Trystan Casey
Electric start is a feature of some engines that allows them to be started using an electric starter motor. This is in contrast to other methods of starting an engine, such as a pneumatic self-starter or a hydraulic motor. The electric starter motor turns a flywheel, which then turns the engine to start it. This process is automated by solenoid switches, with the operator using a two-position control switch. Start-stop systems, which are becoming more common in vehicles, place higher demands on the car battery and require more power and higher cycle stability. In addition, black-start capability refers to the process of restoring an electric power station or grid to operation without relying on the external electric power transmission network after a partial or total shutdown.
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What You'll Learn
Electric starters vs pneumatic starters
An electric start engine is one that uses an electric starter motor to turn on. This is in contrast to other types of starters, such as pneumatic starters, which use compressed air.
Electric starters are highly reliable and have fewer moving parts compared to pneumatic starters, which can reduce the likelihood of mechanical failure. They are also more widely available and commonly used in a variety of applications, from small engines to large industrial engines. Electric starters are generally more compact and lighter in weight, making them suitable for applications where space and weight are critical factors. They are often used in cars, trucks, boats, and construction equipment. However, they rely on a battery for power, so if the battery is weak or dead, the starter will not function, which can be a significant drawback. Electric starters also require a high current draw from the battery, especially during startup.
On the other hand, pneumatic engine starters are used to start diesel engines, gas turbines, and some reciprocating engines. They provide rapid acceleration and high turning speeds for immediate ignition. Pneumatic starters have a higher power-to-weight ratio than electric starters and deliver high torque with mechanical simplicity and reliability. They are also sparkless, making them ideal for use in explosive atmospheres. Pneumatic starters eliminate the need for oversized, heavy storage batteries in prime mover electrical systems. However, they require a compressed air source and may be more complex, needing regular maintenance to check for leaks or pressure issues.
While electric starters are suitable for many applications, they may not be powerful enough for very large engines that require extremely high starting torque. In these cases, pneumatic starters might be more appropriate. Additionally, hydraulic starters are another option for large engines, as they can be fitted to any engine and provide high torque at any temperature or in any environment.
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Start-stop systems
A vehicle start-stop system, also known as S&S, micro-hybrid, or micro-hybrid electric vehicle (μHEV), is a technology that automatically shuts down and restarts an internal combustion engine to reduce the amount of time spent idling. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions, benefiting vehicles that frequently stop in traffic or wait at traffic lights. Start-stop technology is commonly found in hybrid electric vehicles but has also been implemented in non-hybrid vehicles, offering fuel economy gains of 3-10%, potentially reaching 12%.
In manual transmission vehicles, the system is typically activated by bringing the car to a stop, shifting to neutral, and releasing the clutch. The engine restarts when the clutch is pressed before selecting a gear. However, the engine may also restart to meet power demands from accessories like the air conditioning system. To accommodate this, automobile accessories like compressors and water pumps have been redesigned to function with an electric motor instead of relying solely on the engine.
The adoption of start-stop systems has led to significant changes in both mechanical and electrical vehicle components. The starter, for instance, has been reinforced to withstand continuous use without overheating or wearing out prematurely. Additionally, an independent cooling circuit, along with an electrical runoff water pump, is often incorporated to maintain coolant supply to heat-sensitive components and cabin temperature control.
To support the increased number of engine starts and varying power loads, the electrical system has also undergone modifications. The alternator may need to deliver higher output, and the battery must handle more cranks and deeper discharges. This has resulted in the introduction of new battery constructions, such as Start-Stop AGM batteries and Enhanced Flooded (EFB) batteries. Some manufacturers have even designed dual-battery systems to ensure reliable restarting capability during stop events, with one battery dedicated to starting and the other managing power demands during stops.
The prevalence of start-stop systems is expected to increase, with industry analysts predicting that they may become standard equipment in the future. This trend aligns with stricter government regulations on fuel economy and emissions, aiming to address concerns related to global warming and environmental sustainability.
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Black start
A "black start" is a process of restoring an electric power station, part of an electric grid, or an industrial plant to operation without relying on the external electric power transmission network to recover from a total or partial shutdown. In other words, it is a backup plan to restore power to the grid after a major disruption or blackout.
In some cases, black start capacity is provided through commercial agreements between the grid operator and generators. This is often not economical in normal grid operations, but it is important to have these backup plans in place in case of a major outage event.
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Inertia starters
An electric start engine is one that can be started using electricity, with the turn of a key or the push of a button. Some engines, like the WWII Panther tank, have electrical starters as well as inertia starters.
The advantage of the inertia starter is that the motor can be of much lower power, and therefore weight and size, than the standard starter motor. This also means that lighter cables and smaller batteries are required to power the motor. This made the inertia starter a common choice for aircraft with large radial piston engines. However, a disadvantage is the increased time required to start the engine, with the process of spinning up the flywheel taking between 10 and 20 seconds. If the engine does not start before the flywheel loses its inertia, then the process must be repeated.
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Bendix-type starters
An electric start is a feature that allows a vehicle's engine to be started with the turn of a key or the push of a button. This is in contrast to a manual start, where the engine is started by physically pulling a cord or kicking a lever. Electric starts are typically powered by the vehicle's battery and offer a more convenient and effortless way to start the engine.
Now, when it comes to Bendix-type starters, this is a specific type of electric starter commonly used in small engines, such as those found in motorcycles, ATVs, and lawnmowers. The Bendix starter, named after its inventor Vincent Bendix, has a unique design that allows for a compact and efficient starting mechanism.
Here's how a Bendix-type starter typically works:
- Activation: When you turn the key or push the start button, the starter motor is activated, and it begins to rotate.
- Gear Engagement: Attached to the starter motor is a small gear called the Bendix drive or starter drive. This gear is spring-loaded and initially positioned away from the engine's flywheel or ring gear. As the starter motor turns, the centrifugal force causes the Bendix drive to move towards the flywheel.
- Gear Mesh: The Bendix drive is designed with helical or curved teeth. As it spins and moves forward, these teeth smoothly engage with the teeth of the flywheel or ring gear, ensuring a gradual and less forceful mesh. This design helps prevent damage to the gears and reduces the strain on the starter motor.
- Engine Cranking: Once the gears are fully meshed, the starter motor's torque is transferred to the flywheel, turning it over and initiating the engine's cranking process.
- Disengagement: After the engine starts and reaches a certain RPM, the Bendix drive is designed to automatically disengage from the flywheel. This disengagement is typically achieved through a combination of the gear's rotational force and a mechanical release mechanism.
One of the key advantages of the Bendix-type starter is its ability to provide a smooth and controlled gear engagement, reducing the risk of damage during starting. Additionally, the design allows for a compact and lightweight starter assembly, making it ideal for small engines.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric start capable means that a machine or device can be started using electricity.
Electric starters use an electric starter motor to turn a heavy flywheel built into its casing. Once the flywheel reaches a constant speed, the motor is disengaged, and the spinning flywheel is connected to the main engine, using its inertia to start it.
Electric start systems are a reliable method of engine starting over a wide temperature range. They are also sparkless, which is advantageous in certain applications.
Electric start is commonly used in automobiles, motorcycles, and aircraft.
Yes, there are alternative starting methods such as pneumatic starters, hydraulic starters, and inertia starters, each with its own advantages and use cases.
