Engine Electrical Systems

Ben Fair

Different types of electrical systems for different types of engines

Turbine Engines
Typically use capacitor discharge type ignition system Other electronics like temperature sensors are also used to govern the operation of most modern turbine engines. (note these wont be discussed in depth)

Turbine Engines (cont.)

Components of a turbine engine ignition

system
Power- supplied to the ignition system by several possible sources Battery APU generator Other operating engine Ground power

Components (cont.)
Igniter plugs Two (typ.) of these receive high voltage which

they use to create a spark to ignite the fuel/air mixture The spark is created when it jumps to ground at the end of the igniter plug

Exciter unit The exciter unit is typically a dual unit which

creates the high voltage which is then distributed to either of two high tension leads.

Components (cont.)
High tension igniter leads Downstream from the exciter unit or box, these

receive the high voltage and give it a path to the igniter plugs by means of conductive wires The wires themselves are shrouded in an insulating material which serves a dual purpose of insulating the wire from ground as well as suppressing radio noise which is transmitted from the wires.

Examples

Examples (cont.)

Reciprocating Engines

Components
Power- may be supplied by these components or similar devices Battery Alternator Generator

Components (cont.)
Spark plugs Create a spark to ignite the fuel/air mixture They are grounded to the engine and the voltage

delivered to them jumps from the center electrode to the grounded electrode on the plug shell. Simultaneous vs. staggered ignition Spark plugs may fire in staggered timing (racing engines) for improved efficiency Spark plug near exhaust valve fires first since this is the contaminated area of the cylinder

Spark plugs (cont.)

Hot plugs have longer insulation exposed to the

combustion chamber
Used for low temperature engines when cylinder pressure is low => prevents plug fouling

Cold plugs are used in high temperature (high

pressure) engines => prevents detonation
Used for high temperature engines

Interchanging of hot/cold plugs is to be avoided

Spark plugs (cont.)

Massive electrode vs. fine-wire spark plugs

Fouling of plugs is caused by lead or carbon buildup or by oil through the rings from the crankcase. Fine-wire plugs provide bigger area for buildup of these fouling products before fouling occurs.

Components (cont.)
Ignition leads / wiring harness
Shielded ignition leads
Prevents voltage leakage Most noticeable at high altitudes Also prevent radio static interference

Terminals (cigarettes) Connect ignition leads to spark plugs Automobiles use simple clip connectors

Components (cont.)

Magnetos
Magneto components Primary coil
Rotation of magnet inside the magneto (attached to accessory drive) induces the flow of current in the primary coil Points (breaker points) Opened by internal cam rotation Interrupts the flow of current in the primary circuit, resulting in collapse of the magnetic field and induction of flow of current in the nearby secondary coil

Magneto components (cont.)

Condenser
Promotes sudden collapse of the magnetic field, leading to maximum induced current in the secondary circuit Condenser also prevents pitting of the points and serves as a radio noise suppressor

Magneto components (cont.)

Secondary coil
Distributor Selects which cylinder gets the secondary current
i.e., determines when the spark plugs fire

Spark plugs Act as an open switch that can be closed when

current jumps the gap if the voltage produced in the secondary circuit is large enough

Magneto components (cont.)

Impulse couplings
Produces high voltage needed for firing of spark plugs when engine rotation speed is low during engine start Internal spring winds until piston approaches TDC then the spring releases and the internal magnet is given a quick twist = sudden high voltage flows in secondary coil Can hear this clicking sound as prop is rotated by hand As engine RPM approaches idle during start, "dog ears" are thrown outward by centrifugal force and spring no longer winds If spring breaks, engine may operate normally except for starting

Magneto Timing

Internal timing (E-gap)

"Efficiency" gap Assures that points open at desired time to maximize the primary current

Timing magneto to engine (external timing)

Use a "timing light" Assures that points open at the time when the piston is at 30
degrees BTDC Achieved by rotating the magneto at its attachment point to the engine

Alternators

Slick Magneto

Examples
Wiring Harness

Resources
Dale Crane. Powerplant 2003 Test Guide.
Aviation Supplies & Academics, 2002.
pg. 74 91

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