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1. GENERAL
¡ The auxiliary power unit (APU) is a self-contained gas turbine engine. It is installed within a fireproof,
sound-reducing shroud located in the tail of the aircraft.
¡ The APU supplies bleed air that may be used for engine starting and air conditioning.
¡ Electrical power from the aircraft battery and fuel from the No.1 tank are used to start and operate
the APU.
¡ Automatic shutdown protection is provided in case of APU fire or when certain limits are exceeded.
737 NG
2. COMPONENTS
¡ The APU consists of a load compressor, engine compressor, turbine and a gearbox which drives the
generator and other accessories. The APU is monitored and controlled by an Electronic Controller.
Automatic shutdown protection is provided in the event of low oil pressure, system fault, overspeed,
overtemperature or fire.
¡ For the 737NG, automatic shutdown protection is also provided for a high oil temperature or a Fuel
Control Unit failure.
¡ The APU oil cooler and electrical generator are provided with positive cooling airflow by a gear-
driven fan. Inlet air is ducted to the fan through a shutoff valve which opens when pressure is
sensed in the bleed feeder duct.
¡ Fuel for the Fuel Control Unit (FCU) is available from the no.1 fuel tank whenever the APU is
operating. The fuel is automatically heated, if required, to prevent icing. The fuel solenoid valve
opens when APU speed reaches 7%.
¡ APU speed is automatically controlled by signals from the Electronic Controller to the FCU, which
modulates the fuel flow to control speed.
¡ When electrical load and air extraction combine to raise the EGT above acceptable levels, the Inlet
Guide Vanes (IGV) to the load compressor trim to a more closed position, reducing air extraction but
still maintaining the electrical load. In the event of overtemperature, the APU will shut down and the
Fault Light will illuminate.
¡ The Surge Control Valve (SCV) prevents the load compressor from stall, by dumping bleed air, if flow
demands do not match with IGV position.
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3. OPERATION
APU Bleed valve may be open during engine start, but avoid engine power above idle (to avoid APU
back-pressure)
¡ In flight start may be attempted at any altitude & may take up to 135 sec.
¡ The Battery Switch must be ON during normal APU operation. Positioning the Battery Switch to
OFF, while the aircraft is on ground, will automatically shut down the APU.
¡ APU SWITCH
- Normal position when the APU is not running.
- Positioning the switch to OFF with the APU running trips the APU generator off the bus(es) (if
connected) and closes the APU bleed air valve. The APU continues to run for a 90 seconds
cooling period before the APU automatically shuts down. The APU shuts down immediately if the
APU bleed air valve is never opened after APU start. An immediate shutdown can also be
accomplished by pulling the APU Fire Switch. The APU air inlet door automatically closes after
shutdown.
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START (Momentary) : Positioning the APU Switch from OFF to START and releasing it to ON initiates
an automatic start sequence.
¡ Whenever the APU is operating & AC power is on the aircraft busses, extended service life of the
APU FCU can be achieved by operating at least 1 fuel boost pump to supply fuel under pressure to
the APU
Note : Whenever the APU is operating to provide electrical power only, switching the APU Bleed
switch to OFF further off-loads the APU resulting in lower fuel flow, EGT &… noise !
¡ Regarding of aircraft options (see AFM), Galley electrical loads will automatically be shed should the
total aircraft electrical power requirements exceed design limits with the APU generator providing
electrical power to all busses.
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VALID FOR
LIGHT INDICATION 300 400 500 600 700 800
900
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APU LOCATION
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Copyright Smartcockpit.com
Ludovic ANDRE / version 00