The function of the altitude controller in a cabin atmosphere control system is to maintain cabin altitude by regulating which component?

The altitude controller in a cabin atmosphere control system primarily regulates the outflow valve to maintain the desired cabin altitude. The outflow valve is responsible for controlling the amount of air that escapes from the pressurized cabin to the outside atmosphere. By precisely adjusting this valve, the system can manage the pressure within the cabin, which in turn helps to regulate the effective altitude experienced by occupants.

Maintaining the correct cabin altitude is crucial for ensuring passenger safety and comfort, particularly during ascent and descent phases of flight when external atmospheric pressure changes. The altitude controller continuously monitors cabin pressure and adjusts the outflow valve accordingly to either allow more air to escape—reducing cabin pressure as altitude increases—or to minimize outflow and increase cabin pressure during descent.

Other components like the compressor supply air to the cabin but do not directly control altitude. The inflation valve may be related to various systems in the aircraft, and the air supply valve has different functions in terms of cabin air circulation rather than altitude management. Understanding the specific role of the outflow valve in conjunction with the altitude controller is essential for comprehending cabin pressure management within the cabin atmosphere control system.