Magneto

MagnetoMagneto is a magnetoelectric device used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, in other words for power generation. It was patented by engineer Robert Bosch in the late 19th century. It is used to produce high-voltage electrical pulses for ignition systems. Like many other electric current generators, magneto operation is based on electromagnetic induction. It has permanent magnets and the coil wound on the iron core. When the magnet is rotated, the magnetic flow across the core changes its size and direction, and an alternating electric current is induced across the coil. In the primary coil, the rotating magnet induces low voltage, and it in turn induces high voltage in the surrounding secondary coil. The contact breaker in the primary coil creates a permanent change in the magnetic flow, which results in high voltage across the secondary coil. But magneto includes not only a simple electrical generator, though it is its mail part. It also combines a generator, electrical distributor, spark coil and starting device. To start the device, the internal magnet is rotated by a hand or a foot. One should pull the cord like when starting a boat engine, or press the pedal like when starting a motorcycle. After the magnet starts rotating, it is rotated by the engine itself. The main sphere of application is ignition systems in vehicles. Magneto performs its single task - providing a current pulse to the spark plugs in internal combustion engines, i.e. it generates the high voltage electricity needed to start an engine. A spark plug is a load of the device. The device can be used in various types of equipment fitted with a gasoline internal combustion engine but which does not have rechargeable batteries. For example, in mopeds, motorcycles, gasoline saws, motor boat engines and lawnmowers.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• car
• electric power
• electrical engineering
• generator