WO2004100332A2

WO2004100332A2 - An auxiliary capacitive discharge ignition system configurable to provide additional energy at a spark gap and methods thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2004100332A2
Application number: PCT/IN2004/000130
Authority: WO
Inventors: M. Hariprasad Shetty
Original assignee: Shp Enterprises Private Limited
Priority date: 2003-05-12
Filing date: 2004-05-11
Publication date: 2004-11-18
Also published as: WO2004100332A3

Abstract

An auxiliary capacitive discharge ignition system configurable to provide additional energy at a spark gap during ignition in combustion engines is disclosed. The main components of the ignition system are a power source (110), a primary discharge system (120), a secondary discharge system (130) and a spark gap (140). The system is also capable of being implemented in multi-cylinder engines.

Description

AN AUXILLIARY CAPACITIYE DISCHARGE IGNITION SYSTEM CONFIGURABLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ENERGY AT A SPARK GAP

AND METHODS THEREOF

Field ofthe Invention

(0001) This invention, in general, relates to Ignition Systems for use in Internal Combustion Engines. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for providing additional energy at a spark gap during ignition and an auxiliary capacitive discharge ignition system configured to achieve the same.

Background ofthe Invention

(0002) Ignition systems for use in internal combustion engines are known. Ignition systems are employed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in combustion engines resulting in the initiation of the combustion process. In the known arts, electric spark is produced in Internal Combustion Engines using high voltage transformers. In the Point Based Ignition Systems, a high voltage transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding is used wherein the current passing through the primary of the high voltage transformer is interrupted using a circuit breaker. This sudden interruption in the current induces very high voltage in the secondary winding. The secondary winding, which is connected, to an engine's spark plug, feeds the spark plug to cause electric sparks.

(0003) Conventional Point based Coil Ignition Systems and Capacitive Discharge Ignition Systems use a single energy source to create the spark and sustain the arc. Capacitive Discharge Ignition Systems use a high voltage transformer to produce a spark. To increase the energy level at the spark gap, dual energy systems have been devised.

(0004) In Dual Energy Ignition Systems, first the spark is produced at the spark gap using either a Point Based System or a Capacitive Discharge Ignition System through a high voltage transformer. A low voltage secondary energy source is used to boost the available energy at the spark gap. Once the high voltage source initiates the spark, the low voltage source applies power to the spark gap. The high voltage helps producing the spark while the low voltage itself sustains the arc. A number of configurations have been devised in applying the low voltage source energy to the spark gap.

(0005) In the known configurations, the electric current passing through the primary of the high voltage transformer is interrupted using a mechanical circuit breaker. This sudden interruption of the electric current induces high voltage in the secondary of the transformer. This high voltage is applied to the spark. The duration of the spark is normally about 1 millisecond and the energy delivered at the spark plug is approximately 10 to 30 milli joules.

(0006) In the Capacitive Discharge Ignition Systems, a high voltage transformer is used to produce a spark. However, in the primary winding of the transformer, a charged capacitor is discharged using a thyristor. This discharge in the primary winding produces high voltage in the secondary winding. This high voltage is applied to the spark plug to produce the required spark. In this case the duration of the spark is only about 0.1 mille second levels and the total energy delivered at the spark is about 30 milli joules. However, the Capacitive Discharge Ignition Systems are not able to increase the energy level at the spark plug.

(0007) In the known Dual Energy Systems first the spark is produced at the spark gap using either the point based system or the Capacitive Discharge Ignition System through a high voltage transformer by producing high voltage of about 20-30 kilo volt. Then to boost the available energy at the spark gap, a low voltage secondary source is used. This low voltage source applies power to the spark gap, once the above mentioned high source initiates the spark. This is because the initial high voltage is needed only to produce the spark and not to sustain it. A low voltage is sufficient to sustain it. In the Dual Energy System, the initial arc is produced by a high voltage source and after that, using a low voltage source, high energy is supplied to the arc. The method of applying the low voltage source energy to the spark gap is performed in many ways.

(0008) In the known configurations of Capacitive Discharge Ignition Systems, the primary to the secondary ratio is maintained as 1:100. Because of this large step up voltage at the secondary, the reflected impedance seen at the primary is very low. Therefore, in conventional systems, the capacitor discharges quickly and consequently the spark duration is low. The present invention addresses the above issues by configuring an Improved Ignition System, which provides the energy available for the auxiliary discharge only for a particular period. After this period, energy is not available for the spark gap. This greatly reduces the chances of unintentional discharge at the spark gap.

Related Art

(0009) The basic methodology of working and the configuration of Automobile Ignition systems can be seen at http://www.howstuffworks.com/ignition-system. An article authored by Mr. Jurgen Stiftschraube titled "Plasma Potential" published in Racecar Vol. 10; No.l discloses the advancements regarding the ignition to the internal combustion engines.

(0010) United States Patent Numbered 4,301,782 titled 'Ignition System' to Wainwright discloses an Ignition System of an Internal Combustion Engine. This invention discloses the initiation of the spark by means of the conventional capacitive discharge system and the high voltage transformer. To sustain the spark, a secondary low voltage source of approximately 2000 volt has been used. This low voltage source is obtained using a DC/DC converter. In one method this low voltage source is connected to the spark plug through the high voltage transformer and in an alternate method it is connected to the spark plug through an inductor. This low voltage source is not capable of initiating the spark but it sustains the arc by providing the additional energy once the spark plug is ignited by the high voltage source. The low voltage source continuously delivers power and it goes off automatically once the pressure in the ignition chamber goes up due to combustion. Alternatively, the low voltage source also can be switched off using a separate additional switch.

(0011) The Great Britain Patent No. GB 1,427, 600 titled 'Ignition System' to Hitachi Ltd. discloses an induction type secondary energy source. This patent discloses applying a fast rising high voltage to the spark plug employing the conventional capacitive discharge system. This fast rising high voltage source initiates the spark. At the same time, using an auxiliary low voltage transistor circuit, the stored energy in the inductor is delivered to the same spark plug to maintain the already ignited spark. This inductor delivers more current at low voltage for about 4 milli second.

(0012) United States Patent No.4, 506,650-titled 'Ignition System for Internal Combustion Engines by Shimojo et al. discloses an ignition system for generating spark in an internal combustion engine. This system uses conventional ignition system with the modified high voltage transformer. In this system for the conventional high voltage transformer an extra low voltage winding is added. The usual high voltage winding of the high voltage transformer is connected to the spark plug and it produces spark in a normal way. However the additional winding in the high voltage transformer is connected to the same spark plug through a diode and a resistor. Because of this arrangement an additional amount of energy is delivered to the already ignited spark. This arrangement provides additional energy to the spark. The duration ofthe spark is also greatly increased.

(0013) United States Patent No.5, 197,448-titled 'Dual Energy Ignition System' to Porrcea et al. discloses the use of two energy sources at the spark gap. In this system using the capacitive discharge system high voltage is generated in the secondary of the high voltage transformer. This high voltage secondary is connected to the spark plug in series with the low voltage power source. Once the high voltage source ignites the spark plug, the low voltage source automatically delivers power to the spark gap. To deliver the high power, the energy from the low voltage source is delivered to the spark plug by bye passing the high voltage transformer's secondary using a diode.

