Aircraft alternators and inverters are critical components of an aircraft's electrical system, working together to provide electrical power for various onboard systems, avionics, and devices. Here's an overview of aircraft alternators and inverters:
Aircraft Alternators:
1. Role: Aircraft alternators, also known as aircraft generators, are responsible for generating electrical power. They are typically driven by the aircraft's engine through mechanical linkages, such as drive belts or gearboxes.
2. Types:
- Alternators in aircraft are typically three-phase, brushless alternators. They are designed for reliability and efficiency.
- Aircraft alternators often have dual or redundant systems to ensure continuous power supply, even in the event of a failure in one system.
3. Output: Aircraft alternators produce alternating current (AC), typically at a frequency of 400 Hz in commercial aircraft and 800 Hz in military aircraft. The voltage level can vary depending on the aircraft's design but is typically around 115 volts AC.
4. Voltage Regulation: Voltage regulation is crucial in aircraft alternators to ensure that the output voltage remains within tight tolerances, even as load conditions change. Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs) are commonly used for this purpose.
5. Load Management: Alternators must manage varying electrical loads, which can change rapidly during flight. They do this by adjusting the field current to match the load demand.
Aircraft Inverters:
1. Role: Aircraft inverters are responsible for converting the alternating current (AC) generated by the alternators into direct current (DC) for use by various electrical systems and avionics on the aircraft.
2. Types:
- Inverters in aircraft are typically solid-state devices that use transistors to convert AC to DC.
- Inverters are often designed to provide clean and stable DC power to sensitive avionics equipment.
3. Output: Aircraft inverters provide a stable and regulated DC voltage, usually at 28 volts DC, which is a common voltage level for aircraft electrical systems.
4. Frequency Conversion: In some aircraft, where different AC frequencies are used for various systems (e.g., 115 volts AC at 400 Hz and 26 volts AC at 60 Hz), inverters may also include frequency conversion capabilities.
5. Redundancy: Aircraft inverters often have redundant systems to ensure a continuous power supply to critical avionics, even in the event of a failure in one system.
Integration and Electrical System:
- Aircraft alternators and inverters are integral components of the aircraft's electrical system, which includes distribution buses, circuit breakers, and control systems. - The electrical system is designed to provide power to various systems such as flight control, navigation, communication, lighting, entertainment, and more. - The redundancy and reliability of these components are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of the aircraft's electrical systems.
In summary, aircraft alternators generate alternating current (AC) electrical power, while inverters convert this AC power into direct current (DC) for use by various onboard systems and avionics. These components are critical for powering and maintaining the functionality of electrical systems on an aircraft, making them integral to aviation safety and performance.