AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS MANUAL I DHC-6

ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 2 ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM

2. ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM.......................................................................................2.1-1

2.1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 2.1-1
2.2 GENERAL.......................................................................................................................... 2.2-1
2.3 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION....................................................................................................2.3-1
2.3.1 BATTERY..................................................................................................................... 2.3-1
2.3.1.1 DC MASTER Switch..............................................................................................2.3-1
2.3.1.2 BATTERY/EXTERNAL Switch...............................................................................2.3-1
2.3.1.3 BUS TIE Switch.....................................................................................................2.3-2
2.3.1.4 Battery Temperature Monitor.................................................................................2.3-3
2.3.1.5 Battery Temperature Warning Light and Indicator.................................................2.3-4
2.3.1.6 Auxiliary Battery.....................................................................................................2.3-5
2.3.2 STARTER-GENERATORS...........................................................................................2.3-5
2.3.2.1 GENERATOR Switches.........................................................................................2.3-5
2.3.2.2 GENERATOR OVERHEAT Caution Lights............................................................2.3-6
2.3.3 INDICATOR.................................................................................................................. 2.3-6
2.3.3.1 DC Voltmeter......................................................................................................... 2.3-6
2.3.3.2 GENERATOR Caution Lights................................................................................2.3-6
2.3.3.3 DC Loadmeter.......................................................................................................2.3-7
2.3.4 EXTERNAL POWER...................................................................................................2.3-8
2.3.5 INVERTERS................................................................................................................. 2.3-9
2.3.5.1 INVERTER Switch.................................................................................................2.3-9

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 AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS MANUAL I DHC-6
ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION

2. ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM

2.1 INTRODUCTION
The DHC-6 Twin Otter series 300 electrical system functions primarily on DC power. DC power is
fed to inverters that produce AC power used for avionics and some engine instruments.

The electrical system consists of one (optionally two) battery, two starter-generators, two inverters,
provisions to connect ground power, and devices for indication, regulation, and control. The battery
is used to start the engines and for emergency in-flight backup power. Battery power can also be
used for short periods on the ground. For any extensive period of ground-powered time, an
appropriate DC ground power unit should be used. During normal flight, the two generators supply
all DC power requirements. The airplane has two inverters; however, on most airplanes only one at
a time can be used to supply the required AC power.

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INTRODUCTION

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ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM
GENERAL

2.2 GENERAL

The electrical system is a 28-VDC, single wire installation with the airframe used as a ground
return. The primary DC power is supplied by two engine-driven starter-generators and a 40 AH
nickel-cadmium or lead-acid battery that provides power when the generators are inoperative.
Either one of two static inverters provide 115-volt and 26-volt AC power. Electrical power.
Distribution is trough a multiple bus system consisting of left DC, right DC, main battery,
battery/external power, and auxiliary battery buses, and two AC buses. From the left and right DC
buses, power is distributed through main circuit breakers in the main distribution box located in the
cabin roof to supply DC circuits through individual system push-pull circuit breakers. When
modification 6/1274 is incorporated, additional in-series bus-feed circuit breakers installed on
auxiliary panels adjacent to the main and overhead circuit-breaker panels and on the radio circuit-
breaker panel provide additional circuit protection. Individual fuses protect the AC circuits.

The left generator is connected to the left DC bus and the right generator to the right DC bus;
however, both buses can be powered from either generator through a bus-tie relay, which is
controlled by a bus-tie switch.

An external power receptacle is provided for connection to a 28-VDC-ground supply for engine
starting and test purposes. Figure 2-2-1 illustrates the electrical system in schematic form.

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GENERAL

Figure 2-2-1 Electrical System Schematic

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ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

2.3 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

2.3.1 BATTERY

The 40-AH nickel-cadmium battery (Figure 2-3-1) is located beneath the floor of the rear baggage
compartment. A 36-AH lead-acid or a 24-volt, 22-AH nickel-cadmium battery may be installed as an
alternative to the 40-AH battery. The battery supplies power to the DC MASTER switch is
positioned on, the BATTERY/EXTERNAL switch is positioned to BATTERY, and the generators are
inoperative from the battery bus, battery power is also routed directly and independently to the
entrance lights and both baggage compartment lights.

2.3.1.1 DC MASTER Switch

A two position DC MASTER switch (figure 2-3-2)
is located on the overhead console. The switch
has a center OFF position and an on position
marked DC MASTER. This switch controls the
power supplied to all buses except the main
battery bus in conjunction with the
BATTERY/EXTERNAL switch and the BUS TIE
switch. When the DC MASTER switch is in OFF,
no power is supplied to any bus regardless of the
position of the BATTERY/EXTERNAL switch. In
the DC MASTER position, the switch connects
power from an external power source or the
battery (relative to the BATEERY/EXTERNAL
switch position) to left and right buses or left bus
only (relative to the BUS TIE switch position), or
from the generators to their respective buses.
Figure 2-3-1 Battery instalation

2.3.1.2 BATTERY/EXTERNAL Switch

A three-position BATTERY/EXTERNAL switch (Figure 2-3-2) located on the start panel has
EXTERNAL, OFF, and BATTERY positions. The switch connects the various sources of
electrical supply to the buses, when the DC MASTER switch is turned on. In the
EXTERNAL position the switch connects an applied external power source to the electrical
system and isolates the battery. In the BATTERY position, the battery powers the electrical
system if the generators are inoperative or their voltage output is less than that of the
battery. One or both generators are connected to the system in BATTERY position if the
generator output exceeds that of the battery.

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SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

2.3.1.3 BUS TIE Switch

A BUS TIE switch (Figure 2-3-2) located on the overhead console has two positions marked
"NORMAL" and "OPEN" (emergency). The primary function of the switch is to connect the
operating source of power to both left and right DC buses (Figure 2-3-4). In NORMAL
position with generators not operating, the switch connects an applied external power
source or the battery to both left and right DC buses. With both generators operating,
NORMAL position parallels generator output, and the combined left and right bus and
battery loads are shared equally.

With one generator operating, NORMAL position allows the single generator to power both
DC buses. In OPEN position, power from an external power source or from the battery is
supplied only to the left DC bus. With generators operating and the BUS TIE switch in the
OPEN position, the left generator supplies power to the left DC bus and to the battery and
the right generator supplies the right DC bus.

Figure 2-3-2 Electrical Switches

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SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

2.3.1.4 Battery Temperature Monitor

A battery temperature monitor (modification 6/1479)
(Figure 2-3-3) can be installed for nickel-cadmium
batteries and provide a continuous battery
temperature indication and warning of high
temperature conditions. This enables action to be
taken for battery disconnect from the charging
source and prevent further subjection to overheat,
thus minimizing the possibility of premature
degradation or failure of the battery. The monitor
consists primarily of two sensors mounted on the
battery intercell connectors. The sensor signals are
fed to a red
warning light and a temperature indicator installed
on a panel located below the co-pilots instrument
panel. The monitor has a push-button test facility
which, through an integral sensor heater, provides a
simulated overheat condition for verifying the
correct function of the warning light and indicator.
The integral indicator light is connected to the
caution lights' dimming control circuit. The monitor
is powered from the left DC bus through a BATT
0/HEAT circuit breaker on the main or overhead
circuit-breaker panel. The individual sensor circuits
are entirely independent of each other so that
failure of one does not affect the other. The circuits Figure 2-3-3 Battery
are protected by the LAMP and IND circuit breakers temperature Monitor
located on the monitor panel.

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SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

2.3.1.5 Battery Temperature Warning Light and Indicator

The battery temperature warning light (Figure 2-5 and Appendix B) on the monitor panel is labelled
1500 and, when illuminated, indicates a battery temperature of 150 0 F or above as detected by a
sensor mounted on the battery intercell connectors. The battery temperature indicator is labelled
"BATTERY TEMPERATURE" and has a moving pointer and a graduated scale ranging from 60 to 180 0
F with the scale expanded in the 120 to 180 0 F segments. Colour-coded bands (green, yellow, and red)
on the dial facilitate reference to normal, cautionary, and dangerous temperature ranges. The indicator
is connected to a second, independent sensor on the battery intercell connectors.

Figure 2-3-4 DC Distribution System

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ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

2.3.1.6 Auxiliary Battery

A 24-volt, 3.6-AH, nickel-cadmium battery (Figure 2-
3-5) is installed either beneath the floor of the rear
baggage compartment aft of the main battery or on
the baggage compartment forward bulkhead. The
auxiliary battery provides an additional source of
power for the engine start control and ignition
system.

2.3.2 STARTER-GENERATORS
A starter-generator (Figure 2-3-6) is mounted on the
accessory gearbox of each engine. Each is a direct-drive
starter during engine start and a DC generator driven by the
engine during engine operation. The starter-generators
each have a nominal regulated output of 28.5 0.2 volts, at
200 amperes, to supply the airplane electrical system.
Following engine start a generator begins output when the
associated engine attains idle + 15 % rpm and the Figure 2-3-5 Auxiliary Battery
GENERATOR switch. is positioned to RESET and then Instalation (Typical)
released to ON. GEN CONTROL circuit breakers located on
the overhead circuit-breaker panel protect the field circuits of the starter-generators. The generator
reset circuits are protected by GEN RESET circuit breakers located inside the respective engine tip
cowling.

2.3.2.1 GENERATOR Switches

Two GENERATOR switches, labelled "LEFT"
and "RIGHT," are located on the overhead
console (Figure 2-3-7). Each is a three-
position switch with OFF, ON, and RESET
positions. The ON position connects the
applicable generator output to the electrical
system through a reverse current relay and a
voltage regulator. Under voltage or over
voltage conditions de-energize the generator
field relay to disconnect the generator from the
system. Before reconnection can take place,
the associated GENERATOR switch must be
held momentarily in RESET to restore the
generator field circuit and then released to ON.
When modification 6/1590 or 6/1636 is
incorporated, the associated GENERATOR
switch must be switched to OFF, the to RESET, Figure 2-3-6 Starter-Generator
and then back to ON. Instalation

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ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

2.3.2.2 GENERATOR OVERHEAT Caution Lights

By special order L and R GENERATOR OVERHEAT caution lights
are installed on the caution lights panel. The lights provide visual
indication of an overheated generator. The left caution light is
powered from the right DC bus and the right caution light from the
left DC bus. Each light is protected by GEN O/HEAT L or R circuit
breakers located on the overhead circuit-breaker panel.

2.3.3 INDICATOR

2.3.3.1 DC Voltmeter
A DC voltmeter (Figure 2-3-8) is mounted to the right of the
emergency panel. The voltmeter dial is marked DC VOLTS and
has a scale graduated in 1-volt increments from 0 to 30, with
numerals at 10-volt intervals. The meter is connected to the left
DC bus and indicates the voltage on the bus regardless of
power source. A VM circuit breaker located on the main circuit
breaker panel protects the meter.

Figure 2-3-7 Generator 2.3.3.2 GENERATOR Caution Lights

Control Switches L and R GENERATOR caution
lights are located on the annunciator panel. Each light, when
illuminated, indicates generator failure. If the cause is transient,
the light extinguishes when the generator is reset. If the caution
light remains illuminated, a malfunction is indicated, and the
associated generator must be turned off. The L GENERATOR
caution light circuit is powered from the right DC bus and protected
by the L GEN FAIL circuit breaker.
The R GENERATOR caution light is powered from the left DC bus
and protected by the R GEN FAIL circuit breaker. Both circuit
breakers are located on the main circuit-breaker panel.

Figure 2-3-8 DC Voltmeter and

Loadmeter

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2.3.3.3 DC Loadmeter
A DC load-meter (Figure 2-3-8) is located just to the right of the DC voltmeter. The load-
meter dial is marked DC LOAD and has a scale graduated in units of 1 over a range of - 1
to + 1, with numerals at .4, .8, and 1 on each side of a central 0. The instrument registers
battery charge or discharge and loading on either generator in accordance with the
selection made with the adjacent indicator selector switch. The value of the battery charge
or generator loading is expressed in units of +. 1. A unit of 1 represents 10 amperes for
battery readings and 20 amperes for generator reading. (For ground operation conditions in
temperatures of 45 to 125 F the reading must be .8 or less.)

NOTE:

When generators are operating with the BUS TIE switch in NORMAL, load-meter indication
should approximately equal generator loadings (within 20 amperes, or . 1 reading, of each
other).

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SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

2.3.4 EXTERNAL POWER

An external power receptacle (Figure 2-3-9) is located on the fuselage left side aft of the cargo
doors or on some airplanes forward of the co-pilots door. A springloaded access panel covers the
receptacle. When external power is connected, with the BATTERY/EXTERNAL switch in
EXTERNAL position, the DC MASTER switch in DC MASTER, the BUS TIE switch in NORMAL,
and the generators not operating, an external power relay is energized and connects the external
power to the left and right DC buses.

Figure 2-3-9 External Power Receptacle

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2.3.5 INVERTERS

Two 400-Hertz, single-phase, static inverters (Figure

2-3-10) installed in the rear fuselage provide 115 volt
and 26 outputs. The No. 1 inverter is supplied with
28 VDC from the battery/external power bus through
an INVERTER 1 circuit breaker located on the
overhead circuit breaker panel. The No. 2 inverter
receives 28-VDC power from the right DC bus
through an INVERTER 2 circuit breaker also Located
on the overhead circuit-breaker panel. The No. 2
inverter is controlled by an INVR 2 CONT circuit
breaker located on the main circuit-breaker panel.
The two inverters provide separate sources of 400-
Hertz power (Figure 2-3-11) for the 26 VAC and 115
VAC operated instruments. The inverters should
receive approximately equal operational use, and
alternate selection should therefore be made from
flight to flight. The no operating inverter always
remains as a standby in the event the flight-selected
inverter fails. A 400 CYCLE caution light located on
the caution lights panel illuminates if an inverter
failure occurs. The caution light circuit is protected
by a 400 cycle FAIL circuit breaker located on the
main circuit-breaker
Figure 2-3-10 Inverter Installation
2.3.5.1 INVERTER Switch
A two-position INVERTER switch with NO. 1 and NO. 2 positions is located on the overhead
console (fuse panel [Figure 2-3-12] in post modification 6/1274 airplanes). The switch
provides for, the selection of either of the two inverters. Both inverters are powered by their
respective DC buses through the inverter control relay. When the No.2 inverter is selected,
it is energized through the INVR 2 CONT circuit breaker located on the main circuit-breaker
panel (figure 2-3-13). When S.O.O. 6142 is incorporated, two switches under the label
INVERTERS are located on the fuse panel and control the 400-Hertz AC buses. The L
BUS and R BUS switches have NORM, OFF and EMER positions. Each switch should
normally be positioned to NORM.

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Figure 2-3-11 AC Power Distribution

Figure 2-3-12 Fuse Panels

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Figure 2-3-13 Circuit-Breaker Panels

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