Ignition Coil: Multiplying Electrical Power

The electrical current from the battery of your car is too weak to provide direct power for the automobile lights. It is far too weak to provide power for the ignition system, much so, to sustain it. However, the electrical power that is used during start ignition is derived from the car battery. It is the same electricity that allows the spark plugs to discharge high-voltage electrical sparks. This is made possible by the ignition coil. It is the built-in transformer of your automobile. It is a step-up transformer that multiplies the weak voltage from the batteries before being distributed to the rest of the ignition system.

As a step-up transformer, the ignition coil increases the electrical power output at least one-thousand fold. It achieves this through the process known as electromagnetic induction. It is a process whereby an electromagnet or a permanent magnet induces the production of voltage. An ignition coil is comprised of two sets of coils, namely, the input coils and the output coil. These coils are wound around a multi-layered toroid iron core. The input coil has greater number of windings compared to the output coil. This makes the input coil produce a stronger magnetic field that is transmitted by the toroid core.

The electromagnetic field of the input coil induces high-voltage current to the output coil. In turn, the output coil sends high-voltage current to the other components of the ignition system. Every time the ignition key is turned, low voltage current flows from the car battery to the ignition coil. The ignition coil is responsible for multiplying the weak voltage of the battery. In so doing, the starter motor and spark plugs will have enough power to start and sustain fuel combustion. When fuel combustion is already sustainable, the burden of supplying electricity shifts from the battery to the alternator.

The Evolution of Cars

Since Henry Ford pioneered automobile mass-production, the car has undergone radical changes. From horseless-buggy-inspired designs, cars today are now virtually unrecognizable from their ancestors. The bike wheels are gone, replaced by robust but stylish wheels. The steering lever is gone, replaced by a rotary steering wheel. Walls, roof, windows, windshield are now added. Although there are convertible versions, most automobiles have sealed interiors. This allows them to have precisely-regulated internal climate systems. Modern automobile interiors are isolated environments on their own. The automobile has become more than mere transportation vehicle. It is now an extension of our home. Even our personality can be expressed through our cars. Cars changed from a mere practical contraption to something that is personalized.

The evolution of cars has been impressive, given the short span of time. Fuel efficiency, ride comfort, maneuverability, and safety have all been improved. The automobile has become more powerful and much faster. It has become more ergonomic and automated. Most important operations of the car are now automated. Most important of these automated operations is fuel injection. Fuel injection rate is controlled by the onboard computer of a modern automobile. It is dependent on various factors that are also continually being monitored by the computer. In this manner, fuel is consumed more efficiently and the mechanical output of the engine is optimized.

The present trend of automobile development is now towards fuel efficiency. Fuel-efficient cars are cheaper to maintain and they go farther. They have greater mileage. They can travel longer distance given certain amount of fuel. They also produce smaller amount of pollution. Hence, they are eco-friendly cars. When it comes to environment-friendly cars, “hybrid” is now the buzzword of the auto manufacturing industry. A hybrid car takes advantage of both fossil fuels and batteries. You can expect that the role of fossil fuel will gradually become obsolete as its supply dwindles.