Re: [TCML] Help with capacitor + ignition coil project

[bturner@xxxxxxxx]

Hmmmm. Interesting science fair idea. It's not an original idea, but still...

It's called 'capacitive discharge ignition'. The idea being to charge a
capacitor up to (usually) several hundred volts or so, then by using an
SCR (silicon controlled rectifier) switch the high voltage energy from the
capacitor into the ignition coil to give a much 'hotter' spark at the
spark plug. Later versions (such as GM's HEI system - High Energy
Ignition) were somewhat common in the late 1970's to early 1980's... I had
even built one myself and used it in my 1976 Ford Pinto. (Which needed all
the help it could get - it never exploded though!)

Quick and dirty idea is to use a DC-DC inverter system to raise the
(usually) 12 volts to several hundred, which then VERY quickly charged up
a high voltage capacitor - mine used 0.1uf @600V. The signal from the
distributor points was used to trigger the SCR which dumped the high
voltage into the ignition coil.

It did make my Pinto run better!

- b



>
> Hey guys, I have an idea for a science fair I plan on entering this
> spring.It will involve capacitors, and a few simple car parts.I really
> need help with this because my knowledge of capacitors sucks...so if
> anyone would be able to help send me in the right direction I would really
> appreciate it!email me at b-u-r-t-o-n-boy@xxxxxxxxxxx if your
> interested!(basically my idea is when you have a half dead car battery
> that wont start the car, you can charge up a capacitor to send enough
> power to the ignition coil.... kinda like a flash in a camera)
> thanks! :)
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