ignition system

ignition system
the system in an internal-combustion engine that produces the spark to ignite the mixture of fuel and air: includes the battery, ignition coil, distributor, spark plugs, and associated switches and wiring.
[1900-05]

* * *

In a gasoline engine, the means used for producing an electric spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders to produce the motive force.

The ignition system consists of a storage battery recharged by a generator, an induction coil, a device to produce timed high-voltage discharges from the induction coil, a distributor, and a set of spark plugs. The battery provides an electric current of low voltage, usually 12 volts, that is converted by the system to some 40,000 volts. The distributor routes the successive bursts of high-voltage current to each spark plug in the proper firing order.

* * *

      in a gasoline engine, means employed for producing an electric spark to ignite the fuel–air mixture; the burning of this mixture in the cylinders produces the motive force.

      The basic components in the ignition system are a storage battery, an induction coil, a device to produce timed high-voltage discharges from the induction coil, a distributor, and a set of spark plugs. The storage battery provides an electric current of low voltage (usually 12 volts) that is converted by the system to high voltage (some 40,000 volts). The distributor routes the successive bursts of high-voltage current to each spark plug in the firing order.

      In older automobile ignition systems, the high-voltage pulses are produced by means of breaker points controlled by a revolving distributor cam. When the points are in contact they complete an electrical circuit through the primary winding of the ignition coil. When the points are separated by the cam, the primary circuit is broken, which creates a high-voltage surge in the secondary windings of the induction coil. Breaker points have been largely replaced by electronic devices in newer automobiles (automobile). Most now use a magnetic device, called a reluctor, that is operated by the distributor shaft to produce timed electric signals, which are amplified and used to control the current to the induction coil. These newer ignition systems are more reliable than the old, permit better control of the engine, and produce higher-voltage output to the spark plugs.

      During the evolution of solid-state ignition systems, there have been many modifications. Some ignition conversion systems, for example, extend breaker-point life by using transistors (transistor), devices in which a small current in the input (the breaker-point circuit) controls a much larger current in the output (the coil primary circuit).

      Many automobile engines now use a distributor-less ignition system, or direct-ignition system, in which a high-voltage pulse is directly applied to coils that sit on top of the spark plugs (known as coil-on-plug). The major components of these systems are a coil pack, an ignition module, a crankshaft reluctor ring, a magnetic sensor, and an electronic control module. The ignition module controls the primary circuit to the coils, turning them on and off. The reluctor ring is mounted on the crankshaft so that as the crankshaft rotates the magnetic sensor is triggered by notches in the reluctor ring. The magnetic sensor provides position information to the electronic control module, which governs ignition timing.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Ignition system — For other uses, see Ignition system (disambiguation). An ignition system is a system for igniting a fuel air mixture. Ignition systems are well known in the field of internal combustion engines such as those used in petrol (gasoline) engines used …   Wikipedia

  • ignition system — The system that provides the electrical current or spark to ignite the air fuel mixture in the combustion chambers. It includes the battery or magneto which sends electricity to the ignition coil if the ignition switch is on. The coil amplifies… …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • ignition system — noun the mechanism that ignites the fuel in an internal combustion engine • Syn: ↑ignition • Hypernyms: ↑mechanism • Part Holonyms: ↑electrical system • Part Meronyms: ↑dis …   Useful english dictionary

  • ignition system — uždegimo sistema statusas T sritis Energetika apibrėžtis Transporto mašinų vidaus degimo variklių elektrinė uždegimo sistema. Būna baterinė ir magnetinė uždegimo sistemos. atitikmenys: angl. ignition system vok. Zündsystem, n rus. система… …   Aiškinamasis šiluminės ir branduolinės technikos terminų žodynas

  • ignition system — See firing system …   Military dictionary

  • Delco ignition system — The Delco ignition system, also known as the Kettering ignition system, was invented by Charles F. Kettering. It was first sold commercially on the 1910 Cadillac and was manufactured by Delco. Over time, this system was used extensively by all… …   Wikipedia

  • direct ignition system — (DIS) An ignition system which does not used a distributor but carries high voltage from the ignition coils directly to the spark plugs. Also see integrated Direct Ignition System …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • conventional ignition system — An ignition system consisting of the battery, ignition switch, ballast resistor, ignition coil, distributor, contact breaker points, condenser, centrifugal or vacuum advance unit, spark plugs, and high tension wires …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • distributorless ignition system — (DIS or DLS) An electronic ignition system that does not have a conventional rotating distributor. Instead, it uses multi spark ignition coils or one ignition coil for each spark plug …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • energy ignition system — See high energy ignition system high energy ignition system with electronic spark timing …   Dictionary of automotive terms

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”