Can I use 24 Volts input to a car ignition coil?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Using a 24 Volt input to a car ignition coil is feasible for high voltage experiments, particularly when utilizing a 50V 6800 mfd capacitor to feed current in pulses. While there is a risk of overheating, the ignition coil is likely to withstand the voltage without instant destruction, provided that the duty cycle is managed effectively. CDI ignition systems can provide insights into handling higher voltage pulses, and safety precautions, such as wearing safety glasses, are essential during experimentation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ignition coil operation and characteristics
  • Knowledge of capacitor discharge and pulse generation
  • Familiarity with CDI ignition systems
  • Basic principles of electrical safety and high voltage experimentation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and breakdown voltage of various ignition coils
  • Learn about the design and functionality of CDI ignition systems
  • Investigate methods for managing heat dissipation in high voltage applications
  • Explore the effects of duty cycle on ignition coil performance
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists conducting high voltage experiments, and individuals interested in ignition coil applications outside of automotive use.

Buzzworks
Messages
69
Reaction score
1
I'm feeding the current in pulses via 50v 6800 mfd capacitor. Will it destroy the ignition coil instantly, or will just overheat it?

It won't be for automotive use but for general high voltage experiments. As long as instant destruction is a remote possibility, it's easy enough to mitigate overheating, and will proceed using 24V power, thanks!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Look into CDI ignition systems. They put short duration pulses much higher than 12 volts into ignition coils. Might give you an idea of what you can get by with.
 
Do it until you release the smoke. Wear safety glasses...

At some point you will find the breakdown voltage of the coil secondary, but it's likely quite a bit higher than "absolutely" necessary. Duty cycle and (over) heating will be of interest. I did once use dueling ignition coils to run a spark gap, but have no memory of how hard I pushed their primaries.
 
Thanks for your responses so I guess it will likely work. I think I might make a heat sink fan for it. Pulses will be in the micro second range with much larger duration of 'no current' in between.

I've once run several high energy pulses before in an open coil with pvc insulation. Really small gauged wires and passed 30 KV coming from a 2 liter Leyden Jar. Took only few pulses before the insulator melted and the coil shorted.

Not sure how an ignition coil + 30 volts + capacitor would respond so thanks for sharing your own experiences. Going ahead and test it! Thanks! :D
 

Similar threads

Can I Use Diodes to Convert AC to DC in an LC Circuit?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
How Can Plasma Be Created and Ignited in Toroidal Fusion Reactors?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K