRAFT

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 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR LIGHT AIRCRAFT

Bus Bar

Bus bar is a conductor designed to carry the entire electrical load and distribute that load to the
individual power users. The bus bar is interconnected by a jumper wire and attached to the
circuit beaker on the lower center of the instrument panel.

Master Switch

The Master Switch controls the operation of the battery and alternator
systems. The switch is an interlocking split rocker with the battery mode
on the right hand side and the alternator mode on the left hand side. This
arrangement allows the battery to be on line without the alternator;
however, operation of the alternator without the battery on the line is not
possible.

The switch is labeled “BAT” and “ALT” below the switch and is located
on the left-hand side of the switch panel.

Ammeter

The ammeter is connected between the battery contactor and the bus
bar. The meter indicates the amount of current flowing either to or
from the battery. With a low battery and the engine operating at
cruise speed the ammeter will show the full alternator output when all
electrical equipment is off. When the battery is fully charge and
cruise RPM is maintained with all electrical equipment off, the
ammeter will show a minimum charging rate. The ammeter is located
on the right hand-side of the instrument panel.

Circuit Breakers

A circuit breaker is an automatically operated

electrical switch designed to protect an electrical
circuit from damage caused by an overload or short
circuit. Its basic function is to detect a fault
condition and immediately discontinue electrical
flow. Unlike a fuse that operates once and then has
to be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset to
resume normal operation. All resettable circuit
breakers should open the circuit in which they are
installed regardless of the position of the operating
control when an overload or circuit fault exists.

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 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

Such circuit breakers are referred to as

trip-free. Automatic reset circuit breakers
automatically reset themselves. They
should not be used as circuit protection
devices in aircraft.

When a circuit breaker trips, the electrical

circuit should be checked and the fault
removed before the circuit breaker is reset.
Sometimes circuit breakers trip for no
apparent reason and the circuit breaker can
be reset one time. If the circuit breaker
trips again, there exists a circuit fault and
the technician must troubleshoot the
circuit before resetting the circuit breaker.

Fuses

A fuse is placed in series with the voltage source and all current must flow through it. The fuse
consists of a strip of metal that is enclosed in a glass or plastic housing. The metal strip has a low
melting point and is usually made of lead, tin, or copper. When the current exceeds the capacity
of the fuse the metal strip heats up and breaks. As a result of this, the flow of current in the
circuit stops.

There are two basic types of fuses: fast acting and slow blow. The fast-acting type opens very
quickly when their particular current rating is exceeded. This is important for electric devices
that can quickly be destroyed when too much current flows through them for even a very small
amount of time. Slow blow fuses have a coiled construction inside. They are designed to open
only on a continued overload, such as a short circuit.

Relays and Solenoids (Electromagnetic Switches)

Relays are used to control the flow of large currents using a small current. A low-power DC
circuit is used to activate the relay and control the flow of large AC currents. They are used to
switch motors and other electrical equipment on and off and to protect them from overheating. A
solenoid is a special type of relay that has a moving core. The electromagnet core in a relay is
fixed. Solenoids are mostly used as mechanical actuators but can also be used for switching large
currents. Relays are only used to switch currents.

Solenoids

Solenoids are used as switching devices where a weight

reduction can be achieved or electrical controls can be
simplified. The foregoing discussion of switch ratings is
generally applicable to solenoid contact ratings.
Solenoids have a movable core/armature that is usually
made of steel or iron, and the coil is wrapped around the
armature. The solenoid has an electromagnetic tube and
the armature moves in and out of the tube.

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 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

Relays

The two main types of relays are electromechanical

and solid state. Electromechanical relays have a fixed
core and a moving plate with contacts on it, while
solid-state relays work similar to transistors and have
no moving parts. Current flowing through the coil of
an electromechanical relay creates a magnetic field that
attracts a lever and changes the switch contacts. The
coil current can be on or off so relays have two switch
positions, and they are double throw switches.

Residual magnetism is a common problem and the contacts may stay closed or are opened by a
slight amount of residual magnetism. A relay is an electrically operated switch and is therefore
subject to dropout under low system voltage conditions. Relays allow one circuit to switch a
second circuit that can be completely separate from the first. For example, a low voltage DC
battery circuit can use a relay to switch a 110-volt three-phase AC circuit. There is no electrical
connection inside the relay between the two circuits; the link is magnetic and mechanical.

NOTE: Discussion on battery circuit, starter circuit, and alternator circuit and avionics system
for single engine aircraft will be done during synchronous class/meeting.

ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM DOUBLE TURBINE ENGINE AIRCRAFT

Modern large aircraft use both ac and dc electrical power. The output of a typical generator is
three-phase 115-V ac; this is converted by TR Transformer Rectifier units where dc power is
needed. The TR units incorporate a step-down transformer and a full-wave rectifier. Its output is
28 V dc. Most large aircraft contain two or more static inverters used for emergency situations
(generator failure). Each inverter is capable of converting dc, supplied by the battery, into ac
power which is distributed by the essential ac bus. The static inverters supply a relatively small
amount of ac power; however, their output is adequate to power all essential ac equipment.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICS Page 9

 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICS Page 10

 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

ABNORMAL CONFIGURATION
The electrical system has an ESS TR, which supplies the DC ESS Bus in abnormal or emergency
configuration. In abnormal configuration (loss of TR1 or TR2) the ESS TR is supplied by the AC
ESS Bus.

EMERGENCY CONFIGURATION
The hydraulic power to drive the Emergency (EMER GEN) is given by a Ram Air Turbine
(RAT) via the blue hydraulic system. RAT located in belly fairing, extends automatically when
AC BUS 1 and 2 are lost. The RAT is in the belly fairing and extends automatically in case of
loss of AC BUS 1 and 2. Then, the EMER GEN supplies the DC ESS through AC ESS directly
TR. In emergency configuration (loss of AC BUS 1 and AC BUS 2), the ESS TR is supplied by
the EMER GEN.

BATTERY ONLY CONFIGURATION

In emergency configuration with emergency generator not available, BAT 1 supplies the AC
ESS BUS via the static inverter and BAT 2 supplies the DC ESS BUS.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICS Page 11

 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

Control of the Power Distribution Systems

On modern aircraft employing a
parallel or split bus system, a
centralized means of controlling the
power distribution between individual
load buses is essential. For example, if
a generator fails or a bus shorts to
ground, the appropriate bus ties and
generator circuit breakers must be set
to the correct position. Or, in the event
of a system overload, the control unit
must shed the electrical load to an
acceptable level. Also, the control unit
must automatically reconnect any
essential systems to an operable bus.
This power manipulation must take
place within a fraction of a second to ensure an uninterrupted flight. To achieve this goal,
modern aircraft employ a solid-state bus power control unit (BPCU).

The BPCU receives data from the generator control units (GCUs), ground power control unit
(GPCU), and the various bus ties and circuit breakers of the system. GCUs are used in
conjunction with each aircraft generator to monitor and regulate generator activities. If the GCU
detects a malfunction, it will inform the BPCU. The BPCU will ensure the appropriate power
distribution system configuration.

The BPCU also receives input information concerning system loads from load controllers. Load
controllers are electrical circuits which sense real system current and provide control signals to
the generator’s constant-speed drive rpm governor. The constant-speed drive output rpm in turn
affects generator output frequency.

The BPCU is the main control computer for all generator and electrical power distribution. The
BPCU receives signals from several current transformers in order to monitor the electrical
system. If the BPCU detects an abnormal condition, it opens and/or closes the appropriate bus tie
and/or circuit breaker. Circuit breakers operate automatically according to GCU and BPCU
signals, or manually via cockpit controls.

On modern aircraft, the BPCU performs control, test, protection, and fault identification
functions. BPCUs are basically small computers designed for a specific function. Each aircraft
typically contains two BPCUs for redundancy in the event of a failure. Each BPCU constantly
monitors its input and output data using a digitally coded message. If a system fault occurs, the
BPCU initiates the necessary corrective action and records the fault in a nonvolatile memory.
The nonvolatile memory is part of built-in test equipment (BITE) of the BPCU. Any fault data
stored by the BITE system can be recalled at a later time by a line technician. This process
greatly reduces maintenance time and enhances system reliability.

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 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

SUMMARY

The electrical power system is one of the most critical systems found on modern aircraft. A
complete electrical system failure would be catastrophic. There must be at least one generator in
an electrical system if the system supplies power to circuits that are essential for safe operation
of the aircraft. Each generator must be able to deliver its continuous rated power. Electric power
sources must function properly when connected in combination or independently except that
alternators may depend on a battery for initial excitation or for stabilization. The generating
system includes electric power sources, main power buses, transmission cables, and associated
control, regulation and protective devices. The system must be designed so that power sources
function properly when independent and when connected in combination with other sources. No
failure or malfunction of any power source can create a hazard or impair the ability of remaining
sources to supply essential loads.

