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1. Describe the operation of a typical aircraft dc alternator.

Produce electric power.

2. What is the difference between the rotor and the stator in a dc alternator?
The stationary part of the alternator circuit is called the ​stator​, and the rotating part is called
the ​rotor​.

3. Explain the voltage control circuit for a typical dc alternator.

The control system is used to change this current as required to maintain a constant alternator
output voltage

4. What is the purpose of the slip rings found in a dc alternator?

Used to transfer current to the rotating field.

5. What is a three-phase armature?

The ​stator​ has three separate windings, spaced 120° apart.

6. Compare a delta winding with a Y winding.

They both are a three phase system in an alternator

7. In a three-phase system, how many degrees separate the phases?

120°

8. How many diodes are used in a three-phase, full-wave rectifier?

Six diodes

9. Describe a three-phase alternator for light aircraft.

Current produced in the armature of a DC alternator is actually a three-phase alternating
current. To use this power in a light aircraft system, it is necessary to convert it into
direct current. This is accomplished by means of a ​three-phase, full-wave rectifier.

10. By what means are alternators for light aircraft driven?

Gear driven

11. Describe the tests that may be made on a small alternator in order to determine that it
will operate satisfactorily.
The rotor winding can be tested with an ohmmeter or continuity tester, and visual inspection

12. What is the advantage of using a solid-state ACU?

This regulator has no moving parts

13. What are the key points that describe the operation of a solid-state ACU?
When the battery is furnishing current to the circuit, current flows from the negative terminal
(ground) through the circuit into the positive terminal of the battery. When the battery is
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being charged, current is flowing into the negative terminal of the battery and out the
positive terminal.

14. How is voltage adjusted when a transistorized voltage regulator is used?

A variable resistor

15. Why is it not necessary to include a reverse-current cutout relay in a system using an
alternator?
Because the rectifier assembly will not allow current flow into the armature.

16. What is the function of the zener diode in a transistorized voltage control circuit?
When the zener diode conducts current, it causes the control transistor to shut off the power
transistor.

17. Describe the function of the alternator master switch.

When the alternator master switch is closed, the field relay closes and connects the transistor
base connection to the aircraft ground.

18. Describe the differences between aircraft and automotive alternators.

Aircraft engines turn opposite of automotive, The through bolts are of a higher tensile strength,
The brushes have higher graphite content.

19. Describe the theory of operation for a transport category aircraft's brushless alternator.
To use electromagnetic induction to transfer current from the stationary components of the
generator to the rotating components.

20. Explain how field excitation is accomplished in a brushless generator.

By use of the Exciter Generator

21. What is meant by the term PMG?

Permanent Magnet Generator

22. What factor must be controlled when ac generators are operated in parallel?
Constant generator speed

23. What is an integrated drive generator?

IDG contains both the generator and the CSD in one unit.

24. How are large ac alternators typically cooled?

The oil is sent from the CSD through the generator and then through an air/oil heat exchanger.

25. What is the meaning of ​kVA​?

kilovolt-amperes

26. What is the purpose of the GCU?

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The GCU also receives control signals and inputs from various electrical sensors to regulate the
generator output.

27. Explain the use of an APU driven alternator.

Used to drive an ac emergency generator.

28. Describe the output of a variable frequency ac generator.

The frequency of any alternating current produced is determined by the internal design of the
generator and the speed at which it rotates.

29. What is a ​ram air turbine​ (RAT) and on what type of aircraft are they used?
The RAT is a small wind turbine that is connected to a hydraulic pump, and/or electrical
generator typically found on larger aircrafts

30. Which transport-category aircraft uses a starter generator?

31. How is it possible to keep an alternator at a constant speed when the engine by which it
is driven changes rpm?
c​ onstant-speed drive

32. Give a brief explanation of the operation of a CSD.

A ​constant-speed drive​ (CSD) is a type of automatic transmission that maintains a constant
output rpm with a variable input rpm.

33. By what means does a CSD sense oil loss or an overtemperature condition?
A warning indicator will light up on the flightdeck.

34. How can a technician determine if an IDG has the correct oil level?
A sight glass

35. Explain the basic principles of a variable-speed constant-frequency electric power system.
Generators are driven at different speeds which produce a variable frequency output

36. What is the advantages of the VSCF system?

No mechanical CSD and which improves reliability of the system

37. Explain the purpose of the inverter?

Converts AC to DC