You cannot really imagine how important the Auxiliary Power Unit of an airliner is... It provides with energy:
a) for the anti-ice systems (crucial at outside temperatures of about -30 degrees Celsius at cruising altitudes),
b) for the cabin-pressurising and climate-control systems,
c) for the electric control systems,
d) for the hydraulic control systems,
e) for the fresh water and sewage systems,
f) for the onboard galleys, lighting and entertainment systems etc.
Nowadays you have only one big Auxiliary Power Unit at the very end of an airplane - the backup system fails already at the first look, compared to the importance of the implementation... Inspired by a recent concept car of Jaguar the Auxiliary Power Unit could consist out of 2 smaller units in the future... This solution would mean a better efficiency, a better flexibility and a better reliability, as well...
If the 2 Auxiliary Power Units of the future are started by batteries, both of them should have a battery on their own... If any of the batteries breaks down (might happen) then it can be shut down while the other battery can support at least one of the Auxiliary Power Units...
Best wishes, Joseph de la Mikula and Team
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