References:

Aircraft Electricity and Electronics Fourth Edition by Eismin / Bent / McKinley

Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe
Airbus Training Manual

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICS Page 13

 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

MODULE ACTIVITY # 6

1. What is the purpose of bus bar? (10pts.)

2. What is the purpose of an electrical load analysis? (10pts.)
3. Describe the difference between a power distribution system for light aircraft and large
aircraft. (10pts.)
4. In the event of a partial power system failure, what happens to nonessential electrical
loads? Explain briefly your answer. (10pts.)
5. What are the various means of monitoring the power distribution system? (10pts.)

TOTAL POINTS: 50/50

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 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

HONESTY CLAUSE

This honesty clause establishes a fundamental social contract within which the College
community agrees to live. This contract relies on the conviction that the personal and academic
integrity of each individual member strengthens and improves the quality of life for the entire
community. It recognizes the importance of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility
and wishes these principles to be a defining part of Philippine State College of Aeronautics

The Institute of Engineering and Technology values and fosters an environment of academic and
personal integrity, supporting the ethical standards of the engineering profession, where we
design and build for the benefit and safety of society and our environment.

I agree that the submission of any academic work shall constitute a representation on my part
both that such work has been done, and its submission is being made, in compliance with
honesty and integrity. Furthermore, my responsibility includes taking action when I have
witnessed or am aware of another’s act of academic dishonesty.

__________________________________
Students Name over Signature & date

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICS Page 15

 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Institute of Engineering and Technology Department
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology

RUBRICS

Criteria Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor

Content The content is The content is Content is not Content is an Incomplete content is
Development comprehensive, precise comprehensive, precise comprehensive and incomplete the topic is not clearly pointed out
and encouraging, clearly and encouraging, clearly encouraging, even not clearly indicated and not encouraging (1
stated and well supported stated and well though the topic is not and is not encouraging out of 5 questions had
by the subject. The writing supported by the subject. well supported but (2 of the 5 questions been addressed with)
(50 pts) and its purpose are very The scripture and its addressed.) To have the addressed)
clear (Exceptionally, all purpose are clear. (4 of subject matter
questions were the 5 questions were inconsistent with its
addressed) addressed in an content and to clarify
exceptional way) thoughts. (It addressed 3
out of 5 questions
(40-31 pts) (10-10 pts)
(50-41 pts) (30-21 pts) (20-11 pts)
Organization & Paper structure and The paper structure and The paper's organization Paper structure and Organization and
Structure organization are excellent organization is very clear and structure are clearly organization is not easy structure are not
easy to follow. The and easy to follow. easy to follow. Paragraph to follow. The suitable for the topic.
transitions of paragraphs Paragraph transitions transitions throughout transitions to Paragraph is confused
(20 pts) are present and very throughout the paper are the paper are present paragraphs need and thought is lacking
logical and maintain the present and logical and and logical and maintain improvement transition.
thought flow throughout maintain the flow of the flow of thought.
the paper. thought.
(12-9 pts)
(20-17 pts) (16-13 pts) (04 -01 pts)
(08 -05 pts)
Format and Paper follows the exact The paper follows most Most of the guidelines go Paper complies with Paper disorder made
References designated guidelines and guidelines and includes through paper. some guidelines. of lacks of elements
correctly includes incorrect spacing Borderlines, size of Included are incorrect formatting
complete references. between text lines, using paper, inappropriate ink borderlines, paper size, this include as such:
different font sizes with 4 used and 3 references inappropriate ink used borderlines, paper size,
references. are included. and 2 references. improper ink used,
(20 pts) overlap text, copied
plagiarized or prepared
by another person with
1 reference are
included.

(04 -01 pts)

(16-13 pts) (12-09 pts) (08 -05 pts)
(20-17 pts)
Grammar Grammar rules, usage are Grammar rules, usage is Grammar rules, usage is Paper made few Language utilizes
Punctuation and fully followed, spelling is followed and spelling is followed and spelling is mistakes in grammar misleading
Spelling correct. Language is very correct. The language is correct. and spelling, language conversional tone,
clear and precise; very clear and precise; Language is clear and lacks clarification or made of numerous
(10 pts) sentences consistently the structure of phrases precise; sentences includes some grammatical and
display strong, varied is consistently strong and display varied structure misleading conversional spelling errors.
structure. varied. consistently strong. tone. The activity was
The activity was The activity was The activity was The activity was submitted two weeks
submitted on time. submitted two days late. submitted four days late. submitted one week late.
late.
(08-07 pts) (06-05 pts)
(04-03 pts)
(10-09 pts) (02-01 pts)

[ END OF MODULE ]

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