US3731143A - Transistorized ignition system for gas turbine engines - Google Patents

Transistorized ignition system for gas turbine engines Download PDF

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Publication number
US3731143A
US3731143A US00229333A US3731143DA US3731143A US 3731143 A US3731143 A US 3731143A US 00229333 A US00229333 A US 00229333A US 3731143D A US3731143D A US 3731143DA US 3731143 A US3731143 A US 3731143A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
transistor
transformer
primary winding
series
source
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Expired - Lifetime
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US00229333A
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English (en)
Inventor
K Thakore
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Bendix Corp
Unison Industries LLC
Original Assignee
Bendix Corp
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Publication of US3731143A publication Critical patent/US3731143A/en
Assigned to HOUSEHOLD COMMERCIAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. reassignment HOUSEHOLD COMMERCIAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: UNISON INDUSTRIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Assigned to IGNITION PRODUCTS CORPORATION reassignment IGNITION PRODUCTS CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: ALLIED-SIGNAL INC.
Assigned to UNISON INDUSTRIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, 530 BLACKHAWK PARK AVE., ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS 61108, A DE. LIMITED PARTNERSHIP reassignment UNISON INDUSTRIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, 530 BLACKHAWK PARK AVE., ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS 61108, A DE. LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: IGNITION PRODUCTS CORPORATION
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K3/00—Circuits for generating electric pulses; Monostable, bistable or multistable circuits
    • H03K3/02—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses
    • H03K3/26—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of bipolar transistors with internal or external positive feedback
    • H03K3/28—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of bipolar transistors with internal or external positive feedback using means other than a transformer for feedback
    • H03K3/281—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of bipolar transistors with internal or external positive feedback using means other than a transformer for feedback using at least two transistors so coupled that the input of one is derived from the output of another, e.g. multivibrator
    • H03K3/282—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of bipolar transistors with internal or external positive feedback using means other than a transformer for feedback using at least two transistors so coupled that the input of one is derived from the output of another, e.g. multivibrator astable
    • H03K3/2826—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of bipolar transistors with internal or external positive feedback using means other than a transformer for feedback using at least two transistors so coupled that the input of one is derived from the output of another, e.g. multivibrator astable using two active transistors of the complementary type
    • H03K3/2828—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of bipolar transistors with internal or external positive feedback using means other than a transformer for feedback using at least two transistors so coupled that the input of one is derived from the output of another, e.g. multivibrator astable using two active transistors of the complementary type in an asymmetrical circuit configuration
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P15/00—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits
    • F02P15/001—Ignition installations adapted to specific engine types
    • F02P15/003—Layout of ignition circuits for gas turbine plants
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P15/00—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits
    • F02P15/10—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits having continuous electric sparks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K3/00—Circuits for generating electric pulses; Monostable, bistable or multistable circuits
    • H03K3/02—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses
    • H03K3/26—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of bipolar transistors with internal or external positive feedback
    • H03K3/28—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of bipolar transistors with internal or external positive feedback using means other than a transformer for feedback
    • H03K3/281—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of bipolar transistors with internal or external positive feedback using means other than a transformer for feedback using at least two transistors so coupled that the input of one is derived from the output of another, e.g. multivibrator
    • H03K3/282—Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of bipolar transistors with internal or external positive feedback using means other than a transformer for feedback using at least two transistors so coupled that the input of one is derived from the output of another, e.g. multivibrator astable

