APU
Auxiliary Power System
The auxiliary power unit (APU) supplies electrical and pneumatic power to the
airplane. The APU can start at all altitudes up to 41,000 feet. Electrical power is
available up to 41,000 feet. Pneumatic power is available up to 17,000 feet.
The electronic control unit (ECU) controls and monitors all phases of APU
operation. It also stores system and fault information.
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APU Components
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The APU switch on the P5 panel controls normal APU start and shutdown.
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A protective shutdown prevents damage to the APU or the airplane. The ECU
controls the automatic protective shutdown of the APU. If the ECU finds a fault, it
does a protective shutdown.
The cause for the shutdown shows on the control display unit (CDU) on the P9
panel.
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The ECU sends real time and recorded fault information to the captain and first
officer control display unit (CDU).
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Engine
CFM56-7 Engine Characteristics Summary
The 737 airplane uses two CFM56-7 high bypass-ratio turbofan engines that
attach to the wing.
• A single-stage fan
• A three-stage low pressure compressor
• Titanium wide-chord fan blades
• Four-stage low pressure turbine
The main gearbox supplies power for aircraft and engine accessories. The main
gearbox attaches to the side of the fan case. The high pressure section drives
the gearbox.
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The CFM56-7 is a high bypass, dual rotor, axial flow turbofan engine. The engine
fan diameter is 61 inches (1.55 meters). The bare engine weight is 5257 pounds
(2385 kilograms).
The fan and booster rotor and the LPC rotor are on the same low pressure shaft
(N1).
The HPC rotor and the HPT rotor are on the same high pressure shaft (N2).
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Bleed air supply comes from the high pressure compressor for these systems:
• Air conditioning
• Cabin pressurization
• Wing and engine inlet cowl anti-ice
Air comes from the fifth stage of the compressor at high power settings. Air
comes from ninth stage at low power settings.
Fan air cools the bleed air in the pre-cooler. Fan air also cools the integrated
drive generator (IDG).
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The engine start system uses air pressure and electric power for starter
operation. The engines can start with air from any one of these sources:
• APU
• Ground source
• Engine crosses bleed
The start lever for each engine is on the control stand. In the IDLE position, the
start lever energizes the ignition system and permits fuel flow.
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Thrust Reversers
The thrust reversers (TRs) use electrical control. The TRs operate with hydraulic
power. Both TRs are interchangeable between the two engines except for the
cascades. Reverse thrust occurs with a change of fan air direction.
When the thrust reversers deploy, the blocker doors close and fan air goes out
radially and forward.
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