Tændingsanlæg

Tændingsanlæg, often translated as ignition system, is a crucial component in internal combustion engines responsible for initiating the combustion process. Its primary function is to generate a high-voltage electrical spark at the precise moment required within the combustion chamber. This spark ignites the compressed mixture of fuel and air, thereby producing the power that drives the engine.

The basic principle of a tændingsanlæg involves transforming the vehicle's low battery voltage into a much higher voltage, typically tens of thousands of volts. This high voltage is then channeled to a spark plug located in each cylinder. The spark plug has an electrode gap, and when the high voltage reaches this gap, it overcomes the resistance of the air-fuel mixture, creating an electrical arc – the spark.

Modern tændingsanlæg can be broadly categorized into two main types: conventional (breaker point) systems and electronic ignition systems. Conventional systems use mechanical points and a condenser to interrupt the primary circuit of an ignition coil, inducing a high voltage in the secondary coil. Electronic ignition systems, which have largely replaced conventional systems, utilize solid-state components like transistors or microcontrollers to control the ignition timing and spark generation. These systems offer advantages such as improved reliability, greater accuracy in timing, and reduced maintenance requirements. Regardless of the specific type, the tændingsanlæg plays an indispensable role in the operation of gasoline-powered engines.