Summary ofthe Invention

(0014) It is the principal aspect of the present invention to provide for an improved capacitive discharge ignition system for use in internal combustion engines, the system is configurable to provide additional energy at the spark gap during ignition. (0015) It is also an aspect of this invention to configure an improved capacitive discharge ignition system having a power source configured to generate electric power, a primary discharge system configured to augment the energy received from the power source and provide the augmented energy at a spark gap, a secondary discharge system configured to augment the energy received from the power source and provide the augmented energy at a spark gap. The improved capacitive discharge ignition system configured to provide additional energy at the spark gap during ignition employing the secondary discharge ignition system.

(0016) In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for a primary discharge system having a high voltage transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a power source electrically connected on one terminal to the primary winding of the high voltage transformer and the other terminal connected to a mechanical circuit breaker, a spark gap electrically connected to the secondary of the high voltage transformer through a distributor. The primary discharge system configured to provide energy at the spark gap during ignition.

(0017) In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for a secondary discharge system having a DC-DC converter on one terminal connected to the power source and on the other terminal connected to a capacitor, a thyristor operatively connected to the capacitor, a low voltage transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding connected to the capacitor and the secondary winding connected to a current limiting resistor and a plurality of diodes on one terminal connected to the current limiting resistor and on the other terminal connected to the spark gap. The improved ignition system is configurable to produce additional energy in the secondary winding of the low voltage transformer and apply such additional energy produced in the spark gap through the current limiting resistor and the diode.

(0018) In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for configuring an improved ignition system wherein when the mechanical circuit breaker is opened and the thyristor is switched on, an arc is produced at the spark gap due to the energy produced at the secondary of the high voltage transformer and the discharging capacitor delivers an additional energy produced in the secondary winding ofthe low voltage transformer to the spark gap through the current limiting resistor and the diode.

(0019) In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for maintaining the voltage across the spark gap when the arc is produced at a reduced lower value and the turns ratio between the primary winding and the secondary .winding of the low voltage transformer as 1 : 1.

(0020) In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for configuring an improved ignition system wherein the additional energy provided at the spark gap is approximately 100 to 200 mJ.

(0021) In still another important preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for an improved high current capacitive discharge ignition system having a power source configured to generate direct current, a first DC-DC converter having an input terminal and a plurality of output terminals, the input terminal electrically connected to the power source, a first thyristor connected to the first DC-DC converter, the thyristor having a cathode connected to the ground and an anode connected to a capacitor, a high voltage transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding connected the capacitor and the secondary winding connected to a distributor, a spark gap electrically connected to the secondary ofthe high voltage transformer through the distributor, a second DC-DC converter having an input terminal and a plurality of output terminals, the input terminal electrically connected to the power source, a second thyristor connected to the second DC-DC converter, the thyristor having a cathode connected to the ground and an anode connected to a capacitor, a low voltage transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding connected to the capacitor, the secondary winding connected to a current limiting resistor and a plurality of diodes on one terminal connected to the current limiting resistor and on the other terminal connected to the spark gap. The improved high current capacitive discharge ignition system configured to produce additional energy in the secondary winding of the low voltage transformer and applying the additional energy thus produced in the spark gap through the current limiting resistor and the diode.

(0022) In a preferred embodiment, the present invention configures a high current capacitive discharge ignition system wherein when the thyristor connected to the second DC-DC converter is fired, the capacitor connected to the primary winding of the low voltage transformer is discharged. This discharge action produces a voltage in the secondary of the low voltage transformer and the low voltage thus produced is applied to the spark gap through the current limiting resistor and the plurality of the high voltage diodes. In the improved system the voltage across the spark gap when the arc is produced is reduced to a lower value.

(0023) In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for configuring a high current capacitive discharge ignition system wherein the turns ratio between the primary winding and the secondary winding of the low voltage transformer is 1:1. In the system the current limiting resistor is configured to limit the current flowing through the secondary winding of the low voltage transformer. The system comprises a plurality of diodes, which is configured to block the high voltage originating from the spark gap due to the secondary ofthe high voltage transformer.

(0024) In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for providing additional energy at the spark gap in a high current capacitive discharge ignition system of a quantity approximately of 100 to 200 mJ.

(0025) In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention configures a high current capacitive discharge ignition system wherein the current produced by the low voltage transformer remains at the spark gap for approximately 0.5 millisecond.

(0026) In another aspect, the present invention provides for a primary discharge system having a first diode having its anode electrically connected to the power source and its cathode connected to the anode of a first thyristor, a high voltage transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a first capacitor on one end connected to the anode ofthe first thyristor and the other end connected to the primary winding of the high voltage transformer, a first current limiting resistor on one end connected to the secondary winding of the high voltage transformer and the other end connected to a spark gap. The primary discharge system is configured to provide energy at the spark gap during ignition.

(0027) In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for a secondary discharge system having a second diode having its anode electrically connected to the power source and its cathode connected to the anode of a second thyristor, a low voltage transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a second capacitor on one end connected to the anode of the second thyristor and the other end connected to the primary winding of the low voltage transformer, a third diode at the cathode electrically connected to the secondary winding of the low voltage transformer and the anode connected to a second current limiting resistor, the second current limiting resistor electrically connected to a spark gap. The secondary discharge ignition system configured to provide additional energy at the spark gap during ignition.

(0028) In still another aspect, the present invention provides for an improved capacitive discharge ignition system having a power source configured to generate electric current, a high voltage transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a first diode on one end connected to the power source and on the other end connected to the anode of a first thyristor, a first capacitor on one terminal connected to the anode of the first thyristor and the other terminal connected to the primary of the high voltage transformer, a first current limiting resistor on one end connected to the secondary ofthe high voltage transformer and the other end connected to a spark gap, a low voltage transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a second diode on one end connected to the power source and on the other end connected to the anode of a second thyristor, a second capacitor on one end connected to the anode of the second thyristor and the other end connected to the primary of the low voltage transformer, a third diode on one end connected to the secondary of the low voltage transformer and the other end connected to a second current limiting resistor, the second limiting resistor electrically connected to the spark gap. The improved ignition system is configurable to produce additional energy in the secondary winding ofthe low voltage transformer and apply the additional energy thus produced to the spark gap through the second current limiting resistor and the third diode.

(0029). In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for configuring an improved capacitive discharge ignition system wherein along with the firing ofthe first thyristor, the second thyristor is also fired by applying the gate pulse to the second thyristor.

(0030) It also an aspect ofthe present invention to configure an improved capacitive discharge ignition system wherein when the first thyristor is fired by applying a gate pulse, an arc is produced at the spark gap due to the discharge of the first capacitor through the primary ofthe high voltage transformer.

(0031) It is yet another aspect of the present invention to configure an improved capacitive discharge ignition system wherein once the second thyristor is fired it discharges the second capacitor through the primary of the low voltage transformer.

(0032) In still another aspect, the present invention applies the additional energy produced at the secondary of the low voltage transformer to the spark gap through the second diode and the second current limiting resistor.

