The ignition system is a complex set of electrical devices that are designed to ignite a combustible finished mixture in internal combustion engines (ICE), as well as to ensure their normal functioning. The ignition of a combustible mixture comes from a spark.
Stages of the ignition system:
- the first is the accumulation and conversion of electrical energy;
- the second is the distribution of energy received over the spark plugs;
- the third is spark formation;
- the fourth is the ignition of the air-fuel mass.
The main requirements for the operation of the ignition system are:
- reliability, it must provide continuous sparking;
- voltage generation;
- ignition of the mixture in each cylinder.
A system malfunction causes difficulties in starting and operating the engine, which are:
- the impossibility or difficulty of starting the engine;
- engine shutdown while skipping sparking in the cylinders;
- detonation;
- failures in other systems.
The traditional VAZ ignition system uses a standard distributor, ignition coil , spark plugs, high voltage wires and a 12 W power supply.
In modern VAZ brands, the ignition is controlled by a controller, i.e. an electronic control unit - an ECU. This is because the ignition timing is set at the factory.
The ICE mechanism works on the principle that a mixture of air and gasoline ignites in each cylinder of the engine.
The ignition system of the car, regardless of brand, needs seasonal periodic maintenance.
Ignition systems differ in determining the moment of ignition and in the distribution of high voltage energy across the cylinders.
The following 3 types of ignition systems are distinguished, depending on the process control method: contact, electronic and non-contact ignition system.
The first is the contact system. Provides control of the distribution and accumulation of energy in the cylinders through a breaker-distributor.
The second is a non-contact ignition system. Energy storage is controlled through a transit switch that interacts with a non-contact pulse supply sensor. Current distribution is carried out by a mechanical distributor.
The non-contact ignition system allows to reduce emissions of heavy metals into the atmosphere, reduces fuel consumption, and also increases engine power. This is due to a higher discharge voltage and high-quality combustion of the fuel mixture.
In the device of a contactless ignition system there is an ignition coil, a power source, an impulse indicator, an ignition switch, a transit switch, a voltage advance regulator, high voltage wires, candles, a distributor.
The non-contact ignition system works according to the principle: during rotation of the pulley, the sensor-distributor generates voltage pulses and transfers them to the transit switch, which creates current pulses in the circuit. When the current is interrupted, current is induced in the subsequent winding of the ignition coil, which is transmitted to the central contact of the distributor. Current through the coil is supplied to the spark plugs, depending on the order of operation of the engine cylinders. Candles ignite.
The third is an electronic system. Uses an ECU, through which the distribution and storage of energy is controlled. Among the existing types of ignition systems, electronic, is the most economical, environmentally friendly and reliable.