This article mainly talks about the basic components of electric
starting system. If you are interested, take a few time to read the post.
The engine driven charging alternator converts the mechanical
energy from the engine to electrical energy and charges the engine batteries
while the engine is running to maintain the batteries fully charged. When the
engine is called to start the batteries will supply the starting ampere-hour to
the cranking motor via the cranking solenoid. The cranking motor converts the
electrical energy from the batteries to mechanical energy to crank the engine
up to a certain speed where it can fire up by itself. This speed is usually one
third the rated speed of the engine.
Basic components of Electric Starting System
1. Battery
2. Chargers
3. Cranking Motor
4. Cranking Solenoid
5. Starting Relay
6. Control System
Electric Starting System for gas turbine aircraft are of two
general types: Direct cranking electrical systems and starter generator
systems. Direct cranking electric starting systems are used mostly on small
turbine engines. Many gas turbine aircraft are equipped with starter generator
systems. Starter generator starting systems are also similar to cranking
electrical systems except that after functioning as a starter, they contain a
second series of winding that allow it to switch to a generator after the
engine has reached a self-sustaining speed.
The starting motor for diesel and gasoline engines operate on the
same principle as a direct current electric motor. The motor is designed to
carry heavy loads, because it draws a current, it tends to overheated quickly.
To avoid overheating, never allow the motor to run more than the specification
amount of time, usually 30 seconds at a time to cool for 2 or 3 minutes before
using it again.
Attention: To start a diesel engine, you must turn it over rapidly to obtain
sufficient heat to ignite the fuel. The starting motor is located near the
flywheel, and drive gear on the starter is arranged so that it can mesh with
the teeth on the flywheel when the starting switch is closed.
Batteries
The Batteries is the storage device for the energy supplied by the
battery chargers. It stores this energy by converting the electrical energy to
chemical energy and then to electrical energy. It supplies power to the
cranking motor to start the engine. It supplies the extra power necessary when
the engine’s electrical load exceeds the supply from the charging system. In addition, it also acts as a voltage
stabilizer in the electrical system, where it evens out voltage spikes and
prevents them from damaging other components in the electrical system.
Lead Acid Batteries are usually used to start the genset engines.
Other batteries such as Nickel Cadmium batteries are also widely used.
Basic components of Lead Acid Batteries
2. Positive and negative internal plates made of lead
3. Plate separators made of porous synthetic material.
4. Electrolyte, a dilute solution of sulfuric acid and water
better known as battery acid.
5. Lead terminals, the connection point between the battery and
whatever it powers.
Remember that lead acid batteries are usually called filler cap
batteries. They require frequent servicing , specially adding water and
cleaning the terminal posts from the salt formations.
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