(0033) In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for maintaining the voltage across the spark gap when the arc is produced at a reduced lower value and the turns ratio between the primary winding and the secondary winding ofthe low voltage transformer is kept close to one.

(0034) It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improved ignition capacitive discharge system wherein the additional energy provided at the spark gap is approximately 150 to 200 mJ.

(0035) It is also an aspect ofthe present invention to provide a method for providing additional energy at a spark gap of a capacitive discharge ignition system. The method comprises configuring a power source to generate electric current, configuring a primary discharge system to receive energy from the power source, augment the energy thus received and provide the augmented energy to a spark gap, configuring a secondary discharge system to receive energy from the power source, augment the energy thus received and provide the augmented energy to the spark gap wherein the augmented energy from the secondary discharge system provides additional energy to the spark gap during ignition.

(0036) In still another aspect, the present invention provides for a method for providing additional energy at a spark gap of a capacitive discharge ignition system. The method comprises configuring a power source to generate electric current, configuring a high voltage transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, charging a first capacitor using the power source through the primary of the high voltage transformer, firing a first thyristor by applying gate pulse to produce an arc at a spark gap, the arc being produced due to the discharge of the first capacitor through the primary of the high voltage transformer, firing a second thyristor by applying gate pulse causing discharge of the second capacitor, the discharge produces a voltage at the secondary of the low voltage transformer wherein the method of applying the voltage thus produced at the secondary of the low voltage transformer to the spark gap through a second current limiting resistor and a third diode enables the system to provide additional energy to the spark gap.

(0037) In still another aspect, the present invention provides for an improved ignition system having a power source configured to generate electric current, a high voltage transformer having a primary winding, a high voltage secondary winding and a low voltage secondary winding, a first diode on one end connected to the power source and on the other end connected to the anode of a thyristor, a capacitor on one terminal connected to the anode of the first thyristor and the other terminal connected to the primary of the high voltage transformer, a first current limiting resistor on one end connected to the high voltage secondary winding of the high voltage transformer and the other end connected to a spark gap, a second diode on one end connected to the low voltage secondary winding of the high voltage transformer and the other end connected to a second current limiting resistor, the second current limiting resistor electrically connected to the spark gap. The improved ignition system is configurable to produce additional energy in the secondary winding of the low voltage transformer and apply the additional energy thus produced to the spark gap through the second current limiting resistor and the second diode.

(0038) In is also an aspect of the present invention to configure a system wherein once the spark is produced at the spark gap due to the high voltage generated at the high voltage secondary winding ofthe high voltage transformer, a low voltage is available at the low voltage secondary winding of the high voltage transformer and delivers this additional energy to the spark gap through the second diode and the second current limiting resistor.

(0039) In an aspect, the present invention provides for a method for providing additional energy at a spark gap of a capacitive discharge ignition system. The method comprises configuring a power source to generate electric current, configuring a high voltage transformer having a primary winding, a high voltage secondary winding and a low voltage secondary winding, charging a first capacitor using the power source through the primary of the high voltage transformer, firing a thyristor by applying gate pulse to produce an arc at a spark gap, the arc being produced due to the discharge of the capacitor through the primary winding of the high voltage transformer, delivering the low voltage generated at the low voltage secondary winding ofthe high voltage transformer to the spark gap wherein the method of applying the voltage thus produced at the low voltage secondary winding of the high voltage transformer to the spark gap through a second current limiting resistor and a second diode enables the system to provide additional energy to the spark gap.

(0040) In an aspect, the present invention provides for an improved capacitive discharge ignition system having a power source configured to generate electric current, a DC-DC Converter having an input terminal and an output terminal configured to produce direct current, a high voltage transformer having a primary winding, a high voltage secondary winding and a low voltage secondary winding, a first diode on one end connected to the DC-DC Converter and on the other end connected to the anode of a thyristor, a capacitor on one terminal connected to the anode of the thyristor and the other terminal connected to the primary winding of the high voltage transformer, a first current limiting resistor on one end connected to the high voltage secondary winding of the high voltage transformer and the other end connected to a spark gap, a second diode on one end connected to the low voltage secondary winding of the high voltage transformer and the other end connected to a second current limiting resistor, the second current limiting resistor electrically connected to the spark gap. The improved capacitive discharge ignition system is configurable to produce additional energy in the low voltage secondary winding of the high voltage transformer and apply the additional energy thus produced to the spark gap through the second current limiting resistor and the second diode.

(0041) In an aspect, the present invention also provides for a method for providing additional energy at a spark gap of a capacitive discharge ignition system. The method comprises configuring a power source to generate electric current, configuring a high voltage transformer having a primary winding, a high voltage secondary winding and a low voltage secondary winding, configuring a DC-DC Converter to provide a direct current, charging a capacitor using the DC- DC Converter through the primary winding of the high voltage transformer, firing a thyristor by applying gate pulse to produce an arc at the spark gap, the arc being produced due to the discharge ofthe capacitor through the primary winding of the high voltage transformer, configuring a first current limiting resistor connected on one end to the high voltage secondary winding ofthe high voltage transformer and the other end connected the spark gap, configuring a second current limiting resistor connected on one end to the spark gap and the other end connected to the second diode, the second diode connected to the low voltage secondary winding of the high voltage transformer wherein the method enables applying the voltage produced at the low voltage secondary winding of the low voltage transformer to the spark gap through a second current limiting resistor and a second diode.

(0042) In an aspect the present invention provides for an improved capacitive discharge ignition system having a high voltage secondary of the high voltage transformer connected on one end to the first current limiting resistor and the other end being grounded, a distributor connected on one end to the first current limiting resistor and the other end connected to a plurality of spark gaps, a second current limiting resistor connected on one end to the plurality of spark gaps and the other end connected to a plurality of diodes, the plurality of diodes connected to the low voltage secondary of the high voltage transformer. The improved capacitive discharge ignition system used in multiple spark gap engines configurable to provide additional energy at the spark gap during ignition.

(0043) It is also an aspect of the present invention that it is adaptable for applications in various types of single service ignition systems, direct ignition systems, integrated coil electronic ignition systems, pencil ignition coil systems and the semi-conductor switch based inductive ignition systems (similar to point based systems).

Brief Description ofthe Drawing Figures

(0044) Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the improved capacitive discharge ignition.

(0045) Fig.2 is a Circuit Diagram of the High Current Capacitive Discharge Ignition System applied to the mechanical circuit breaker based ignition system

(0046) Fig. 3 is a Graph showing the Current Waveform ofthe Mechanical Circuit Breaker Based Ignition System and the High Current Capacitive Discharge Ignition System.

(0047) Fig.4 is a Circuit Diagram of the High Current Capacitive Discharge Ignition System applied to the Conventional Capacitive Discharge System.

(0048) Fig.5 is a Graph showing the Current Waveform of the High Current Capacitive Discharge Ignition System applied to the Conventional Capacitive Discharge Ignition System.

(0049) Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram of the high current capacitive discharge ignition system applied to the magneto based ignition system.

(0050) Fig. 7 is a circuit diagram of the magneto based independent improved capacitive discharge ignition system. (0051) Fig. 8 is a circuit diagram of the battery based improved capacitive discharge ignition system.