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT [52] U.S.'C1. ..3l5/209 T, 331/111 An ignition system for a gas turbine engine that in- [51] Int. Cl. ..H03k 3/30 cludes a 2-transist0r oscillator which utilizes a trans- [58] Field of Search ..315/209 T; 331/1 11 former and requires only a spark plug in the secondary of the transformer to ignite fuel in the turbine.
  • t d v i [56] References e 4 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,368,540 2/1968 Ault ..315/209 T PATENTEDMY' H 3,731,143
  • FIGURE 2 IGNITION CIRCUIT SPARK GAPI TURBINE ENGINE ⁇ 2 FIGURE l TRANSISTORIZEI) IGNITION SYSTEM FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates to an electrical spark generating apparatus for gas turbine engines and the like.
  • This invention provides a simple and reliable transistorized ignition system for an automobile gas turbine engine.
  • the ignition system is characterized by a 2-transistor oscillator circuit that receives power from an automobile battery and applies it to a step-up transformer that has its secondary winding connectedto a spark gap discharge device that sparks at the frequency rate of the oscillator to ignite fuel in the turbine engine.
  • the ignition system for an automobile gas turbine engine comprises: a battery for supplying a DC voltage; a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, with the secondary winding connected across a spark gap discharge device for igniting fuel in the engine; and
  • a transistorized oscillator circuit that is connected to g the battery and the primary winding of the transformer to periodically interrupt current from the battery to the primary winding whereby the oscillating current causes periodic electrical discharges across the spark gap device to ignite the fuel in the turbine engine.
  • the circuit described provides high energy output pulses at the spark discharge device while requiring a low input voltage equal to the automobile battery voltage.
  • the circuit is further capable of operating under short or open circuit conditions at the secondary winding of the step-up transformer.
  • a still further object of this invention is to provide a novel simplified ignition or spark-producing system which is useful for igniting automobile gas turbine engines.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide an electrical apparatus for creating electrical sparks or arcs that are adapted for igniting combustible materials.
  • Yet another object of this invention is to provide a transistorized ignition system for a gas turbine engine that is capable of operating under open circuit and short circuit conditions in the secondary circuit of the step-up transformer without damage to the remaining components of the ignition circuit.
  • FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an ignition system for an automobile turbine engine.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a battery-powered transistorized ignition circuit that accomplishes the objects of this invention.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a block diagram of an ignition system for an automobile turbine engine which includes an ignition circuit 1 and a turbine engine 2 that includes a spark gap 40 therein for igniting the fuel fed to the engine.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the ignition circuit 1 shown in FIG. 1.
  • the source of electrical energy for the circuit is a battery 3 which is an ordinary automobile battery or a DC power supply having a voltage between 8 and 24 volts.
  • the switch 5 is operable to connect and disconnect the battery to the circuit and is preferably a part of or associated with the ignition switch of an automobile.
  • the spark gap discharge device 40 is a spark plug or the like which receives energy generated by the transistorized circuit and transformer. This causes a plurality of electrical discharges across spark gap 40 which occur at the same frequency rate as the oscillations in the primary portion of the transformer 30.
  • the first portion of the oscillator circuit includes a resistor 11 in series with the emitter of transistor 10 which has its collector in series with resistor 12 and its base in series with resistor 15 and diode 23. Blocking diode 23 is connected to the collector of transistor 20.
  • the collector of transistor 10 is connected to the base of transistor 20 through lead 21 to provide a base current (drive) to transistor 20 when transistor 10 is conducting.
  • the resistor ]lI, the transistor 10 and the diodes 13, 14 are connected in the configuration shown to form a constant current regulator.
  • This provides a constant current during increasing input voltages.
  • the constant current output of this configuration provides the base current drive through lead 21 for transistor 20.
