INDUCTIVE START AND CAPACITIVE SUSTAIN IGNITION EXCITER SYSTEM

摘要

An ignition exciter system includes an igniter, a step-up transformer, a switch device, and a spark-sustain capacitor. The igniter has a spark gap across which a spark may be generated. The step-up transformer has a primary winding that is adapted to selectively receive direct current (DC) from a DC source, and a secondary winding that is coupled to the igniter. The switch device is coupled to the primary winding and is configured to selectively operate in an ON state, in which DC may flow through the primary winding, and an OFF state, in which DC may not flow through the primary winding. The spark-sustain capacitor is coupled to the igniter and is configured to charge from a DC source when the switch device is operating in the ON state, and at least selectively discharge across the spark gap when the switch device is operating in the OFF state.

主权项

1. An ignition exciter system, comprising:
an igniter having a spark gap across which a spark may be generated; a step-up transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding coupled to receive direct current (DC) from a DC power source, the secondary winding coupled to the igniter, the step-up transformer configured to at least selectively generate a voltage at the secondary winding that is sufficient to generate a spark across the spark gap; a first switch device coupled to the primary winding and configured to selectively operate in an ON state, in which DC may flow through the primary winding, and an OFF state, in which DC may not flow through the primary winding; a second switch device coupled to receive DC from a DC power source and configured to selectively operate in an ON state and an OFF state; and a spark-sustain capacitor coupled to the second switch device and the igniter, the spark-sustain capacitor configured to charge from a DC power source when the first and second switch devices are operating in the ON state, and at least selectively discharge across the spark gap when the first switch device is operating in the OFF state.