What does a frequency of 400 Hz mean?

What does a frequency of 400 Hz mean?

400Hz is a type of frequency within Alternating Current (AC) electrical power, which has become the standard for weapon systems, aerospace, and aircraft industries across the world. It has become the standard of the aircraft and aerospace industry because of its lightweight, reliability, and high power capability.

What voltage is aircraft?

Common Training Aircraft Electrical System Characteristics: 28 Volt DC electrical system.

What is the standard DC voltage of an aircraft?

28 volts
The aircraft uses both 115 Volts AC and 28 volts DC power. AC electrical power is provided by two engine-driven generation systems. Each system includes an integrated drive generator (IDG) and a generator control unit (GCU).

What is aircraft alternator?

Aircraft alternators are the source of electrical power in an aircraft. While the primary responsibility of the battery is to start the airplane engine, an aircraft alternator’s primary responsibilities are to supply electrical power to all vital equipment on the airplane and to recharge the battery.

What is the frequency of an AC alternator on an aircraft?

Aircraft AC alternators should produce a frequency of approximately 400 Hz. If the frequency strays more than 10 percent from this value, the electrical systems do not operate correctly.

Does an AC alternator produce a constant 400 Hz?

It should be noted that an AC alternator also produces a constant 400 Hz if that alternator is driven directly by an engine that rotates at a constant speed. On many aircraft, the auxiliary power unit operates at a constant rpm. AC alternators driven by these APUs are typically driven directly by the engine, and there is no CSD required.

Why 115 volts at 400Hz for airplanes?

As aircraft space is at a premium and weight is critical to aircraft engine thrust and fuel burn (and thus the aircraft range and engine horsepower per pound), 115 volts at 400 Hz offers a distinct advantage and is much better than the usual 60 Hz used in utility power generation. Imagine that as N increases, frequency increases in proportion.

What happens if alternator frequency is out of phase?

If the frequency of an alternator varies from 400 Hz, or if two or more alternators connected to the same bus are out of phase, damage occurs to the system. All AC alternator control units contain circuitry that regulates both voltage and frequency.

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