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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility and safety of using a 24-volt input to power a car ignition coil, particularly in the context of high voltage experiments rather than automotive applications. Participants explore the implications of using pulsed current and the potential effects on the ignition coil.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether feeding a 24-volt input via a capacitor will instantly destroy the ignition coil or merely cause it to overheat, expressing a willingness to manage overheating.
  • Another participant suggests looking into CDI ignition systems, which utilize higher voltage pulses, as a reference for what might be achievable with ignition coils.
  • A different participant humorously advises to proceed until the coil "releases the smoke," indicating that the breakdown voltage of the coil secondary may be higher than expected, while noting the importance of duty cycle and heating.
  • The original poster reflects on past experiences with high energy pulses and expresses uncertainty about how the ignition coil will respond to the proposed setup, indicating plans to test it while considering additional cooling measures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the safety and effectiveness of using a 24-volt input with the ignition coil, with multiple viewpoints and experiences shared regarding potential outcomes and risks.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors such as breakdown voltage, duty cycle, and heating, but do not resolve the implications of these factors on the ignition coil's performance or safety.

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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!
 
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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
 

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