Figure 1-17 - Electrical Power Distribution

GENERAL

The aircraft electrical components utilize either or both alternating current (ac) or direct current (dc) electrical energy.  Variable frequency ac is provided by two engine-driven ac generators for normal operation and a ram air turbine-driven, fixed-frequency, ac generator for emergency operation.  Constant frequency ac is supplied by a hydraulic-motor-driven ac generator.  The dc power requirements are supplied by two transformer rectifiers for normal operation and two batteries for emergency operation.  Refer to electrical power distribution.  See Figure 1-17.  Auto-transformers are provided for those components requiring reduced loads.  Some of the components contain their own integrated power reduction units for circuits that require decreased loads.

AC ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY

The electrical power supply is derived from two engine-driven ac generators, a hydraulic driven ac generator and a ram air turbine-driven generator.  Their description and function follows:

ENGINE DRIVEN GENERATORS

The 20 kva engine generators, supplying 115/200 volt 3-phase variable frequency (320 to 520 Hz) ac, constitute the main electrical power source.  Each generator is controlled by means of a voltage regulator, protection panel, relays for automatic bus transfer and an individual pilot operated switch.  Normally the No. 1 generator energizes the No. 1 primary and secondary ac buses and the No.2 generator energizes the No.2 ac bus and emergency ac bus.  If an over-voltage or under-voltage condition exists for either generator, that generator is automatically removed from its respective bus and the warning light panel illuminates to indicate which generator is inoperative.  If both generators fail, there will be no warning light indications until the ram air turbine is extended.  The automatic bus transfer system provides six possible modes of operation.  See Figure 1-17.  The No.2 ac bus also directs power to the 120 amp transformer rectifier which changes the ac to 28 volt dc to energize the primary dc bus.  The emergency ac bus directs power to the 20 amp transformer rectifier that provides 28 volt dc to energize the No. 1 and No.2 battery busses for normal operation.

NOTE

The electrical supply system is equipped with under-frequency relays which cut the two 20 kva generators
off the busses when the engine rpm drops below approximately 65%.  Under this condition, all electrically
operated equipment will be inoperative, EXCEPT the No. 2 boost pump, the battery busses, and the busses
operated by the hydraulic driven generator.  The boost pump will continue to operate at lower engine rpm
(down to approximately 40%).  This feature assures sufficient boost pump pressure for high altitude air starts.

HYDRAULIC DRIVEN GENERATOR

A 2.5 kva hydraulic driven generator provides 115 volt 3-phase constant frequency (400 Hz) ac power to the primary and secondary fixed frequency buses whenever the No. 2 hydraulic system is functioning.  These buses energize those components requiring fixed frequency ac power.  See Figure 1-17.  If both main generators fail, the fixed frequency bus tie relay opens, de-energizing the secondary fixed-frequency bus.  In addition an APG 502 radar power interlock relay is energized which cuts out all generator fails, as indicated on the warning light panel, a relay closes connecting variable frequency power from the emergency ac bus to both fixed frequency buses.  Thus, those components powered by the fixed frequency bus that can also operate on variable frequency will be energized.

NOTE

The No. 2 hydraulic system will produce enough pressure to operate the hydraulic motor driven generator
at engine windmill speeds as low as 20% rpm.  Thus the fuel flow indicator will be inoperative to provide
the pilot with fuel flow indications during air-starting procedures.

RAM AIR TURBINE DRIVEN GENERATOR

The aircraft is equipped with an extendable ram air turbine which drives an emergency hydraulic pump and a 4.5 kva generator that supplies 115/200 volt, 3-phase fixed frequency (400 Hz) ac power for emergency operation.  Once extended, the ram air turbine cannot be retracted in flight.  If the hydraulic driven generator is not operating and both No. 1 and No. 2 generators fail, the ram air turbine generator, when extended, will energize the emergency ac bus.  This in turn, energizes the primary fixed-frequency dc buses and both battery buses through the 20 amp transformer rectifier.

NOTE

The emergency ac bus will not operate the primary fixed-frequency ac bus if the hydraulic driven generator
is operating.


EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY

The aircraft is equipped with a receptacle for connecting an external ac power source to the electrical system.  This receptacle , see Figure 1-2, is located on the lower right side of the fuselage and is accessible through a door above the hydraulic panel.  When an external power supply is connected to the aircraft, the No. 1 and No. 2 generators automatically disconnect from their respective buses, and all ac buses receive power from the ground power unit.  A two position switch installed in the external electrical power receptacle will permit the LN-3 to be energized from an external power source without energizing the aircraft main electrical power buses.  This permits energizing the LN-3 for warm-up without energizing other equipment.  In the NORMAL position external power is applied to the main buses.  In the STANDBY position the main buses are de-energized and heat is applied to the LN-3 only.  An engine start can be accomplished with the limited ground power input.  Electrical power transfer to aircraft internal power will occur when main generators come on the line.

DC ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY

GENERAL

The direct current requirements of the aircraft normally are supplied from the No.2 ac bus through a 120 amp transformer rectifier.  This changes the 115/200 volt ac to 28 volt dc which is directed to the primary dc bus.  Power is drawn directly from this bus to operate the various units shown in Figure 1-17.  The No. 1 and No. 2 dc emergency buses furnish power to units which are considered essential for safe operation of the aircraft.  Due to this requirement, an alternative source of power to these buses is provided in the event that power from the primary dc bus is disrupted.  Under this condition, the No. 1 and No. 2 emergency dc buses will be connected automatically to the 20 amp transformer rectifier unit which is connected to the ac emergency bus.  When the ram-air turbine-driven ac generator is operative  (Emergency Mode), it is important that the load on the emergency ac bus be minimized when using the aircraft leading and trailing edge flaps since they are powered directly from the emergency ac bus.  To reduce loads and ensure maximum flap effectiveness, the No. 1 emergency dc bus is automatically disconnected from the 20 amp transformer rectifier as long as the flaps are in operation, and those units which are powered from this bus, including the UHF command radio, will be inoperative during the period of flap operation.

EMERGENCY DC POWER SUPPLY

If the ram air turbine and both engine driven generators fail, the batteries will furnish a supply of direct current to the battery buses.  The batteries are the only independent source of direct current in the aircraft electrical system.  Normally, the batteries and battery buses are paralleled with the 20 ampere transformer rectifier, and the batteries are thereby maintained in a fully charged condition.  In emergency operation, battery output is prevented from discharging to the 20 amp transformer rectifier by blocking rectifiers in order to conserve the limiter power supply for those units connected directly to the battery buses.  There is no battery control switch in the cockpit, and operation of the battery system is entirely automatic.

CIRCUIT BREAKERS

The circuit breaker panels, see Figure 1-8, on the left and right cockpit consoles, contain push-to-reset, pull-out type breakers for certain ac and dc circuits.  All of the distribution circuits in the electrical system are protected by various types of circuit breakers.  Circuit breaker panels which are not accessible during flight, but which should be inspected before flight, are located in the electronic compartment aft of the cockpit and in the lower electrical bay on the right side of the fuselage.

CAUTION

Circuit breakers should not be pulled or reset without a thorough understanding of all the effects and results. 
Pulling circuit breakers can eliminate from the system some related warning system, interlocking circuit or
cancelling signal, which could result in an undesirable reaction.

GENERATOR SWITCHES

A generator switch is provided for each of the 20 kva generator systems.  These switches, see Figure 1-7, are identical and are located on the right forward panel.  The switches are powered from the No. 2 battery bus.  Each switch has three positions: ON-RESET, OFF, and a centre NEUTRAL position which is the normal position of the switch when covered by the guard.  The switches are spring loaded to return to the NEUTRAL position.  Placing either switch up to the ON-RESET position will return the generator to normal operation if it has been removed from the line for any reason other than complete generator failure.  When placed down to the OFF position either switch will energize the generator control relay which will remove the generator from its associated bus.