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In a Nutshell - APU - Auxiliar Power Unit
Débora de Araújo • Feb 14, 2023
In a Nutshell - APU - Auxiliar Power Unit
The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) provides power to an aircraft when it is on the ground or in the air. The APU provides power for the aircraft's electrical and air conditioning systems and can also be used to start the main engines.
Typically, consists of a small turbine engine, a generator, and a control system. The turbine engine is powered by fuel, and it drives the generator to produce electrical power. The control system regulates the operation of the APU, including starting and stopping the turbine, adjusting the output of the generator, and monitoring the APU's performance.
On the ground, the APU can be used to power the aircraft's systems while the engines are not running, such as providing power to the air conditioning system to keep the cabin comfortable, or to power the electrical systems, including lighting and navigation.
In flight, the APU can be used to provide additional power if needed, such as during a loss of an engine, or to provide power for the electrical systems and air conditioning if the main engines are not running.
This resource is also useful for starting the main engines, as they provide the power needed to spin the starter motors that begin turning the engines. This eliminates the need for ground support equipment such as a starting cart.
APUs are typically located in the tail section of the aircraft and are operated by the flight crew or ground personnel by using control panels and switches.
It's worth noting that APU usage is subject to regulations, and it's only allowed to be used in specific situations, such as on the ground, in flight and during certain engine failures scenarios.
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