What does the rheostat control in a propeller anti-icing system?

What does the rheostat control in a propeller anti-icing system?

• A. Load on turbine
• B. The output of the pump
• C. Temperature of anti-ice fluid
• D. Fuel flow to engine

Answer: (B)

In a propeller anti-icing system, the anti-ice fluid is sent to the propeller by an electric pump. The rheostat acts as a variable resistor in the pump’s control circuit, adjusting the current (and thus the motor speed). By changing the rheostat setting, you change the pump speed and the amount of anti-icing fluid the system can discharge. So, the rheostat controls how much fluid is pumped. The other options don’t fit because the rheostat here isn’t setting turbine load, altering the fluid’s temperature, or changing engine fuel flow.

In a propeller anti-icing system, the anti-ice fluid is sent to the propeller by an electric pump. The rheostat acts as a variable resistor in the pump’s control circuit, adjusting the current (and thus the motor speed). By changing the rheostat setting, you change the pump speed and the amount of anti-icing fluid the system can discharge. So, the rheostat controls how much fluid is pumped.

The other options don’t fit because the rheostat here isn’t setting turbine load, altering the fluid’s temperature, or changing engine fuel flow.