| 摘要 |
Pressurized ignition system (10) for an engine (12). The service life of the igniter (20) for the engine (12) and high altitude operation of the engine (12) are substantially reduced due to arc-over between the terminal (46) of the igniter (20) and the metallic shell (23) of the igniter (20) or the nearest ground. The service life of the igniter (20) and associated components are affected by the hot, contaminated environment in which they operate. The present pressurized ignition system (12) includes a chamber (74) around at least a portion of the igniter (20) and the chamber (74) pressurized to a value of, for example, about two atmospheres for suppressing arc-over. The chamber is pressurized by an air compressor (82) drivingly connected to the engine (12) with the air cooled by an engine aftercooler (92). Pressurizing the chamber (74) prevents contaminates from entering or collecting in the chamber (74) and affecting operation of the system (10). A bleed passage (100) controllably bleeds a portion of the pressurized air from the chamber to cause circulation of cooled air around the igniter (20) and associated components for extended service life. |