(0052) Fig 9 is the circuit diagram showing the capacitive discharge system for multiple cylinder engines.

Detailed Description ofthe Preferred Embodiments

(0053) Fig 1 illustrates the components of an improved capacitive discharge ignition system [100]. The power source [110] delivers power to the primary discharge system [120] and the secondary discharge system [130]. The primary discharge system [120] augments the power received from the power source [110] and delivers the energy to the spark gap [140] thereby producing a spark. The secondary discharge system [130] also receives the power from the power source [110] and augments the power and delivers the energy to the spark gap [140]. Spark has been provided at the spark gap [140] by the primary discharge system [120] and the energy delivered by the secondary discharge system [130] provides additional energy to the spark gap.

(0054) Fig.2 illustrates a circuit diagram in the context of the present invention. A power source [110] is connected on one end to a high voltage transformer primary [150]. The other end of high voltage transformer primary [150] is connected to a mechanical circuit breaker [170]. The high voltage transformer secondary [160] is connected to a spark gap [140] through a distributor [180]. Specific spark gap [140] is ignited when the specific distribution point in the distributor [180] is connected. In this conventional system to produce spark, first the mechanical circuit breaker [170] is closed for some time. During this time current builds up in the high voltage transformer primary [150]. After some time, the mechanical circuit breaker [170] is opened. The opening of the mechanical circuit breaker [170] interrupts the primary current in the primary of the high voltage transformer [150]. Because of this sudden interruption of primary current, a high voltage is produced in the high voltage transformer's secondary [160]. This high voltage is of the order of 10-30KN. This high voltage produces spark at the spark gap [140]. Normally, the duration of the spark is about 1 millisecond and the peak current to the spark is about 30mA. The resultant energy delivered at the spark gap [140] is only about 10 to 30mJ. To increase this energy level, the additional circuit consists of a DC-to-DC converter [190], a thyristor [200], a capacitor [210], a primary of the low voltage transformer [220], a secondary of the low voltage transformer [230], a current limiting resistor [240] and a diode [250] are used.

(0055) The DC-to-DC converter [190] produces about 500V DC from the input supply of a power source [110]. This 500V DC charges the capacitor [210] through the primary of the low voltage transformer [220]. This charged capacitor [210] is discharged using the thyristor [200]. The thyristor [200] is switched ON by applying the required gate pulse whenever the mechanical circuit breaker [170], is switched OFF. It is very important to operate the thyristor [200] along with the mechanical circuit breaker [170]. The switching ON ofthe thyristor [200] discharges the capacitor [210] through the primary of the low voltage transformer [220]. A voltage of about 500V is produced in the secondary of the low voltage transformer [230] whenever capacitor [210] is discharged. This low voltage is now applied to the spark gap [140], through the current limiting resistor [240] and the diode [250]. Whenever the mechanical circuit breaker [170] is opened, an arc is produced at the spark gap [140] due to high voltage originating from the secondary of the high voltage transformer [160]. Since along with the opening of mechanical circuit breaker [170], the thyristor [200] is also switched ON, the discharging of capacitor [210] delivers energy to the spark gap [140] through the current limiting resistor [240] and the diode [250]. The voltage produced at the secondary of the low voltage transformer [230] is able to deliver energy to the spark gap [140] because the high voltage from the secondary of the high voltage transformer [160] had already produced spark and the voltage across the spark gap [140] was already reduced to a lower value. Most of the energy stored in the capacitor [210] which is ^lA CN², is delivered to the spark gap. For Capacitance, C=2uF and Voltage, N=500N. The energy available at the capacitor 180 is 250mJ. This additional energy delivering system consisting components DC-to-DC converter [190], thyristor [200], capacitor [210], primary of the low voltage transformer [220], secondary of the low voltage transformer [230], current limiting resistor [240] and diode [250] is a modified form of conventional Capacitive Discharge System. In the present system, the turns ratio between the primary ofthe low voltage transformer [220] and the secondary ofthe low voltage transformer [230] is kept as 1:1. Therefore, only about 500V alone is available at the secondary of the low voltage transformer [230]. Because of this 1:1 ratio, the reflected impedance seen by the primary ofthe low voltage transformer [220] due to the spark at the spark gap [140] is high. In the present circuit, since the ratio between the primary ofthe low voltage transformer [220] and the secondary ofthe low voltage transformer [230] is kept as 1:1, the reflected impedance at the primary of the low voltage transformer [220] is comparatively high and hence the discharge time of the capacitor [210] is comparatively higher. Typically, it is about 0.5ms duration in the modified circuit as described in the present invention. During this discharge time, through the current limiting resistor [240] and the diode [250] energy is delivered to the already existing spark. The current actually flowing through the secondary of the low voltage transformer [230] is comparatively high because of the 1:1 transformer ratio. The current limiting resistor [240] is used actually to limit the current. Typically 100-200Ω is used. The diode [250] is used to block the high voltage coming from the spark gap [140] due to the secondary ofthe high voltage transformer [160].

(0056) Fig. 3 illustrates the waveform of the current due to the mechanical circuit breaker at the spark gap [140] and the waveform of the current due to the high current capacitive discharge system at the spark gap [140]. The actual current of the high current system is about 1 A peak. By keeping the lower value of current limiting resistor [240], the peak current magnitude can be increased up to 3 A. However, this reduces the time duration of the secondary discharge. (The discharge due to the firing ofthe thyristor [200] is called secondary discharge. The discharge due to the high voltage from the secondary of the high voltage transformer [160] is called the primary discharge). The primary discharge supplies about 10-30mJ of energy to the spark gap [140] and the secondary discharge delivers about 100-200 milli joules of energy at the spark gap [140]. In this invention most of the energy flows through the low resistance transformer secondary and hence high efficiency.

(0057) Fig. 4 illustrates the circuit diagram of a High Current Capacitive Discharge Ignition System applied to the Conventional Capacitive Ignition System in the context ofthe present invention. A power source [110] is connected to the DC-DC converter [260]. One end of the DC-DC converter [260] output is connected to ground and the other end ofthe output ofthe DC-DC converter [260] is connected to the thyristor [270]. The cathode ofthe thyristor [270] is connected to the ground. The anode of the thyristor [270] is connected to one end of the capacitor [280]. The other end of the capacitor [ 280] is connected to the one end of the high voltage transformer primary [150]. One end of the secondary of the high voltage transformer [160] is connected to the ground and the other end ofthe secondary of the high voltage transformer [160] is connected to the distributor [180]. The specific spark gap [140] is connected to the specific distributor point [180]. In this Conventional Capacitive Discharge System to produce the spark, first the DC-DC converter [260] charges the capacitor [280] through the primary of the high voltage transformer [150]. After this the gate voltage is applied to the thyristor [270]. This discharges the capacitor [280] through the primary of the high voltage transformer [150]. This discharge produces about -10 kV to -30 kV voltage at the secondary of the high voltage transformer [160]. This high voltage is applied to the specific spark gap [140] through the specific point in the distributor [180]. This high voltage ignites the spark gap [140] producing the spark of about 0.1 millisecond and its energy level is about 10-30 mJ.

