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What is the main function of an APU auxiliary power unit and why is it important to the operation of an aircraft?
An Auxiliary Power Unit or APU allows an aircraft to operate autonomously without reliance on ground support equipment such as a ground power unit, an external air-conditioning unit or a high pressure air start cart.
How does an auxiliary power unit work?
The APU is equipped with an extra electrical generator to create enough power to operate onboard lighting, galley electrics and cockpit avionics, usually while the aircraft is parked at the gate. Drawing bleed air from its own compressor, an APU also drives the environmental packs used to heat and cool the aircraft.
What does the APU exhaust do?
The APU is a turbine engine that sits in the tail of the aircraft. It provides no thrust. Like any jet engine, it takes in air, compresses it, adds a fuel mixture and ignites it. Once started, the APU powers both an electrical generator and an air compressor, Plumb explained.
What are the main components in the power section of an APU?
An APU is a gas turbine with three sections: the power section, load compressor and gearbox. The power section is a turbine engine that provides power to the APU, the load compressor supplies pneumatic pressure to the aircraft and the gearbox transmits power from the APU to an electric generator.
What is an auxiliary power unit for trucks?
An APU unit or an Auxiliary Power Unit is a game changer for the trucking industry. It is a small, efficient motor that is capable of producing the power needed to keep the air/heat running, interior appliance power, etc without the need to run the truck’s engine.
What speed does an APU run?
An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is an automatic engine, which normally runs at a governed speed of 100\%. Some APUs have an idle facility that allows the engine to run at 85\% when no loads are applied.