Aircraft Electrical Systems
There are many working parts that make an aircraft fly safely, and a majority of them rely on a source of electricity. Therefore the assurance of the safe generation, capacity control, and transference of electricity through an aircraft is crucial. Electrical systems in aircraft can vary drastically between different types of aircraft. The basic components include the Alternator which using the power of and engine, or hydraulic motor produces electricity to charge the aircraft's battery and power the electrical components of an aircraft. The electricity is fed into buses where voltage regulators ensure the proper amount of electricity is being provided to each component needing power. These are protected by either fuses in older aircraft, or circuit breakers, that cut the flow of electricity when abnormalities appear. Circuit breakers are preferred due to the ability to quickly reset the flow of electricity, where when fuses blow they must be replaced each time. Aircraft also have a gauge in the aircraft to measure the amount of electricity is being generated from the alternator. These are called either Ammeters or Loadmeters.
There are a few potential failures that could negatively effect flight, including a failure in generating electricity, bus failures, and electrical fires cause by faulty wiring. Ensuring proper maintenance is followed regularly on the aircraft can help prevent most, if not all of these potential failures. Not every failure can be prevented and that's why the the ability to monitor the amount of electricity being produced from the Alternator is important. If you are receiving no charge to your battery, indicated by the Ammeter or Loadmeter, when you should be, then plans to divert would be likely due to the limited capacity of a battery. This is just one example of how electrical systems work, and how failures can be prevented or worst case scenario handled safely.
References
McClellan, J. (2010). Understanding Electrical Systems. Retrieved August 31, 2020, from
https://www.flyingmag.com/safety/maintenance/understanding-electrical-systems/
(PHAK),” Retrieved https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/
aviation/phak/.
Hello William, there is a lot to know about an aircraft and I believe that the electrical system is the most important. You did a great job summarizing the importance of a properly working alternator and how that connects with other major and minor components of the aircraft electrical system. It is the responsibility of the pilot to ensure that his electrical system is working properly. I believe with basic knowledge on how the electrical system works and the proper readings on the ammeter and loadmeter, the pilot can be ready for when there becomes an sudden error and emergency in accordance with the electrical system.
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