  • the base current of transistor 20 is fairly constant over the entire input voltage range. Since the collector current of transistor 10 is relatively constant, the ON time of the transistor 20 will decrease as the input voltage increases. Since the ON time of transistor 20 decreases as the input voltage increases, the input average current will also decrease if the OFF" time of the transistor 20 is constant.
  • the OFF" time of transistor 20 is a function of the ratio of the inductance of the secondary winding 32 of the transformer 30 to the resistance of the secondary winding 32 and voltage drop across the spark discharge device 40.
  • the OFF time (T) may then be expressed by the following equation:
  • the transistor 10 When the capacitor 7 charges to a voltage that overcomes the base voltage on transistor 10, the transistor 10 will stop conducting. This removes the current flowing in lead 21 to the base of transistor 20, turning transistor 20 OFF.” Transistor 10 stays OFF as long as the voltage across the transistor 20 is high. During the OFF" time the voltage across the transistor 20 is approximately equal to the voltage across the spark gap divided by the turns ratio of the transformer 30 plus the voltage of the battery 3. Turning transistor 20 OFF results in a sudden decrease of the current flowing through the primary winding 31 and collector of transistor 20. During this time the rate of change of current (di/dt) becomes sharply negative, the high voltage induced in the secondary winding 32 of the transformer 30 also reverses, and the secondary winding 32 becomes a current source. The high voltage produced by the secondary winding causes an electrical discharge across the spark gap device 40 and the energy stored in the transformer 30 is dissipated in the electrical discharge in the spark gap discharge device 40.
  • the ignition system described in FIG. 2 had the values or were of the types indicated below:
  • ignition circuit for producing an electrical discharge at the spark gap
  • a source of DC energy a transformer having a primary and a secondary winding, said secondary winding connected across said spark gap device;
  • a transformer having a primary and a secondary winding, said secondary winding connected across the spark gap;
  • transistorized switching oscillator means connected and between said direct current source and the primal0 transistorized switching oscillator means connected ry winding of said transformer to periodically inbetween said direct current source and the primaterrupt current flow from said source through said wmhhg of sald tmhsfonher to Penodlcahy primary winding, said transistorized switching tehrupt h h flow h e e thmuh f oscmatorincluding: primary winding, said transrstorized switching a first transistor having collector and emitter teroselhator ⁇ hehldmgi minals connected in Series with the primary wind a first transistor having collector and emitter tering of said transformer, said transistor having alhhhals eehheeted m Sehes h e phmary wlhd' ternate conductive and nonconductive intervals to mg of sale Sald e havmg periodically interrupt the current flowing from the ternate conductive and nonconductive intervals to primary winding
  • said first transistor and the primary winding of said a first voltage divider network connected across said transformer, said first divider network including first "ahslstor f the Ph Wmdmg of e first and Second series connected diodes com transformer, said first divider network including nected in series to first and second series confirst h seeohd Senes connected e nected resistors. nected in series to first and second series conenergy storage means connected between the juncnected reslsmrs 7 tion between said diodes and the emitter of said energy Storage me Fohheeted between the J e first transistor. tion between said diodes and the emitter of said diode means connected between the junction first trahslstor;
  • said first transistor and the primary winding of said a seeohd voltage chvder hettechnik eohheehed zeroes transformer, said second voltage divider network first trahsletor and the Phmary Yh of Sale including a second transistor having a fourth reh e f network sistor connected in series with its collector, a fifth t udmg a Second transistor having a fourth reresistor connected in series with its emitter and connected senes whh he collector a fifth having its base connected to the junction between resistor connected in series with its emitter and the diodes and resistors of said first voltage divider 'h base eohheeted Jhhehoh h e network.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Ignition Installations For Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
US00229333A 1972-02-25 1972-02-25 Transistorized ignition system for gas turbine engines Expired - Lifetime US3731143A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US22936472A 1972-02-25 1972-02-25
US22933372A 1972-02-25 1972-02-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3731143A true US3731143A (en) 1973-05-01

