AeroElectric-List Digest Archive

Mon 04/05/10


Total Messages Posted: 5



Today's Message Index:
----------------------
 
     1. 10:33 AM - External vr runaway "B" alternator protection (CardinalNSB@aol.com)
     2. 12:28 PM - Re: External vr runaway "B" alternator protection (Robert L. Nuckolls, III)
     3. 04:31 PM - Re: Re: Jhp 520 PTT cable (Danny)
     4. 05:17 PM - Re: External vr runaway "B" alternator protection (Robert L. Nuckolls, III)
     5. 07:57 PM - Used avionics (Bill Hibbing)
 
 
 


Message 1


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    Time: 10:33:49 AM PST US
    From: CardinalNSB@aol.com
    Subject: External vr runaway "B" alternator protection
    (Please don't make this into a discussion of what an idiot I am for believing there might be such a thing as a runaway alternator, or that I should just use a particular product and don't worry about it.) I had ass-u-me-d that the runaway alternator problem was limited to the internally regulated alternators, because the B (Ford) style external voltage regulators/alternator controls would shut off the alternator field voltage (and shut down the alternator output) if the power to the vr/acu was cut off (either manually such as with a Cessna split master switch/pulling the breaker on the vr/acu power wire, or through an automatic system that would sense high voltage and shut off power to the vr/acu). I have just read that that some of the vr/acu's are set up that the voltage feed wire (from the split master for example) is only necessary for the initial energization of the alternator field, and from there the field energy is derived from the voltage (sensing) wire. Then, a diode regulates how much voltage goes from the sensing wire to the field wire. The issue presented is if the diode inside the vr fails, and shorts out, there will be full voltage from the sensing wire applied to the Field, even if all power to the vr/acu is disconnected. Question: is the above correct, at least in some cases? is there an issue in an external type B regulator that a failure "inside the box" can result in a runaway alternator, and that simply pulling off power to the vr will not de-energize the alternator? what happens if I simply pull the 60 amp B lead breaker while the alternator is running away? should I have a pullable breaker between the vr and the Field terminal on the alternator, that can be manually switched off? is this the best way to assume control in the unlikely event of a failure to short in the vr switching diode? Thank you, Skip Simpson


    Message 2


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    Time: 12:28:43 PM PST US
    From: "Robert L. Nuckolls, III" <nuckolls.bob@aeroelectric.com>
    Subject: Re: External vr runaway "B" alternator protection
    >I had ass-u-me-d that the runaway alternator problem was limited to >the internally regulated alternators, because the B (Ford) style >external voltage regulators/alternator controls would shut off the >alternator field voltage (and shut down the alternator output) if >the power to the vr/acu was cut off (either manually such as with a >Cessna split master switch/pulling the breaker on the vr/acu power >wire, or through an automatic system that would sense high voltage >and shut off power to the vr/acu). While there ARE certain architecture conventions for alternator control, both internally and externally regulated alternators have a single transistor in series with the field that controls field excitation based on a pulse width modulated signal from the regulators voltage regulation intelligence whether a very sophisticated IC like . . . http://aeroelectric.com/Mfgr_Data/Semiconductors/MC33092A.pdf or a hand-full of jelly beans like . . . http://aeroelectric.com/Pictures/Alternators/Internal_Regulator_Circa_1980.pdf There are a number of failure modes that will either (1) cause the field control transistor to be turned on hard or (2) short he the transistor with the same result. The alternator is fully fielded from the b-lead and voltage takes off for the moon. > >I have just read that that some of the vr/acu's are set up that the >voltage feed wire (from the split master for example) is only >necessary for the initial energization of the alternator field, and >from there the field energy is derived from the voltage (sensing) >wire. Then, a diode regulates how much voltage goes from the >sensing wire to the field wire. If the writer of what you read has studied a credible schematic for the purpose of conducting a failure mode effects analysis on "some of vr/acu's" then perhaps the statement is correct. My problem with integrating automotive hardware into airplanes is not what I KNOW about them but what I DO NOT KNOW about them. Folks have suggested that I was discouraging their use based on some personal perceptions of un-reliability. Not so. I was only saying that I cannot recommend them because (1) I don't have access to the data needed for traditional FMEA studies and (2) what I do know is that they're difficult to integrate into legacy aircraft power systems where (a) the pilot has positive, any time, any conditions, ON-OFF control of the alternator at no risk to any part of the system and (b) the system is fitted with over-voltage protection that is totally independent of alternator's regulator regulator whether internal or external. Bottom line about what you read is . . . who knows? "Some" devices may indeed function as you've hypothesized . . . but until we can see a detailed schematic . . . we just don't know. It's probable that the writer of the words you read doesn't know either. > >The issue presented is if the diode inside the vr fails, and shorts >out, there will be full voltage from the sensing wire applied to the >Field, even if all power to the vr/acu is disconnected. > >Question: is the above correct, at least in some cases? is there >an issue in an external type B regulator that a failure "inside the >box" can result in a runaway alternator, and that simply pulling off >power to the vr will not de-energize the alternator? what happens if >I simply pull the 60 amp B lead breaker while the alternator is >running away? should I have a pullable breaker between the vr and >the Field terminal on the alternator, that can be manually switched >off? is this the best way to assume control in the unlikely event >of a failure to short in the vr switching diode? Don't know what is being referred to as a "VR switching diode". Folks who have successfully integrated modern alternators into aircraft have accomplished the design goals I outlined above. Figure Z-24 in the 'Connection is another approach for achieving those goals as well. http://www.aeroelectric.com/PPS/Adobe_Architecture_Pdfs/Z24-Interim.pdf But if anyone has data to support the assertions you're pondering, then there are dozens of folks here on the List that would be pleased to see it including yours truly. In the mean time my best recommendations are to (1) modify the alternator for external regulation and OV control like B&C, (3) modify for external control of field power including OV control like Plane Power, or (3) use Z-24. Bob . . .


