lämpökäynnistinten

Lämpökäynnistimet, known in English as thermal starters or glow plugs, are essential components in many internal combustion engines, particularly diesel engines. Their primary function is to facilitate engine starting in cold conditions. Diesel engines rely on the heat generated by the compression of air within the cylinders to ignite the fuel. When the ambient temperature is low, this compression heat may not be sufficient to initiate combustion.

A lämpökäynnistin is a small heating element, typically a resistor, located in the combustion chamber or pre-combustion chamber of each cylinder. When the ignition is switched on, a current flows through the lämpökäynnistin, causing it to heat up to a high temperature, often glowing red. This heat is then transferred to the incoming air in the cylinder.

The preheated air increases the overall temperature within the combustion chamber, ensuring that when fuel is injected, it readily ignites, allowing the engine to start smoothly. Once the engine has started and reached a sufficient operating temperature, the lämpökäynnistin is typically deactivated automatically by the engine control unit, as it is no longer needed for ignition. Modern lämpökäynnistimet are designed for rapid heating and extended lifespan, contributing to improved cold-start performance and reduced emissions during the initial stages of engine operation.