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ID=26923202

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00229333A Expired - Lifetime US3731143A (en) 1972-02-25 1972-02-25 Transistorized ignition system for gas turbine engines
US00229364A Expired - Lifetime US3725732A (en) 1972-02-25 1972-02-25 Voltage regulated transistorized ignition system for an automobile turbine engine

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00229364A Expired - Lifetime US3725732A (en) 1972-02-25 1972-02-25 Voltage regulated transistorized ignition system for an automobile turbine engine

Country Status (7)

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US (2) US3731143A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
JP (1) JPS4919232A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
CA (2) CA948698A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
DE (1) DE2309053A1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
FR (1) FR2173073B1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
GB (1) GB1414920A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
SE (1) SE392506B (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4833369A (en) * 1987-10-14 1989-05-23 Sundstrand Corp. Constant spark rate ignition exciter
US5049786A (en) * 1990-08-09 1991-09-17 Coen Company, Inc. High energy ignitor power circuit

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3945362A (en) * 1973-09-17 1976-03-23 General Motors Corporation Internal combustion engine ignition system
US4064415A (en) * 1976-02-18 1977-12-20 The Bendix Corporation Inductive spark ignition for combustion engine
US5245252A (en) 1988-11-15 1993-09-14 Frus John R Apparatus and method for providing ignition to a turbine engine
US6670777B1 (en) 2002-06-28 2003-12-30 Woodward Governor Company Ignition system and method
US7355300B2 (en) 2004-06-15 2008-04-08 Woodward Governor Company Solid state turbine engine ignition exciter having elevated temperature operational capability

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3368540A (en) * 1966-03-04 1968-02-13 Clifford M. Ault Electronic ignition compensation
US3390668A (en) * 1966-04-13 1968-07-02 Motorola Inc Electronic ignition system
US3392716A (en) * 1966-07-20 1968-07-16 Ford Motor Co Means for transient damping of an ignition coil
US3407795A (en) * 1966-06-02 1968-10-29 Texaco Inc Ignition system for internal combustion engines
US3424142A (en) * 1966-11-09 1969-01-28 Ford Motor Co Oscillator controlled electronic ignition system
US3478249A (en) * 1966-02-16 1969-11-11 Lucas Industries Ltd Spark ignition apparatus for internal combustion engines
US3531737A (en) * 1968-04-24 1970-09-29 Bendix Corp Regulated power inverter circuit for ignition system or the like

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3535652A (en) * 1965-10-04 1970-10-20 Brunswick Corp Gated transistor blocking oscillator without feedback winding
US3431901A (en) * 1966-09-28 1969-03-11 William Paul Rogers Electronic ignition circuit

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3478249A (en) * 1966-02-16 1969-11-11 Lucas Industries Ltd Spark ignition apparatus for internal combustion engines
US3368540A (en) * 1966-03-04 1968-02-13 Clifford M. Ault Electronic ignition compensation
US3390668A (en) * 1966-04-13 1968-07-02 Motorola Inc Electronic ignition system
US3407795A (en) * 1966-06-02 1968-10-29 Texaco Inc Ignition system for internal combustion engines
US3392716A (en) * 1966-07-20 1968-07-16 Ford Motor Co Means for transient damping of an ignition coil
US3424142A (en) * 1966-11-09 1969-01-28 Ford Motor Co Oscillator controlled electronic ignition system
US3531737A (en) * 1968-04-24 1970-09-29 Bendix Corp Regulated power inverter circuit for ignition system or the like

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4833369A (en) * 1987-10-14 1989-05-23 Sundstrand Corp. Constant spark rate ignition exciter
US5049786A (en) * 1990-08-09 1991-09-17 Coen Company, Inc. High energy ignitor power circuit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA948699A (en) 1974-06-04
FR2173073A1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1973-10-05
US3725732A (en) 1973-04-03
FR2173073B1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1974-02-01
JPS4919232A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1974-02-20
GB1414920A (en) 1975-11-19
DE2309053A1 (de) 1973-08-30
CA948698A (en) 1974-06-04
SE392506B (sv) 1977-03-28

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: IGNITION PRODUCTS CORPORATION

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:ALLIED-SIGNAL INC.;REEL/FRAME:005012/0079

Effective date: 19881231

Owner name: HOUSEHOLD COMMERCIAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:UNISON INDUSTRIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP;REEL/FRAME:005012/0090

Effective date: 19890106

AS Assignment

Owner name: UNISON INDUSTRIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, 530 BLACKHA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:IGNITION PRODUCTS CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:005164/0245

Effective date: 19890106