What is Battery Ignition System?

The Battery Ignition System is an electrical ignition system that uses a battery, ignition coil, distributor, and spark plugs to generate and deliver a high-voltage spark for combustion in an internal combustion (IC) engine.

Construction of Battery Ignition System

The main components of a Battery Ignition System include:

1. Battery: The battery supplies the initial electrical energy required for ignition. It is typically 6V or 12V, depending on the vehicle.

2. Ignition Switch: A switch that controls the ignition system. When turned on, it allows current to flow from the battery to the primary winding of the ignition coil.

3. Ignition Coil: The ignition coil is a step-up transformer that converts low-voltage DC from the battery to high-voltage AC required for the spark plug. It has two windings:

• Primary Winding – carries low voltage from the battery.
• Secondary Winding – generates high voltage (10,000 to 30,000V).

4. Contact Breaker (Circuit Breaker): It Controls the flow of current through the primary winding of the ignition coil. It Opens and closes with the help of a cam.When opened, the magnetic field collapses, inducing a high voltage in the secondary winding.

5. Condenser: A capacitor connected across the breaker points. It Prevents arcing at the contact breaker points. It Helps in faster collapse of the magnetic field, generating a strong spark.

6. Distributor: Distributes the high-voltage current to the correct spark plug in the correct sequence. The rotor arm inside the distributor rotates and makes contact with different terminals, directing high voltage to the appropriate spark plug.

7. Spark Plug: Converts the high-voltage electricity into a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinder.

Working of Battery Ignition System

1. When the ignition switch is turned ON, current flows from the battery to the primary winding of the ignition coil.
2. The contact breaker (controlled by the camshaft) opens and closes periodically.
3. When the contact breaker is closed, current flows through the primary winding, generating a magnetic field around the coil.
4. When the contact breaker opens, the magnetic field collapses, inducing a high voltage in the secondary winding.
5. This high voltage is transferred to the distributor, which sends it to the appropriate spark plug based on the engine firing order.
6. The spark plug generates a spark, igniting the air-fuel mixture inside the engine cylinder.

Advantages of Battery Ignition System

1. Simple and Cost-effective – Easy to manufacture and maintain.
2. Provides a Strong Spark – Ensures efficient combustion.
3. Reliable for Low and Medium-speed Engines – Commonly used in motorcycles, cars, and small vehicles.
4. Easier Maintenance – Fewer moving parts compared to magneto ignition systems.

Disadvantages of Battery Ignition System

1. Battery Dependency – Requires a fully charged battery to operate.
2. Limited Efficiency at High Speeds – Contact breaker points wear out at higher speeds.
3. Voltage Drop Issues – Battery voltage decreases over time, affecting performance.
4. Regular Maintenance Required – Contact breaker points and condenser need periodic servicing.

Applications of Battery Ignition System

1. Used in Automobiles – Cars, motorcycles, scooters, etc.
2. Small Internal Combustion Engines – Lawn mowers, generators, etc.
3. Light Commercial Vehicles – Small trucks and delivery vehicles.

Conclusion

The Battery Ignition System is a widely used ignition system in modern automobiles due to its simplicity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. However, its dependency on battery power and the wear and tear of mechanical components limit its use in high-performance applications.

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