How does environmental temperature affect APU performance?

The performance of an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is significantly influenced by environmental temperature conditions. Specifically, external temperatures can cause degradation in APU performance, especially under extreme hot or cold conditions.

In high temperatures, the APU may struggle with airflow and cooling, leading to potential overheating or reduced efficiency. This can impact the unit's ability to produce the necessary power for onboard systems. Similarly, in extremely low temperatures, issues such as fuel viscosity and fluid flow can impair starting and operational efficiency.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for operators and maintenance personnel since it necessitates adjustments to operational procedures to mitigate adverse impacts during temperature extremes. Hence, considering temperature effects is vital for maintaining optimal APU functionality and ensuring reliability in various environmental conditions.