Complete List of Aircraft Heater System Components

Aircraft type should be considered when choosing the aircraft heater system. Different types of heater systems include, fuel fired heaters, exhaust heating systems, combustion heater systems, and bleed air heating systems.

Fuel Fired Heaters

Often small and portable, fuel fired heaters feature combustion chambers where the fuel-air mixture and ignited using an ignition device. The oxygen is provided by a fan attached to the heater system. Because fuel fired heaters are often portable, fuel is piped into the heater system via an external fuel tank or it can be linked up to the aircraft’s fuel system. Warm air is ducted to the cabin using connecting tubing. Maintaining a fuel fired heater is key. By products of the combustion process such as soot, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide are harmful to humans. Routine checks and maintenance must be carried out to ensure that there are no external leakages. The ignition device and tubing are components that should be replaced after a specific amount of time and use. Running fuel fired heaters requires an electrical power source. 12-volt and 24-volt aircraft electrical systems can accommodate a fuel-fired heater.

Exhaust Heating Systems

The exhaust gas created during the engine combustion process is an efficient means of heating the interior of an aircraft. Though exhaust gas is routed out of the engine and into the atmosphere, some of the gas is redirected to the cabin. Interior climate control and the defrosting mechanisms of an aircraft are fueled by exhaust heating systems. Light aircraft often use this heater system as it is the simplest heater system in design and function. Regardless of the aircraft type however, this particular heater system requires strict maintenance to ensure there are no gas leakages. Technicians should have a maintenance schedule that addresses any fire safety concerns.

Combustion Heater Systems

Small aircraft usually use fuel fired heaters whereas larger aircraft use combustion heater systems. Aircraft fuel is ignited in a large combustion chamber, which is surrounded by an outer stainless-steel casing. A unique function of combustion heater systems is the level of control. A control switch either turns on or off the heater system, depending on the aircraft heat requirement.  Air is forced over the combustion chamber and picks up heat. Ducts then funnel the air into the cabin for heating purposes. The safety problems associated with carbon monoxide are considerably lower in a combustion heater system. Because the ventilation air on the outside of the combustion chamber is of higher pressure than the inside of the chamber, any leaking carbon monoxide would likely be carried out by the exhaust system. Once more, combustion heaters have an additional safety feature in the form of an overheat switch. In the case that the engine overheats, the system will shut off the fuel supply.

Bleed Air Heating Systems

In this heating system, air needs to be cooled rather than heated up. Turbine-engine aircraft use this system to make use of the extremely hot air that has been pushed through the compressor. Hot air is mixed with recirculated air in order to cool it. Once the air has reached the correct temperature, it is ducted into the cabin. Due to the nature of the system, there are many safety checks to ensure the compressed, hot air does not enter the cabin.