Course Title: Aircraft Electrics

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: AERO5388

Course Title: Aircraft Electrics

School: 130T Engineering (TAFE)

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6011 - Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aerospace)

Course Contact : Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4468

Course Contact Email:engineering-tafe@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Mr. Andrew Kim
Location: City, 57.5.20
Telephone: 99254295
Fax: 99258099
Email: andrew.kim@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

AERO5384 Introduction to Aerospace
EEET6533 Aerospace Electronic Fundamentals 1

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide basic training in aircraft electrics as a prerequisite for more advanced training required for employment as a para-professional technician.
This course provides the underpinning knowledge in power generation, control protection and utilisation in the form of alternating and direct current in an aerospace environment.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VBH729 Aircraft Electrics


Learning Outcomes


1. List aircraft electrical power requirements and the sources of DC and AC power.
2. Describe and explain the operation, cooling and regulation of aircraft DC generators.
3. Explain the operation of an aircraft DC generation system with component and system fault scenarios.
4. Describe the operation and control of aircraft AC alternators and compare AC and DC power sources.
5. Explain the operation of rectifiers, transformer rectifiers and inverters.
6. Explain the operation of DC and AC ground power supplies and describe the function of APUs.
7. List indicator light categories and corresponding colours, and explain the operation of a master(MWS) and central warning system (CWS).
8. Describe and explain the types and operation of power distribution busbars.
9. Describe and explain the operation of aircraft electrical circuit control switches and relays.
10. Describe and explain circuit protection devices used on aircraft and the operation of a generator control unit (GCU).
11. Describe and explain the construction and operation of electric motors used in aircraft systems.
12. Explain the operation of typical aircraft power utilisation systems.
13. Describe the construction and operation of smoke and toxic fume detection systems.
14. Explain the operation and constructional principles of aircraft fire detection and protection system.
15. Explain the purpose and operation of aircraft, ice, rain and demisting control system.


Details of Learning Activities

1.1 List aircraft electrical power requirements
1.2 List aircraft DC power sources (Generators and Batteries)
1.3 List aircraft AC power sources

2.1 Describe the principles of DC power generation
2.2 List the components in DC generators
2.3 State the function of the components in DC generators, including:
main field
armature
commutator
2.4 Describe the construction of the components in DC generators
2.5 Draw a labelled schematic diagram of a self-excited shunt-wound DC generator, incorporating interpole and compensating windings
2.6 Explain the operating principles and characteristics of aircraft self-excited shunt-wound DC generators
2.7 Describe the methods of cooling aircraft DC generators
2.8 Describe the correct method of "flashing the field" of shunt-wound generators

3.1 List the components of DC generating systems
3.2 State the purpose of the following DC system components:
voltage regulator
overvoltage regulator
ground fault relay
master generator switch
main line relay
reverse current relay
current limiter
3.3 Explain the operation of the following DC generation system components:
carbon pile voltage regulator
electronic voltage regulator
overvoltage relay
ground fault relay
master generator switch
main line relay
reverse current relay
current limiter
3.4 Explain the operation of an aircraft DC generation system by referring to a given schematic diagram
3.5 Explain the operation of an aircraft DC generation system with component and system fault scenarios

4.1 List the advantages and disadvantages of AC and DC as power sources within an aircraft electrical system
4.2 Define the following terms:
cycle
frequency
RMS
average values
phase
4.3 State the requirement for field excitation
4.4 Describe the method of controlling field strength
4.5 Describe the method of producing a three phase output from an aircraft AC alternator
4.6 Draw a circuit diagram representing star and delta connected systems
4.7 State the relationship between the voltage and current in star and delta connected systems
4.8 Describe the operation of frequency wild systems
4.9 Describe the principle of operation of constant frequency systems
4.10 State the function of constant frequency systems
4.11 State the requirement for constant speed drives (CSDs)
4.12 Describe the CSD operational modes
4.13 Explain the operation of brushless alternators by referring to a schematic diagram

5.1 Draw the symbol for a semiconductor rectifier
5.2 Describe the principle of operation of semiconductor rectifiers
5.3 Draw a schematic diagram for the following rectifier circuits:
half wave single phase
full wave centre tapped single phase
full wave bridge single phase
half wave three phase
full wave three phase
5.4 State the input requirements and the output products for an aircraft transformer rectifier unit
5.5 Explain the operation of a transformer rectifier unit by referring to a given schematic diagram
5.6 State the application of battery chargers including:
Constant Voltage
Constant Current
Reflex
On-board
5.7 Explain the principle of operation of rotary inverters
5.8 Describe the method of voltage control used in rotary inverters by referring to a schematic diagram
5.9 Describe the method of frequency control used in rotary inverters by referring to a schematic diagram
5.10 Explain the principle of operation of a static inverter
5.11 Compare static and rotary inverters

