Otis Singleton
The electrical systems of airplanes are becoming increasingly important, with even the most critical components of aircraft such as flight control systems requiring electricity to function. Batteries are the most basic source of electricity for an aircraft and are used to power up the aircraft and start the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). The specific type of battery used varies, with large commercial airplanes typically using nickel-cadmium batteries, and small private airplanes using lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries are also becoming more common. In the future, electric batteries could be used to power planes, reducing their environmental impact. However, there are challenges to overcome, as batteries have a finite capacity and can discharge during use.
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Battery types
Batteries are an essential component of most airplanes, even those with combustion jet engines. The type of battery used in an aircraft varies, depending on the size of the aircraft and its purpose. Large commercial airplanes typically use nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, while small private airplanes tend to use lead-acid batteries.
Ni-Cd batteries are ultra-low maintenance, reducing maintenance requirements by more than 50%. They are also known for their extended life, making them a safe and cost-effective option. The constant current charging method is preferred for Ni-Cd batteries as it ensures better cell balance, total battery charge, and prevents thermal runaway.
Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, use a series of plastic containers to house individual cells that are connected in series to provide a nominal voltage of 24 volts. This creates a 'mono-bloc' structure where cells cannot be individually removed or checked.
Other battery types used in aircraft include nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, which are often used for emergency door and floor escape path lighting, portable entertainment devices, and electronic flight bags. These batteries have a high energy density and require precise charge level monitoring to control gaseous exchanges and minimize heating during charging.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and Lithium Polymer (Li-poly) batteries are also used in aircraft and are known for their rechargeable nature. These batteries have a graphite anode and a cathode that can accept and release lithium ions, making them ideal for recharging and high current applications.
The development of electric airplanes is also underway, with companies like Harbour Air aiming to operate an all-electric fleet. These electric aircraft stand to change airline business operations by allowing for shorter or even vertical take-offs and landings, reducing the need for long runways.
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Battery charging
Batteries are an essential component of most airplanes, even those with combustion jet engines. Large commercial airplanes typically use nickel-cadmium batteries, while small private airplanes tend to use lead-acid batteries. Regardless of the type, aviation batteries have a finite capacity and will discharge over time, so they need to be recharged during flight to ensure that all electronics continue to receive power.
Most airplanes feature a generator responsible for recharging the batteries. These generators work by converting mechanical energy into electricity. The generator is one of two electrical sources in an aircraft's electrical system, the other being the battery itself, which is primarily used when the engine is not running. The generator, or alternator, runs off the engine and provides a continuous supply of electricity to power electrical components and charge the battery.
On-wing, batteries are usually charged in parallel or by onboard battery chargers. Off-wing, batteries should be charged individually, following the manufacturer's instructions. A trickle charger is often used for charging the battery on the aircraft as it does not produce excessive off-gassing or heat up the battery.
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Battery failure
Batteries are an essential component of most airplanes. Even combustion jet engines usually feature a set of batteries. For instance, the Boeing 747 is equipped with two batteries, one of which is the main power source for the aircraft's electronics, while the other serves as the auxiliary power unit (APU).
During flight, if the alternator fails, the battery becomes the aircraft's only source of electrical power. The time until the battery depletes depends on its condition and how the aircraft's electrical load is managed after the failure. To conserve power, it is recommended to reduce the electrical load by switching off all non-essential electronic components. If there is an electrical failure, it is sensible to divert to the nearest safe landing strip.
To prevent battery failure, it is important to ensure that all avionics are turned off before starting the engine, as the large current draw to the starter motor could damage sensitive equipment. Additionally, understanding the aircraft's electrical system and redundancy measures is crucial for addressing electrical failures.
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Electric airplanes
Electric aircraft have several advantages over traditional aircraft. Electric motors are cheaper, easily scalable, and less mechanically complicated since they don't require fuel lines, valves, or exhaust systems. They can enable very short, even vertical, takeoffs and landings, which means they don't need long runways. Electric airplanes are also quieter and produce zero emissions.
The electrical system of an aircraft typically consists of two sources: a battery and an alternator or DC generator. The battery is used to operate the system when the engine is not running, and the alternator or generator provides a continuous supply of electricity to power electrical components and charge the battery when the engine is running. The battery is connected to the engine starter motor and is used to turn the engine over when starting. It is important to ensure that all avionics are turned off before starting the engine, as the large current draw to the starter motor could damage sensitive equipment.
While electric airplanes show promise, there are some challenges to their implementation. Battery technology is a major limiting factor, as batteries have a finite capacity and can only store so much electricity. Aircraft that use fossil fuels are lighter when they land, while the weight of a battery-powered aircraft remains the same, which may require reinforcement. Additionally, the weight of the batteries needs to be offset by increasing the airplane's gross operating weight.
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Power sources
The second power source is the battery itself. Batteries are the most basic source of electricity for an aircraft and are essential for starting the engine. They are used to power up the aircraft and start the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). The specific type of battery used depends on the aircraft. Large commercial airplanes typically use nickel-cadmium batteries, while small private airplanes often use lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries are also becoming more common.
In the event of a generator malfunction or failure, the battery serves as a backup power source to ensure that the aircraft's electrical components continue to receive power. Regulations require that aircraft batteries last for a minimum of 30 minutes if the plane goes into battery-only power.
While most aircraft today rely on combustion jet engines or piston motors, there is a growing trend towards electrification. Companies like Harbour Air are retrofitting their existing aircraft with battery-electric propulsion systems, aiming to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
Additionally, ground power units (GPUs) can be used as an external power source to assist with engine start or provide power when the engine is not running.
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Frequently asked questions
The three primary components of an aircraft's electrical system are a battery, a generator or alternator, and an electrical bus to distribute electrical power.
The battery is used to power up an aircraft and start the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). The APU is then used to power the aircraft's electrical system and charge the battery. Batteries are also the last resort for power in the event of a full electrical failure in flight.
The type of battery used in an aircraft depends on the size of the aircraft. Large commercial airplanes typically use nickel-cadmium batteries, while small private airplanes usually use lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries are also becoming more common.
