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B787 Electrical Power System

The 787 architecture incorporates a variable frequency starter generator (VFSG) system, which replaces the traditional bleed air system, resulting in weight savings and improved efficiency. The VFSG is a brushless, three-phase generator that provides power to the aircraft's electrical system while being controlled by dedicated units for voltage regulation and power distribution. This system enhances reliability and flexibility by allowing various power sources and offering comprehensive maintenance diagnostics.

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459 views4 pages

B787 Electrical Power System

The 787 architecture incorporates a variable frequency starter generator (VFSG) system, which replaces the traditional bleed air system, resulting in weight savings and improved efficiency. The VFSG is a brushless, three-phase generator that provides power to the aircraft's electrical system while being controlled by dedicated units for voltage regulation and power distribution. This system enhances reliability and flexibility by allowing various power sources and offering comprehensive maintenance diagnostics.

Uploaded by

misganagaliict
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Electrical Power System

A principal foundation of the 787 architecture was the incorporation of the variable frequency starter
generator (VFSG) system (see fig. 2). The VFSG delivers many benefits:

• Replaces the heritage bleed air system used to feed the airplane’s environmental control system,
thereby realizing direct weight savings through the elimination of relatively heavy bleed air
components such as regulation valves, ducting, and coolers.

• Eliminates the energy loss of the bleed air system pre-cooler.

• Eliminates the throttling losses of bleed air provided from discrete engine compression stages.

• Eliminates the single-purpose air turbine starters and their associated oil system and
maintenance.

• Simplifies the auxiliary power unit (APU) design to be a shaft power-only machine.

• Provides high flexibility with existing airport ground support infrastructure.

• Is fully self-contained with its own lubrication system and the ability to be disconnected self-
protectively, manually or remotely, through flight deck controls.

Figure 2: Starter generator

The variable frequency starter generator delivers many benefits, including the replacement of the
heritage bleed air system.

Electrical Power System

A principal foundation of the 787 architecture was the incorporation of the variable frequency starter
generator (VFSG) system (see fig. 2). The VFSG delivers many benefits:

• Replaces the heritage bleed air system used to feed the airplane’s environmental control system,
thereby realizing direct weight savings through the elimination of relatively heavy bleed air
components such as regulation valves, ducting, and coolers.

• Eliminates the energy loss of the bleed air system pre-cooler.

• Eliminates the throttling losses of bleed air provided from discrete engine compression stages.

• Eliminates the single-purpose air turbine starters and their associated oil system and
maintenance.

• Simplifies the auxiliary power unit (APU) design to be a shaft power-only machine.

• Provides high flexibility with existing airport ground support infrastructure.

• Is fully self-contained with its own lubrication system and the ability to be disconnected self-
protectively, manually or remotely, through flight deck controls.

Figure 2: Starter generator


The variable frequency starter generator delivers many benefits, including the replacement of the
heritage bleed air system.

The 787 main electrical power generation and start system is a four-channel variable frequency system
with two 250 kVA VFSGs on each of the two main engines. The power from these generators is supplied
to the main load buses through generator feeders and generator circuit breakers (see fig. 3).

Figure 3: 787 Engine start system schematic—GEnx

The variable frequency starter generator is a six-pole machine within an aluminum housing driven
directly from the main engine gearbox. The generator is a brushless, three-phase, alternating current,
and variable frequency synchronous machine. It has a nominal rating of 235 volts alternating current
(VAC), 250 kVA, three phases, and 360–800 Hz output.
Controlling each VFSG is a dedicated generator control unit (GCU). The GCU is a line replaceable unit
(LRU) housed inside the aft electrical equipment bay. The GCU’s principal function is to provide voltage
regulation and fault current limiting while in the generate mode. The GCU also supports the main engine
start function.

Managing the power distribution between the VFSGs is the bus power control unit (BPCU). The BPCU
performs several functions:

• Controls bus configuration and engine health monitoring.

• Provides standby system control, generating source load management, and main and APU
engine horsepower load management.

• Acts as the electrical power system communication gateway with other systems and flight deck.

Built-in redundancy in the BPCU enhances system reliability and operational flexibility.

The common motor start controllers (CMSCs) are used to control the VFSG start function and properly
regulate torque during the start sequence. Once the engine is started, the CMSC switches over to
controlling the cabin air compressors, thereby performing a second function.
The electric start system affords maximum flexibility from a variety of power sources: APU generators,
external power cart, and cross engine (opposite engine VFSGs). The VFSG system provides full
maintenance diagnostics for both the entire system and all LRUs.

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