Recent Advances in Ignition and Control Technology for Stationary Industrial Engines

This paper discusses recent advances in stationary industrial engine ignition design, including the following developments: high energy ignition; extended spark duration ignition; electronic control of ignition timing; interface of ignition systems to efficiency control computers; and crankshaft referenced ignition timing. Also discussed are related control system developments, efficiency control computers and electronic ignition timing indicators.

The design of ignition systems for stationary industrial engines has been driven by an industry requirement for reduced emissions, improved Fuel economy, and the facilitation of automation programs. Coupled with these driving forces are the design constraints of extreme high reliability, freedom from outside power, and hazardous area approval. The designs resulting from the interrelationship of these factors plus the availability of new generations of microelectronic circuitry are discussed in the paper.