Otis Singleton
Electric start is a convenient feature that allows users to activate a machine by plugging it into an electrical power source and pushing a button, as opposed to manually pulling a cord. This method is commonly seen in snow blowers, lawnmowers, and generators. Electric starters are also found in automobiles, where they are designed to operate for short periods before overheating. Inertia starters are a variant of electric starters, where the motor turns a heavy flywheel in its casing, which then connects to the main engine to start it. Pneumatic starters, on the other hand, use compressed air to engage the ring gear on the flywheel, similar to an electric starter.
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What You'll Learn
Electric start vs pull start
Electric start and pull start are two different mechanisms used to start engines. Pull starts, also known as recoil starts, are the traditional method of starting an engine by manually pulling a cord or rope to turn the crankshaft and initiate combustion. Electric starts, on the other hand, use an electric motor to turn the crankshaft and start the engine, eliminating the need for manual labour.
One of the main advantages of electric start is convenience and ease of use. With the push of a button or turn of a key, the engine starts without any physical effort, making it ideal for those who are tired, injured, or in a hurry. This is particularly beneficial for larger engines, where pull-starting can be challenging even for those in good physical shape. Additionally, electric start eliminates the need for a separate starter box, reducing clutter and weight, especially in racing contexts.
However, pull starts have their own advantages. They are simple, reliable, and less prone to mechanical failures. If the engine is well-maintained and the carburetor is properly tuned, a pull start can get the engine running without any issues. Pull starts are also cheaper to replace in case of damage and do not require charging or battery maintenance.
Despite the convenience of electric start, some users prefer the familiarity and reliability of pull starts, especially those with extensive experience using them. Additionally, pull starts can serve as a backup option in case the electric start mechanism or battery fails. This redundancy ensures that users can still start their engines even if one method becomes inoperable.
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Inertia starter
Electric start is a feature that allows a vehicle's engine to be started using an electric motor, as opposed to other methods such as a kick start or a pull cord. This system is typically powered by an onboard battery, a ground electrical supply, or both, and is operated by a key or switch in the cockpit or driver's seat.
Electric starters were introduced for aero engines in the period between the First and Second World Wars. They increased convenience but also added weight and complexity to the aircraft. Electric starters were necessary for flying boats with high-mounted, inaccessible engines.
One type of electric starter motor is the inertia starter, also known as a direct-cranking starter. This type of starter motor is designed to disengage as the internal combustion engine starts. Inertia starters are used in small gas turbine engines, particularly turboshaft engines found in helicopters and cruise missile turbojets.
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Pneumatic starters
Electric start is a system that uses electricity to start an engine, as opposed to a recoil start, which uses a rope to start the engine manually.
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Hydraulic starters
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, which requires the use of a crank to start the engine.
One leading brand in the hydraulic starter market is Kocsis, which offers a range of starters to suit different engine sizes and applications. For example, their small and lightweight A-series starter produces 15 ft-lbs of torque and can turn at 7000 RPM, resulting in an extremely fast engine start. The B-series is known for its dependability and combination of torque and modularity, with the ability to crank up to 18-liter engines.
Another popular brand is Pow-R-Quik, which offers hydraulic starters that are designed to fit most engines on the market. Their HS-223 and HS-224 starters, for example, can be used with engines ranging from 10 to 49 liters, while their HS-114 and HS-116 starters are suitable for engines from 4 to 14 liters. Pow-R-Quik also offers the HS-108V starter, which adds an external "soft start" module for protection and reliability for engines with displacements from less than 1 liter to 5 liters.
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Starter motor design
Motor starters are electrically operated switching devices that enable the safe start and stop of motors, including from a remote location. They are made up of a few key components, including a contactor, which establishes and interrupts power in an electrical circuit, and an overload, which protects the motor from drawing too much current and overheating.
Motor starters also commonly use circuit protection. Motor circuit protectors are a type of circuit breaker designed to prevent large spikes in current that might be caused by short circuits. They use magnetic protection specifically designed for spikes in voltage. Alternatively, a fused disconnect can be used in place of a motor circuit protector, but it is important to use a fuse designed for this application.
When designing a starter motor, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of motor starter and its specific components must be chosen. This includes deciding on the number and type of contactors, overloads, and circuit protection devices required for the specific application. The size and power requirements of the motor will influence these choices.
Additionally, the operating environment and conditions must be considered. For example, if the motor is in a hazardous location, such as a flammable or explosive atmosphere, special considerations and certifications may be required for the starter motor design to ensure safety.
Another important factor is the control system that will be used to operate the starter motor. This includes the choice of control voltage and the type of control circuitry, such as whether it will be a manual or automatic system. The control system must be designed to safely and effectively start and stop the motor, taking into account any remote operation requirements.
Finally, maintenance and troubleshooting considerations should be factored into the design. This includes the inclusion of appropriate sensors and monitoring systems to detect and prevent faults, as well as ease of access to components for repair or replacement. Regular maintenance procedures and the potential need for spare parts should also be considered during the design phase.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric start means that an engine can be started by pushing a button, instead of having to pull a cord.
Electric start is easier than pull start and is more likely to be successful in older engines. It also eliminates the gas problem.
Electric start is more expensive than pull start and adds extra weight to the engine. It also requires the maintenance of keeping the battery charged and replacing it as needed.