(0058) The second DC-DC converter [190] is connected to the power source [110]. One end of the output of the DC-DC converter [190] is grounded and the other end of the DC-DC converter [190] is connected to the anode of the second thyristor [200]. The anode of the second thyristor [200] is connected to the capacitor [210]. The other end of the capacitor [210] is connected to the low voltage transformer primary [220]. The secondary of the low voltage transformer [230] is connected to the current limiting resistor [240]. The current limiting resistor [240] is connected to the high voltage diodes [250]. The high voltage diodes [250] are connected to the spark gap [140].

(0059) Whenever the thyristor [270] is fired by applying its gate pulse, arc is produced at the spark gap [140] due to the discharge of the capacitor [280] through the primary of the transformer [150]. After discharging of the capacitor [280] the thyristor [270] goes off automatically and the capacitor [280] will be getting charged from the DC-DC converter [260]. Along with firing of the thyristor [270] the thyristor [200] is also fired simultaneously by applying the gate pulse. Once the thyristor [200] is fired, it discharges the capacitor [210] through the primary of the low voltage transformer [220]. This discharge action produces about 500 volt in the secondary ofthe lpw voltage transformer [230]. This voltage is applied to the spark gap [140] through the current limiting resistor [240] and the high voltage diodes [250]. Due to the high voltage from the secondary ofthe high voltage transformer [160] the spark gap [140] had already produced the spark and the voltage across the spark gap [140] was already reduced to a lower value. Therefore, the low voltage coming from the secondary of the low voltage transformer [230] delivers additional energy to the spark. As described in the previous embodiment, since the turns ratio of the low voltage transformer is kept as 1:1, at its secondary [230] large current of the order of 1A to 3A flows through the spark gap [140]. The duration of the spark is also about 0.5 millisecond and the current limiting resistor [240] of the order of 100- 200 ohm is used. The diode [250] is used to block the high voltage coming from the spark gap [140] during the initial period due to high voltage transformer secondary [160]. The actual current waveform is similar to the one shown in the fig.5. The energy delivered by the high current discharge system consisting of DC-DC converter [190], the thyristor [200], the capacitor [210] and the low voltage transformer primary [220], the low voltage transformer secondary [230], the current limiting resistor [240], the diode [250] are ofthe order of 100- 200 milli joules at the spark gap [140].

(0060) Fig.5 illustrates the current waveform due to the Conventional Capacitive Discharge System at the spark gap [140] and the current waveform due to the high current capacitive discharge system at the spark gap [140]. The Conventional Capacitive Discharge System produces current of approximately 30 milliamps and its duration is only about 100 microseconds. The Improved Ignition System produced a peak current of approximately 1 amps and its duration is about 400 microseconds as illustrated in the figure- 5. As in the illustration the current from the low voltage transformer secondary [230] starts immediately after the start of the high voltage transformer's secondary [160] current. The low voltage transformer current actually decays slowly and lasts approximately 0.5 millisecond.

(0061) Fig 6 shows the improved capacitive discharge system to provide additional energy at the spark gap [140] for the magneto based capacitive discharge ignition system. The power source [110] is a magneto in the case of a magneto based capacitive discharge ignition system. The high voltage output of magneto [110] is connected to the anode ofthe first diode [290]. The other end of the high voltage output ofthe magneto is grounded. The cathode ofthe first diode [290] is connected to the anode of the first thyristor [270]. The first diode [290] blocks the negative voltage coming from the magneto [110]. The cathode of the first thyristor [270] is grounded. The anode ofthe first thyristor [270] is connected to the one end of the first capacitor [280]. The other end of the first capacitor [280] is connected to one end of the high voltage transformer primary [150]. The other end of the high voltage transformer primary [150] is grounded. One end of the high voltage transformer secondary [160] is grounded. The other end of the high voltage transformer secondary [160] is connected to the first current limiting resistor [300]. The other end of the first current limiting resistor [300] is connected to the spark gap [140]. The other end of the spark gap [140] is grounded.

(0062) To produce a spark in a magneto based capacitive discharge system, first the magneto [110] charges the first capacitor [280] through the high voltage transformer primary [150] to a high voltage. After this, gate pulse is applied operatively to the first thyristor [270]. This discharges the first capacitor [280] through the primary [150] of the high voltage transformer. This discharge produces about -10 kV to -20 kV at the secondary [160] of the high voltage transformer. This high voltage is applied to the spark plug [140] in most cases through the first current limiting resistor [300]. This high voltage could be also directly applied to the spark gap [140] with out the current limiting resistor. Also, in other embodiments, this high resistance is in the form of cable resistance. This high voltage ignites the spark gap at the spark gap [140] producing the spark of about 0.1 milli second duration and its energy level is about 10-30 milli joules.

(0063) For providing additional high energy to the spark gap of a magneto based capacitive discharge ignition system [100] the output of the magneto [110] is again connected to the anode ofthe second diode [310]. The cathode ofthe second diode [310] is connected to the anode of the second thyristor [200]. The second diode [310] is used to block the negative voltage coming from the magneto [110]. The cathode of the second thyristor [200] is grounded. The anode of the second thyristor [200] is connected to one end of the second capacitor [210]. The other end of the second capacitor [210] is connected to the one end of the low voltage transformer primary [220]. The other end of the low voltage transformer primary [220] is grounded. The one end of the low voltage transformer secondary [230] is connected to ground. The other end of the low voltage transformer secondary [230] is connected to the cathode of the third diode [250]. The anode of the third diode [250] is connected to the second current limiting resistor [240]. The other end of the second current limiting resistor [240] is connected to the spark gap [140]. (0064) Whenever the first thyristor [270] is fired by applying the gate pulse, an arc is produced at the spark gap [140] due to the discharge of the first capacitor [280] through the primary [150] of the high voltage transformer. Along with the firing of the first thyristor [270], the second thyristor [200] is also fired by applying the gate pulse to the second thyristor [200]. Once the second thyristor [200] is fired, it discharges the second capacitor [210] through the low voltage transformer primary [220]. This discharge produces about 500 volt in the low voltage transformer secondary [230]. This voltage is applied to the spark gap [140] through the second current limiting resistor [240] and the third diode [250]. Due to the high voltage from the high voltage transformer secondary [160], the spark gap [140] had already produced the spark and the voltage across the spark gap [140] was already reduced to a lower value. Therefore, the low voltage coming from the low voltage transformer secondary [230] delivers additional energy to the spark. The turns ratio of the low voltage transformer is kept close to one and because of this, large current of the order of 1 to 3 A flows through the spark gap [140]. The duration ofthe spark is about 0.3 millisecond and the current limiting resistor of the order of 100-300 ohms is used. The energy delivered by the secondary discharge system [130] consisting of the second thyristor [200], the second capacitor [210], the low voltage transformer primary [220], the low voltage transformer secondary [230], the third diode [250], the second current limiting resistor [240] is of the order of 150 to 200 milli joule at the spark gap [140].

(0065) Fig. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a magneto based capacitive discharge ignition system. One end of the power source, magneto [110] is grounded. The other end of the magneto [110] is connected to the anode of the first diode [290]. The cathode ofthe first diode [290] is connected to the anode of the thyristor [270]. The cathode of the thyristor [270] is grounded. The anode of the thyristor [270] is connected to one end ofthe capacitor [280]. The other end of the capacitor [280] is connected to one end of the high voltage transformer primary [150]. The other end of the high voltage transformer primary [150] is grounded. The high voltage transformer secondary [160] is connected to the first current limiting resistor [300]. The other end of the first current limiting resistor [300] is connected to the spark gap [140]. The high voltage transformer's low voltage secondary winding [320] is connected to the second diode [250]. The other end of the second diode [250] is connected to the second current limiting resistor [240]. The other end of the second current limiting resistor [240] is connected to the spark gap [140].

(0066) The magneto [110] charges the capacitor [280] through the high voltage transformer's primary [150]. The first diode [290] blocks the negative voltage coming from the magneto [110]. Then the thyristor [270] is fired by applying the gate pulse. This discharges the capacitor [280] through the high voltage transformer primary [150]. This produces high voltage in the high voltage transformer secondary [160] of the order of 10-20 KV. This high voltage passes through the first current limiting resistor [300] and produces the spark in the spark gap [140]. The current available from the high voltage secondary winding [160] of the high voltage transformer is ofthe order of 30 mA. Once the spark is produced due to the high voltage as described above, the low voltage available in the low voltage secondary winding [320] of the high voltage transformer, which is of the order of 500 Volt delivers additional energy to the spark, through the second diode [250] and the second current limiting resistor [240]. The second diode [250] only allows negative current to flow from the low voltage secondary winding [320] of the high voltage transformer. The current available in the low voltage secondary winding [320] of the high voltage transformer is ofthe order of 1 to 3 A. Because of this high current from the low voltage secondary winding [320] of the high voltage transformer, large energy of the order of 100-milli joule is available at the spark.

(0067) Fig 8 illustrates the application of high energy capacitive discharge system as an independent system using battery as a power source. The power source battery [110] is connected to the input of the DC-DC converter [260]. The output of the DC-DC converter [260] is connected to the anode of the first diode [290]. The cathode of the first diode [290] is connected to the anode of the thyristor [270]. The first diode [290] blocks the negative voltage coming from the DC-DC Converter [260]. The cathode of the thyristor [270] is grounded. The anode of the thyristor [270] is connected to the capacitor [280]. The other end of the capacitor [280] is connected to the primary of the high voltage transformer [150]. The other end of the high voltage transformer primary [150] is grounded. The high voltage transformer's high voltage secondary [160] is connected to the first current limiting resistor [300]. The other end of the first current limiting resistor [300] is connected to the spark gap [140]. The low voltage secondary [320] of the high voltage transformer is connected to the cathode of the second diode [250]. The anode of the second diode [250] is connected to the second current limiting resistor [240]. The second diode [250] allows only negative current to flow from the low voltage secondary winding [320] of the high voltage transformer. The other end of the second current limiting resistor [240] is connected to the spark gap [140].

(0068) The DC-DC converter [260] first charges the capacitor [280] to a high voltage of the order of 500 volt through the primary [150] of the high voltage transformer. Then, by applying the pulse to the gate of the thyristor [270] it is fired. This action discharges the capacitor [280] through the primary [150] of the high voltage transformer. The high voltage produced in the secondary [160] ofthe high voltage transformer ignites the spark gap [140] by sending the current through the high resistance current limiting resistor [300]. The current limiting resistor [300] is of the order of 20 kilo Ohms. The current due to the secondary [160] of the high voltage transformer is of the order of 30 milli amps. Once the spark is produced at the spark gap [140], the voltage of the order of 500 volt, which is available at the low voltage secondary [320] of the high voltage transformer, delivers additional current ofthe order of 1 to 3 A through the second diode [250] and the second current limiting resistor [240]. Because of this high current large energy ofthe order of 100 milli joule is delivered at the spark.

(0069) Fig 9 illustrates another embodiment of the current invention for multi cylinder engines having multiple spark gaps. The high voltage secondary [160] of the high voltage transformer is connected on one end to the first current limiting resistor [300]. The other end ofthe high voltage secondary [160] is grounded. The other end of the first current limiting resistor [300] is connected to a distributor [180]. The distributor [180] is further connected to a plurality of spark gaps [140]. The low voltage secondary [320] of the high voltage transformer is connected to the second current limiting resistor [240] on one end and the other end grounded. A plurality of second diodes [250] is connected to the spark gap [140] on the anode end and the cathode ends are connected to the other end of the second current limiting resistor [240].

(0070) The high voltage pulse generated from the high voltage secondary [160] of a high voltage transformer is delivered to the spark gap [140] through the first current limiting resistor [300] and the distributor [180]. This high voltage thus produces a spark at the spark gap [140]. According to the position of the distributor [180] the respective spark gap [140] is fired. A low voltage from the low voltage secondary [320] of a high voltage transformer is also applied at the spark gap [140] through the second current limiting resistor [240] and the plurality of second diodes [250] and in turn additional energy is provided at the spark gap [140].

(0071) Having described the preferred embodiment of methods for providing additional energy at a spark gap during ignition and an auxiliary capacitive discharge ignition system to achieve the same (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light ofthe above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and described protected by Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. A high current capacitive discharge ignition system configurable to provide additional energy at a spark gap (140) during ignition

2. A high current capacitive discharge ignition system comprising: a high voltage transformer having a primary winding (150) and a secondary winding (160); a power source (110) electrically connected on one terminal to the primary winding (150) of the high voltage transformer and the other terminal connected to a mechanical circuit breaker (170); a spark gap (140) electrically connected to the secondary (160) of the high voltage transformer through a distributor (180); a DC-DC converter (190) on one terminal connected to the power source (110) and on the other terminal connected to a capacitor (210), the DC-DC converter configurable to produce direct current from the input supply of the power source (110); a thyristor (200) configurable to discharge the capacitor (210), the thyristor (200) operatively connected to the capacitor (210) and the mechanical circuit breaker (170) whereby when the thyristor (200) is switched ON the mechanical circuit breaker (170) is switched OFF; a low voltage transformer having a primary winding (220) and a secondary winding (230), the primary winding (220) connected to the capacitor (210) and the secondary winding (230) connected to a current limiting resistor (240), the current limiting resistor (240) configurable to limit the current flowing through the secondary winding (230) ofthe low voltage transformer; a plurality of diodes (250) on one terminal connected to the current limiting resistor (240) and on the other terminal connected to the spark gap (140), the plurality of diodes (250) configurable to block high voltage originating from the spark gap (140) due to the secondary (160) of the high voltage transformer wherein the improved high current capacitive discharge ignition system is configurable to produce additional energy in the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer and apply the additional energy thus produced in the spark gap (140) through the current limiting resistor (240) and the diode (250).

3. The system according to claim 2 wherein the capacitor (210) is charged employing the direct current produced by the DC-DC converter (190) through the primary (220) ofthe low voltage transformer.

4. The system according to claim 2 wherein when the mechanical circuit breaker (170) is opened and the thyristor (200) is switched ON, an arc is produced at the spark gap (140) due to the energy produced at the secondary (160) of the high voltage transformer and the discharging capacitor (210) delivers additional energy produced in the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer to the spark gap (140) through the current limiting resistor (240) and the diode (250).

5. The system according to claim 4 wherein the voltage across the spark gap (140) when the arc is produced is reduced to a lower value.

6. The system according to claim 2 wherein the turns ratio between the primary winding (220) and the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer is 1:1.

7. The system according to claim 2 wherein the additional energy provided at the spark gap (140) is approximately 100 to 200 mJ.

8. The system according to claim 2 wherein the power source includes a magneto.

9. A high current capacitive discharge ignition system comprising: a power source (110) configurable to generate direct current; a first DC-DC converter (260) having an input terminal and a plurality of output terminals, the input terminal electrically connected to the power source (110); a first thyristor (270) connected to the first DC-DC converter (260), the thyristor (270) having a cathode connected to the ground and an anode connected to a capacitor (280); a high voltage transformer having a primary winding (150) and a secondary winding (160), the primary winding (150) connected to the capacitor (280) and the secondary winding (160) connected to a distributor (180); a spark gap (140) electrically connected to the secondary (160) of the high voltage transformer through the distributor (180); a second DC-DC converter (190) having an input terminal and a plurality of output terminals, the input terminal electrically connected to the power source (110); a second thyristor (200) connected to the second DC-DC converter (190), the thyristor (200) having a cathode connected to the ground and an anode connected to a capacitor (210); a low voltage transformer having a primary winding (220) and a secondary winding (230), the primary winding (220) connected to the capacitor (210), the secondary winding (230) connected to a current limiting resistor (240), the cuπent limiting resistor (240) configurable to limit the current flowing through the secondary winding (230) ofthe low voltage transformer; a plurality of diodes (250) on one terminal connected to the cuπent limiting resistor (240) and on the other terminal connected to the spark gap (140), the plurality of diodes (250) configurable to block the high voltage originating from the spark gap (140) due to the secondary (160) of the high voltage transformer wherein the improved ignition system is configurable to produce additional energy in the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer and applying the additional energy thus produced in the spark gap (140) through the cuπent limiting resistor (240) and the diode (250).

10. The system according to claim 9 wherein the thyristor (200) connected to the second DC-DC converter (190) when fired, the capacitor (210) connected to the primary winding (220) of the low voltage transformer is discharged causing a voltage in the secondary (230) of the low voltage transformer, said low voltage is then applied to the spark gap (140) through the current limiting resistor (240) and the plurality ofthe high voltage diodes (250).

11. The system according to claim 10 wherein the voltage across the spark gap (140) when the arc is produced is reduced to a lower value.

12. The system according to claim 9 wherein the turns ratio between the primary winding (220) and the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer is 1:1.

13. The system according to claim 9 wherein the additional energy provided at the spark gap (140) is approximately 100 to 200 mJ.

14. The system according to claim 9 wherein the cuπent produced by the low voltage transformer remains at the spark gap (140) for approximately 0.5 millisecond.

15. The system according to claim 9 wherein the power source includes a magneto.

16. A capacitive discharge ignition system (100) characterized in that comprising: a power source (110) configured to generate electric current; a high voltage transformer having a primary winding (150) and a secondary winding (160); a first diode (290) on one end connected to the power source (110) and on the other end connected to the anode of a first thyristor (270); a first capacitor (280) on one terminal connected to the anode of the first thyristor (270) and the other terminal connected to the primary winding (150) ofthe high voltage transformer; a first current limiting resistor (300) on one end connected to the secondary winding (160) of the high voltage transformer and the other end connected to a spark gap (140); a low voltage transformer having a primary winding (220) and a secondary winding (230); a second diode (310) on one end connected to the power source (110) and on the other end connected to the anode of a second thyristor (200); a second capacitor (210) on one end connected to the anode of the second thyristor (200) and the other end connected to the primary winding (220) ofthe low voltage transformer; a third diode (250) on one end connected to the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer and the other end connected to a second current limiting resistor (240), the second current limiting resistor (240) electrically connected to the spark gap (140) wherein the improved capacitive discharge ignition system (100) is configurable to produce additional energy in the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer and apply the additional energy thus produced to the spark gap (140) through the second current limiting resistor (240) and the third diode (250).

17. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 16 wherein the system is capable of being implemented in multi cylinder engines.

18. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 16 further comprising the first thyristor (270) operatively connected to the power source (110) whereby when the first thyristor (270) is fired by applying the gate pulse, the first capacitor (280) discharges through the primary winding (150) of the high voltage transformer.

19. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 16 further comprising the second thyristor (200) operatively connected to the power source (110) whereby when the second thyristor (200) is fired by applying the gate pulse the second capacitor (210) discharges through the primary winding (220) ofthe high voltage transformer.

20. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 16 wherein when the first thyristor (270) is fired by applying the gate pulse an arc is produced at the spark gap (140) due to the discharge ofthe first capacitor (280) through the high voltage transformer, thereby reducing the voltage across the spark gap (140) to a lower value.

21. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 16 wherein the second thyristor (200) is also fired with the firing of the first thyristor (270) when the gate pulse is applied.

22. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 16 wherein the second thyristor (200) discharges the second capacitor (210) through the primary winding (220) of the low voltage fransformer thereby producing a low voltage across the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer and delivers the additional energy thus produced in the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer to the spark gap (140) through the third diode (250) and the second current limiting resistor (240).

23. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 16 wherein the turns ratio between the primary winding (220) and the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer is kept close to 1 thereby causing a large cuπent to flow through the spark gap.

24. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 20 wherein the current flowing through the spark gap is ofthe order of 1-3 A.

25. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 16 wherein the duration ofthe spark is about 0.3 millisecond.

26. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 16 wherein the additional energy provided at the spark gap (140) is approximately 150 to 200 mJ.

27. A method for providing additional energy at a spark gap (140) of a capacitive discharge ignition system (100), the method comprising: configuring a power source (110) to generate electric cuπent; configuring a high voltage transformer having a primary winding (150) and a secondary winding (160); charging a first capacitor (280) using the power source (110) through the primary winding (150) ofthe high voltage transformer; firing a first thyristor (270) by applying gate pulse to produce an arc at a spark gap (140), the arc being produced due to the discharge ofthe first capacitor (280) through the primary winding (150) ofthe high voltage transformer; configuring a low voltage transformer having a primary winding (220) and a secondary winding (230); charging a second capacitor (210) using the power source (110) through the primary winding (220) ofthe low voltage transformer; firing a second thyristor (200) by applying gate pulse causing discharge of the second capacitor (210), the discharge thereby producing a voltage at the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer wherein the method enables applying the voltage thus produced at the secondary winding (230) of the low voltage transformer to the spark gap (140) through a second cuπent limiting resistor (240) and a third diode (250).

