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Battery Ignition System Explained!

What is a Battery Ignition System, its Applications, Parts, Diagram, How it Works, Advantages, and Disadvantages?

The battery ignition system is a crucial component in automobiles, responsible for generating the spark needed to ignite fuel in the IC engine.

It relies on the battery as the primary source of spark generation and is commonly used in light commercial vehicles and petrol engines.

The system consists of a 6- or 12-volt battery, an ignition coil, a device to interrupt current from the coil, a distributor to direct current to the correct cylinder, and a spark plug projecting into each cylinder.

Current goes from the battery through the primary winding of the coil, through the interrupting device, and back to the battery. In older automobiles, the interruption of the primary current was created by breaker contacts, a switch with tungsten contacts to retard erosion.

In electronic ignition systems introduced in the early 1960s, the interrupting device is a reluctor, a magnetic pulse distributor that produces timed electrical signals that are amplified to control the current to the ignition coil’s primary winding.

These systems generally reduce ignition maintenance and increase engine efficiency.

The applications of battery ignition systems include automobiles, light commercial vehicles, and passenger cars, providing reliable engine ignition.

It is also found in two-wheeler vehicles for efficient spark generation and in some agricultural machinery and equipment for powering small engines.

The Battery Ignition System consists of several key components, including the ignition switch, battery, ignition coil, ballast resistor, contact breaker, distributor, capacitor, and spark plug.

The ignition switch is used to turn the engine on or off, with one end connected to the primary winding of the ignition coil via the ballast resistor and another end connected to the battery.

An ignition coil is the main junction in the system, stepping up battery voltage to generate a spark.

A ballast resistor is used to limit current in the ignition circuit and is typically made of iron. It is placed in series between the ignition switch and ignition coil, but is also used in older vehicles.

The contact breaker is an electrical switch that regulates the flow of current through the condenser when the breaker is open.

The distributor is used in multi-cylinder engines to regulate the spark in each spark plug at the correct sequence. There are two types of distributors: Carbon Brush Type and Gap Type.

The distributor is equipped with a carbon brush slide over the metallic section embedded in the distributor cap, while the gap-type distributor passes the rotor arm through the metallic section without touching the surface.

A capacitor is a storing device where electrical energy is stored, fitted parallel to the contact breaker. When the current drops, it supplies additional current to produce a spark.

If there are multiple spark plugs, each is connected separately with the distributor, ensuring the correct sequence of sparks.

The battery ignition system operates by directing current through the ballast register, primary winding, and contact breaker. The current generates a magnetic field around the primary winding, causing a sudden fall of voltage around 300 V.

This voltage causes a capacitor to charge, delivering current towards the battery. The reverse flow of current and induced magnetic field generate a high voltage of 15000 V to 30000 V in the secondary winding.

This high voltage is transferred to the distributor via a high-tension cable, where a rotating rotor with metallic segments opens the contact breaker point.

This high voltage current then reaches the spark plugs, generating a high intensity of spark, allowing combustion fuel to burn. The ignition switch activates the system, ensuring proper functioning and safety.

Battery Ignition System offers high spark intensity, a reliable source of ignition, and smooth engine operation.

However, it requires less maintenance, occupies more space, requires periodic maintenance, has limited power output, and is susceptible to failure in extreme conditions.

It is easy to install, maintain, and repair, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

FAQs

What does battery ignition mean?

A battery ignition system is a group of components that combine in order to successfully start a vehicle. A battery is used as the energy source that can initiate fuel to the spark plug, which then is able to start the vehicle.

What are the 3 types of ignition systems?

There are different types of ignition systems on the market today, but they are placed in one of the three groups:

Conventional breaker-point ignition (in use since the early 1900s)
Electronic ignition (popular since the early 1970s)
Distributorless ignition (introduced in the mid-1980s)

What is the working principle of ignition system?

Ignition systems use heat engines to initiate combustion by igniting the fuel-air mixture. In spark ignition versions of the internal combustion engine (such as petrol engines), the ignition system creates a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture just before each combustion stroke.

What is the difference between battery ignition and magneto ignition?

Battery supplies current in primary circuit. Magneto produces the required current for primary circuit. A good spark is available at low speed During starting the quality of spark is poor also.

What is the function of battery coil ignition system?

Battery ignition system are widely used in internal combustion engines to initiate the combustion process.

Related: Car Electrical System Explained!

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