6.1 State the purpose of ground power supplies
6.2 Explain the operation of a DC ground power supply by referring to a given circuit diagram
6.3 Explain the operation of an AC ground power supply by referring to a given circuit diagram
6.4 Describe the function of APUs

7.1 List the categories of indicator lights
7.2 State the colour used for each category of indicator light
7.3 Explain the operation of a master and central warning system in both aural and visual modes

8.1 Define busbar
8.2 Describe the following types of busbar:
emergency
essential
non-essential
8.3 Explain the operation of split busbar systems
8.4 State the purpose of the components utilised by busbar systems

9.1 State the standard contact criteria used to designate switch types
9.2 Describe the operation of the following types of aircraft electrical switches:
toggle
push
push solenoid
rocker button
rotary
pressure
micro
thermal
proximity
9.3 Identify switch schematic symbols
9.4 Explain the difference in ratings of AC and DC switches
9.5 Explain the principle of relay operation
9.6 State the purpose of aircraft relays

10.1 State the purpose of circuit protection within the aircraft electrical system
10.2 Describe the operating characteristics of instantaneous and slow blow fuses
10.3 State the purpose of fuse ratings
10.4 Explain the operation of the following types of circuit breakers:
bi-metallic
trip free
earth leakage
reverse current
magnetic
10.5 State the purpose of the following protection systems:
overvoltage
undervoltage
under frequency
over frequency
differential current
10.6 Explain the operation of a GCU by referring to a given schematic diagram

11.1 Describe the construction of DC motors
11.2 List the components of DC motors
11.3 State the function of the components in DC motors, including:
main field
commutator
armature
interpoles
11.4 Explain the principle of operation of DC motors
11.5 Explain the operation of split field motors by referring to a given schematic diagram
11.6 Describe the principle of operation of linear and rotary motor actuators
11.7 Describe the construction of three phase induction motors
11.8 Explain the principles of operation of three phase induction motors
11.9 Describe the construction of single phase induction motors
11.10 Explain the principle of operation of single phase induction motors

12.1 Explain the operation of electrical engine starting systems by referring to a given schematic diagram
12.2 Explain the operation of electrical engine starter-generator systems by referring to a given schematic diagram
12.3 Explain the operation of an anti-skid control system by referring to a given schematic diagram

13.1 Describe the construction and operation of smoke and toxic fume detection systems including:
carbon monoxide
photo electric
visual
infra red

14.1 Explain the operation and constructional principles of aircraft fire protection systems including:
continuous element or pressure type sensor responder
continuous loop (fire wire)
thermal switch
thermo couple
infra red
14.2 Describe the operation and layout of sample aircraft fire extinguishing systems and components
14.3 Describe portable fire extinguishers
14.4 Describe properties of extinguisher agents, including toxicity properties and clean up methods

15.1 Explain how various icing control systems sense ice formation
15.2 Describe the electrical and mechanical methods used for anti-icing and de-icing of aircraft
15.3 Describe rain removal methods
15.4 Describe aircraft demisting systems
15.5 Describe the requirements for ground de-icing of aircraft and precautions associated with anti icing or de-icing chemicals
15.6 Describe the operation of a toilet drain heating system


Teaching Schedule

Week 1: Tutorial 1

Week 2: Tutorial 2

Week 3: Tutorial 3

Week 4: Tutorial 4

Week 5: Tutorial 5

Week 6: Tutorial 6

Week 7: Tutorial 7

Week8: Tutorial 8

Week 9: Tutorial 9

Week 10: Tutorial 10

Week 11: Revision

Week 12: Final Examination

There is a 26-hour student directed learning component in this course


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

Eisman Thomas. E., Aircraft Electricity and Electronics, 5th ed., McMillan

Pallet E.H.J., Aircraft Electrical Systems, 3rd ed., Longman, London

Casper. Wyo., 1985, Aviation Technician Training Series IAP,
Aircraft Section Handbook
General Section Handbook
Powerplant Section Handbook


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

To successfully to complete this course the student is required to pass written assessment tasks and demonstrate skills and ability by completing practical tasks to aerospace standards.


Assessment Tasks

Participants are required to complete two assignment tasks. The first assessment task is a written assingment and the second assessment is a closed book at the end of the course.

Assessment task 1: Written Assignment (30%)

Assessment task 2: FINAL EXAMINATION (70%)


Assessment Matrix

  Learning Outcomes % of Assessment
Assessment 1 1 to 15 30
Assessment 2 1 to 15 70

Other Information

Study and learning Support:

Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you.
Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are:

assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice
maths and science developmental support and advice
English language development

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information about Study and learning Support

Disability Liaison Unit:

If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Disability Liaison Unit to seek advice and
support to complete your studies.

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/disability to find more information about services offered by Disability Liaison Unit

Late submission:

If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and
lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager.
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within
no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted.

If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special
Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days
after the official due date.

Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked.


Special consideration:

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=riderwtscifm to find more information about special consideration

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University.

Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism.

Other Information:

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview