APUTypes

Modern APUs are small gas turbine engines. One of the functions of an APU is to supply
compressedairforairconditioning,systemspressurisation,anti-icing,andmainenginestarting.
Therearetwobasictypesforsupplyingcompressedair:
Singlecompressor
Dualcompressor.
Air is supplied by the power section (gas generator) compressor or by a second compressor
calledtheloadcompressor.
Theloadcompressorisdrivenfromanextensionofthepowersectioncompressorturbineshaft
and its pneumatic output is controlled by variable inlet guide vanes. The load compressor can
reacttothepneumaticdemandsoftheaircraftmoreefficientlythanasinglecompressortype,its
ability to offload the load compressor when full demand is not required make it far more fuel
efficientandeconomicaltooperate.WithsomeAPUsburningupto500kgoffuelperhourthe
operatingcostsaresignificant.
In both types compressed air is delivered to the aircraft pneumatic system via a load control
valve.Mostloadvalvesareopenandclosevalveswithnomodulationfunction.

GroundSupply
AnaircraftwithoutaserviceableAPUwillrequireasourceofpneumaticsforgroundoperations.
Ground pneumatic supply is not designed to cope with the demands of the air conditioning
system. Use is normally restricted to main engine starting and short duration maintenance
checks.