    Message 3


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    Time: 04:31:14 PM PST US
    From: Danny <dan42101@yahoo.com>
    Subject: Re: Jhp 520 PTT cable
    Bob, Below is the reply from the good folks at Sam's photofacts...- I also sen t an email to Rexon.- I won't hold my breath for that reply.- - I guess this radio will be on ebay shortly. Thanks to all. - DjD Sorry, we cannot locate anything on this. - - ---- Jeff Morris - SAMS Technical Publishing, LLC 9850 East 30th Street Indianapolis, IN 46229 - Phone: 1-800-428-7267 Fax: 1-800-552-3910 Email: customercare1@samswebsite.com --- On Thu, 4/1/10, Robert L. Nuckolls, III <nuckolls.bob@aeroelectric.com> wrote: From: Robert L. Nuckolls, III <nuckolls.bob@aeroelectric.com> Subject: Re: AeroElectric-List: Re: Jhp 520 PTT cable s.bob@aeroelectric.com> At 02:08 PM 4/1/2010, you wrote: > Thanks, > I borrowed a David Clark c 10-15 PTT switch.- I moved the wires in the one jack I could get open every way I could think of.- No help. > > I wonder if I could cut the wire to the internal mike on the radio, and j ust use it with the headset only and no remote PTT. - I'm not sure the JHP-500 series radios will accept - external PTT. My cord only carries mic audio from - the headset to the radio. I use the hand-held's - built in PTT to transmit.- If one can track down - a service manual with a schematic of the radio, - we could easily figure out what it takes. - Bob . . . le, List Admin. =0A=0A=0A


    Message 4


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    Time: 05:17:33 PM PST US
    From: "Robert L. Nuckolls, III" <nuckolls.bob@aeroelectric.com>
    Subject: Re: External vr runaway "B" alternator protection
    Seems I didn't answer your questions specifically. My apologies and thanks to a couple of List readers that rattled my cage . . . > >Question: is the above correct, at least in some cases? Have no way to know without detailed data on the specific alternator/regulator being considered. > Is there an issue in an external type B regulator that a failure > "inside the box" can result in a runaway alternator, and that > simply pulling off power to the vr will not de-energize the alternator? Matters not whether B-type or A-type. There are components that can fail in a manner that full-fields the alternator and produces a current limited but not very voltage limited runaway event. > what happens if I simply pull the 60 amp B lead breaker while the > alternator is running away? The alternator b-lead terminal in a runaway condition can reach well over 100 volts DC and sustain it for some time before the field coil smokes. The b-lead breaker is generally designed for operation in systems not exceeding 32vdc. It's quite likely that by the time you sense that an ov event is in progress and react by pulling the breaker, the alternator will be in a current limited attempt to pull the bus up against the battery's limited ability to hold it down. Opening the breaker is guaranteed to start a fire between contacts designed to break much lower voltages. Once the arc starts, it would liberate several thousand watts of concentrated energy within the confines of the plastic breaker housing. > should I have a pullable breaker between the vr and the Field > terminal on the alternator, that can be manually switched off? An OV event is one of those things we always managed with a millisecond-fast protection system. This is not a duty you want to take on as pilot. is this the best way to assume control in the unlikely event of a failure to short in the vr switching diode? Whether it's a bad "vr switching diode" or any other component of the alternator voltage control system, the legacy technique calls for fast, automatic OV management techniques. Bob . . .


    Message 5


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    Time: 07:57:30 PM PST US
    From: "Bill Hibbing" <n744bh@bellsouth.net>
    Subject: Used avionics
    Just thought that I'd pass along that I'm slowly changing over to glass so I have the following operable avionics for sale. I don't want to use the forum for advertising so if you have any interest in any of the items please email me direct and I' send you the price. 1. King KT-76A transponder wired for and including an Ameriking AK-350 altitude encoder. 2. STec ST-901 GPSS converter for STec A/P's. 3. 52D54 Autopilot directional gyro 4. JP instruments EDM-700 engine data monitor with new EGT and CHT probes and STC paperwork for TC airplanes. Bill Hibbing Glasair




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