What Is Magneto Ignition System?
A Magneto Ignition System is a type of ignition system used in internal combustion engines, particularly in aircraft, motorcycles, and small engines. It operates independently of a battery by generating its own electricity to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine's cylinders.
The system consists of a magneto, which is a device that uses magnets to generate high voltage, a spark plug to ignite the fuel mixture, and ignition points to regulate the spark's timing. When the engine's crankshaft rotates, it causes the magneto to generate electricity.
Working Principle of Magneto Ignition System
The working principle of a magneto ignition system is based on the generation of electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. The system includes a rotating magnet (attached to the engine's crankshaft), a coil of wire (armature), contact breaker points, and a condenser.
When the engine starts, the crankshaft rotates the magnet inside the magneto, creating a changing magnetic field around the armature. This induces a low-voltage alternating current (AC) in the coil of wire. As the magnet rotates and reaches a specific position, the contact breaker points open, interrupting the current in the primary winding of the coil.
How Does an Ignition System Work?
An ignition system is crucial for starting and running an internal combustion engine by generating the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture within the engine’s cylinders. Here's how it works:
- Power Source: In most modern ignition systems, the energy needed to create the spark comes from a battery or, in the case of a magneto ignition system, from a magneto that generates electricity independently.
- Ignition Coil: The ignition coil is a key component that converts the low voltage from the battery into a high voltage needed to create a spark. It works like a transformer, with two sets of windings (primary and secondary).
- Distributor: In older systems, the distributor directs the high-voltage current from the ignition coil to the correct spark plug in each cylinder at the right time. Modern cars use electronic systems to handle this timing without a mechanical distributor.
- Spark Plug: Once the high voltage reaches the spark plug, it jumps across the gap at the tip of the plug, creating a spark. This spark ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinder, causing a small explosion.