An Engine Driven Pump (EDP) in an aircraft hydraulic system primarily functions by drawing hydraulic fluid from a reservoir and pumping it at high pressure throughout the system.
The Operation of an Engine Driven Pump
The core function of an Engine Driven Pump (EDP) is to create the necessary pressure for the aircraft's hydraulic system. This pressure is used for various operations like actuating landing gear, flight controls, and brakes.
Based on its operation, the EDP performs key tasks:
- Fluid Intake: It begins by drawing hydraulic fluid from the aircraft's hydraulic reservoir.
- High-Pressure Pumping: The drawn fluid is then pumped at high pressure and directed to the various components of the hydraulic system that require power.
Beyond just moving fluid, the EDP also interacts with the engine's operation in another way:
- Utilizing Engine Bleed Air: The pump receives engine bleed air. This bleed air becomes compressed and heats up as a result of the engine's operation.
- Heat Exchange Process: This heated bleed air is then passed through a heat exchanger, likely to manage its temperature as part of the system's design, although the exact interaction with the pumping process isn't detailed in the provided reference.
In summary, the EDP is a critical component powered by the engine that ensures the hydraulic system has the pressurized fluid it needs, also incorporating engine bleed air into its operational process via a heat exchanger.
