AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Allain Felipe Cely Ramirez

Ingeniero Aeronáutico | Profesor asistente | Coordinador de Prácticas Profesionales | FPrograma de Ingeniería Aeronáutica
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana | Circular 1 No. 70-01, Bloque 11A | Medellín, COLOMBIA
Tel: +57(4)4488388 | Ext. 14159 | felipe.cely@upb.edu.co
CONTENIDO
1. Introducción a los sistemas eléctricos de aeronaves

 Conceptos básicos de electricidad y electrónica

 Componentes del sistema eléctrico de una aeronave
 AC/DC

2. Generación/Fuentes y distribución de energía eléctrica en aeronaves

 Generadores y alternadores
 Baterías y sistemas de carga
 Barras colectoras y sistemas de distribución

3. Protección y control de sistemas eléctricos en aeronave

 Disyuntores y fusibles
 Relés y contactores
 Sistemas de control y monitoreo

4. Regulaciones y normas aplicables a sistemas eléctricos en aeronaves

 Regulaciones nacionales e internacionales

 Normas aplicables a la fabricación e instalación
 Certificación y documentación

5. Tendido eléctrico de la Aeronave.

 Practicas estándar
 Instalación

6. Diagramas, Esquemáticos & Manuales aeronáuticos:

 AMM
 SRM
 WDM

7. Sistemas Eléctricos y circuitos de Aeronaves, símbolos y esquemáticos

 Sistema eléctrico del A-320.

 Sistema eléctrico del B-787.
 Sistema eléctrico Helicópteros.
 RELAYS AND CONTACTORS

Essential components in aircraft electrical systems, as they

ensure the safety, reliability, and operational efficiency of
the aircraft, directly contributing to flight safety and the
optimal functioning of onboard systems. Their proper
operation and maintenance are fundamental for the safe
operation of both commercial and military aircraft.
WHAT ARE RELAYS USED FOR?
Relays and contactors are used CIRCUIT PROTECTION
to protect electrical circuits
against overloads and short
circuits. If excessive current or
an anomaly in the electrical
system is detected, these
devices can automatically
disconnect the power source,
preventing major damage and
potentially averting fires or
critical failures.
Power Control

High-power contactors enable the

control of electrical power
distribution in high-consumption
systems, such as aircraft engines.
This ensures efficient power supply
to essential components like
engines, climate control systems,
and charging systems.
Safe Operation:

Relays and contactors

ensure the safe operation of
electrical systems. For
example, in emergency
situations like forced
landings, these devices can
quickly and safely cut off
electrical power to prevent
fire or explosions.
Load Switching:

Relays allow for the switching

of electrical loads, which is
essential for operating various
onboard systems in the aircraft,
such as lighting, entertainment
systems, navigation, and
communication systems. This
facilitates efficient operation
and control of these systems.
Reliability and Redundancy:

Aircraft electrical systems often incorporate redundant relays and

contactors to ensure maximum reliability. Redundancy is critical for
flight safety, as if one device fails, another can take its place,
avoiding the disruption of critical functions.
Energy Saving:

Relays are also used to optimize electrical energy consumption.

They can enable or disable non-essential electrical systems as
needed, contributing to efficient energy use and fuel conservation
during long flights.
Integration into Advanced Control Systems:
In modern aircraft, relays and contactors are part of more advanced
control systems, such as flight management systems (FMS) and
electronic control systems (fly-by-wire). This allows for more precise
and sophisticated control of the aircraft, enhancing safety and
efficiency.
 TYPES OF RELAYS
Solid-State Relays:

Unlike electromagnetic relays,

solid-state relays have no moving
parts and use electronic
components for switching. They
are ideal for high-speed and
high-frequency applications,
such as avionics systems and
electric motor control.
Application: Aircraft avionics control.
Protection Relays:

These relays are used to protect

critical circuits and systems
against overloads and short
circuits. They can automatically
disconnect a power source in
case of abnormal conditions to
prevent major damage.

Application: Aircraft electrical system protection.

Thermal Relays:

Thermal relays are used in motor

control systems and air
conditioning systems to protect
against overheating. They detect
temperature increases and
disconnect the power if
necessary.

Application: Aircraft engine temperature control.

High-Power Contactors:
High-power contactors are used
to control high-energy-
consuming systems, such as
engines and air conditioning
systems in commercial and
military aircraft. They allow for
the safe distribution of large
electrical currents.
Application: Control of a water pump motor in a treatment
plant.
Application: Aircraft landing gear control.
Phase Sequence Relays:

These relays ensure that

electric motors in the aircraft
turn on and off in the correct
order, which is important to
avoid damage to systems and
ensure safe operation.

Application: Aircraft electrical system phase sequencing.

Time Delay Relays:
Time delay relays are used
to activate or deactivate
electrical devices after a
specific time period. They
can be useful in applications
such as delayed lighting or
heating systems.
Application: Aircraft lighting delay.
Interconnection Relays:
These relays are used to
interconnect different electrical
systems and components in an
aircraft, allowing for greater
flexibility and control in system
operation.

Application: Aircraft system integration.

Flight Control Relays:
Specialized relays and
contactors are used in fly-
by-wire and flight control
systems to ensure precise
communication between
pilot control inputs and
actuators on the aircraft.

Application: Aircraft flight control systems.

Navigation and
Communication Relays:
In avionics, relays are used to
manage communication and
navigation, including the
switching of antennas and
radio equipment.
 CONTACTORS
Application: Aircraft
motor control (e.g.,
engine starters).
Is a type of relay specifically designed to handle
higher electrical currents and high-power
applications in aviation electrical systems.
Contactors are essential for controlling high-
power electrical systems in aircraft, such as
electric motors, air conditioning systems, and
lighting systems. They have a more robust
construction and features designed to withstand
significantly higher currents than a typical relay
can handle in aerospace systems.
Differences Between Relays and Contactors in Aviation Electrical Systems

Current Capacity:

Relay: Relays are designed to handle lower electrical currents, typically in the range of
milliamperes (mA) to several amperes (A). They are suitable for low to medium-power
applications in aviation electrical systems.

Contactor: Contactors are specifically designed to handle higher electrical currents,

typically in the range of tens of amperes (A) to thousands of amperes (A). They are ideal
for high-power applications in aerospace systems.
Construction and Size
Relay: Relays are generally smaller and have smaller
contacts compared to contactors in aviation electrical
systems. They are designed for control and signaling
applications in aviation.

Contactor: Contactors are larger and more robust

compared to relays in aviation electrical systems. They
have larger contacts designed to handle heavy current
loads and repeated switching cycles in aerospace
applications.
Lifecycle:
Relay: Relays typically have a shorter lifecycle compared to
contactors in aviation electrical systems. This is because
they are designed for lower load applications and do not
withstand as intense switching cycles in aviation.

Contactor: Contactors are designed to withstand repeated

switching cycles over an extended period in aviation
electrical systems, making them suitable for applications
that require constant and durable operation in aviation.
.
Applications in Aviation Electrical Systems:

Relay: Relays are commonly used in low to medium-power control

applications in aviation electrical systems, such as automation
systems, circuit protection, alarm systems, and lighting control in
aircraft.

Contactor: Contactors are essential in high-power applications in

aviation electrical systems, such as the control of aircraft electric
motors, cabin air conditioning systems, and high-power lighting
systems in aircraft.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCsgUXPRew8
(46) #31 Electrical System Overview and AC Power Boeing 747
400 CBT - YouTube

(46) Elecrical Power System A320 Family - YouTube