28. A high cuπent capacitive discharge ignition system (100) comprising: a power source (110) configurable to generate electric current; a high voltage transformer having a primary winding (150), a high voltage secondary winding (160) and a low voltage secondary winding (320); a first diode (290) on one end connected to the power source (110) and on the other end connected to the anode of a thyristor (270), the first diode (290) configurable to block the negative voltage coming from the power source (110); a capacitor (280) on one terminal connected to the anode of the thyristor (270) and the other terminal connected to the primary winding (150) of the high voltage transformer; a first cuπent limiting resistor (300) on one end connected to the high voltage secondary winding (160) of the high voltage transformer and the other end connected to a spark gap (140); a second diode (250) on one end connected to the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the transformer and the other end connected to a second current limiting resistor (240), the second diode (250) configurable to allow only negative current to flow from the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the high voltage transformer to the spark gap (140), the second cuπent limiting resistor (240) electrically connected to the spark gap (140) wherein the high cuπent capacitive discharge ignition system (100) is configurable to produce additional energy in the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the high voltage transformer and apply the additional energy thus produced at the spark gap (140) through the second cuπent limiting resistor (240) and the second diode (250).

29. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 28 further comprising a thyristor (270) operatively connected to the power source (110) whereby when the thyristor (270) is fired by applying the gate pulse, the capacitor (280) discharges through the primary winding (150) of the high voltage transformer and an arc is produced at the spark gap (140) reducing the voltage across the spark gap (140) to a lower value;

30. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 28 wherein the current flowing through the low voltage secondary winding (320) ofthe high voltage transformer is ofthe order of 1-3 A.

31. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 28 wherein the additional energy provided at the spark gap (140) is approximately 100 mJ.

32. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 28 wherein the system is capable of being implemented in multi cylinder engines.

33. A method of providing additional energy at a spark gap (140) of a capacitive discharge ignition system (100), characterized in that comprising: configuring a power source (110) to generate electric cuπent; configuring a high voltage transformer having a primary winding (150), a high voltage secondary winding and a secondary winding (160); charging a capacitor (280) using the power source (110) through the primary winding (150) ofthe high voltage transformer; firing a thyristor (270) by applying gate pulse to produce an arc at a spark gap (140), the arc being produced due to the discharge of the capacitor (280) through the primary winding (150) ofthe high voltage transformer; configuring a first cuπent limiting resistor (300) connected on one end to the high voltage secondary winding (160) of the high voltage transformer and the other end connected to the spark gap (140); configuring a second current limiting resistor (240) connected on one end to the spark gap (140) and the other end connected to the second diode (250), the second diode (250) connected to the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the high voltage transformer wherein the method enables applying the voltage produced at the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the low voltage transformer to the spark gap (140) through a second cuπent limiting resistor (240) and a second diode (250).

34. A high current capacitive discharge ignition system (100) characterized in that comprising: a power source (110) configurable to generate electric current; a DC-DC Converter (260) having an input terminal and an output terminal configured to produce direct current; a high voltage transformer having a primary winding (150), a high voltage secondary winding (160) and a low voltage secondary winding (320); a first diode (290) on one end connected to the DC-DC Converter (260) and on the other end connected to the anode of a thyristor (270), the first diode (290) configurable to block the negative voltage coming from the DC-DC Converter (260); a capacitor (280) on one terminal connected to the anode of the thyristor (270) and the other terminal connected to the primary winding (150) of the high voltage transformer; a first current limiting resistor (300) on one end connected to the high voltage secondary winding (160) of the high voltage transformer and the other end connected to a spark gap (140); a second diode (250) on one end connected to the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the high voltage transformer and the other end connected to a second cuπent limiting resistor (240), the second diode (250) configured to allow only negative cunent to flow from the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the high voltage transformer to the spark gap (140), the second current limiting resistor (240) electrically connected to the spark gap (140) wherein the high cuπent capacitive discharge ignition system is configurable to produce additional energy in the low voltage secondary winding (320) ofthe high voltage transformer and apply the additional energy thus produced at the spark gap (140) through the second current limiting resistor (240) and the second diode (250).

35. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 34 further comprising a thyristor (270) operatively connected to the DC-DC Converter (260) whereby when the thyristor (270) is fired by applying the gate pulse, the capacitor (280) discharges through the primary winding (150) of the high voltage transformer and an arc is produced at the spark gap (140) reducing the voltage across the spark gap (140) to a lower value.

36. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 34 wherein the cuπent flowing through the low voltage secondary winding (320) ofthe high voltage transformer is ofthe order of 1-3 A.

37. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 34 wherein the additional energy provided at the spark gap (140) is approximately 100 mJ.

38. The capacitive discharge ignition system (100) according to claim 34 wherein the system is adaptable for use in multi cylinder engines.

39. A method for providing additional energy at a spark gap (140) of a capacitive discharge ignition system (100), characterized in that comprising: configuring a power source (110) to generate electric current; configuring a high voltage transformer having a primary winding (150), a high voltage secondary winding (160) and a low voltage secondary winding (320); configuring a DC-DC Converter (260) to provide a direct cunent; charging a capacitor (280) using the DC-DC Converter (260) through the primary winding (150) ofthe high voltage transformer; firing a thyristor (270) by applying gate pulse to produce an arc at the spark gap (140), the arc being produced due to the discharge ofthe capacitor (280) through the primary winding (150) ofthe high voltage transformer; configuring a first cuπent limiting resistor (300) connected on one end to the high voltage secondary winding (160) of the high voltage transformer and the other end connected to the spark gap (140); configuring a second cunent limiting resistor (240) connected on one end to the spark gap (140) and the other end connected to the second diode (250), the second diode (250) connected to the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the high voltage transfonner wherein the method enables applying the voltage produced at the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the low voltage transformer to the spark gap (140) through a second cuπent limiting resistor (240) and a second diode (250).

40. A capacitive discharge ignition system (100) characterized in that comprising: a high voltage transformer having a high voltage secondary winding (160) and a low voltage secondary winding (320); a first cunent limiting resistor (300); a distributor (180) on one end connected to the first cuπent limiting resistor (300) and the other end connected to a plurality of spark gaps (140), the spark gaps (140) being grounded on the other end; a second cuπent limiting resistor (240); a plurality of diodes (250) connected on one end to the second cuπent limiting resistor (240) and the other end connected to the low voltage secondary (320) of the high voltage fransformer, the second cuπent limiting resistor (240) in turn connected to a plurality of spark gaps (140) wherein the improved capacitive discharge ignition system (100) is configurable to produce additional energy in the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the high voltage transformer and apply the additional energy thus produced at the spark gap (140) through the second cunent limiting resistor (240) and the plurality of diodes (250) in multiple cylinder engines.

41. A method for providing additional energy at a spark gap (140) of a capacitive discharge ignition system (100) for multiple spark gap engines, characterized in that comprising: configuring a high voltage transformer having a high voltage secondary winding (160) and a low voltage secondary winding (320); configuring a first cunent limiting resistor (300); configuring a distributor (180) connected on one end to the first cuπent limiting resistor (300) and the other end connected to a plurality of spark gaps (140), the spark gaps (140) being grounded on the other end; configuring a second cuπent limiting resistor (240); configuring a plurality of diodes (250) connected on one end to the second cunent limiting resistor (240) and the other end connected to the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the high voltage transformer, the second cunent limiting resistor (240) in turn connected to a plurality of spark gaps (140) wherein the method enables applying the additional energy produced at the low voltage secondary winding (320) of the high voltage transformer to the spark gap (140) through the second cuπent limiting resistor (240) and the plurality of diodes (250) of an improved capacitive discharge ignition system (100) used for multiple spark gap engines.