Getting to Know the Function of the Ignition Coil and How It Works in Cars

In its operation, the engine components in four-wheeled vehicles, especially those with gasoline engines, typically require an ignition system. The spark generated by this ignition system is essential for starting the engine. 

The ignition system referred to is the ignition coil. To help you understand the function of the ignition coil more closely, take a look at the following review.

Definition of Ignition Coil

As one of the components in the ignition system of four-wheeled vehicles, the ignition coil plays a crucial role, especially in gasoline-powered cars. 

This is because gasoline engines require a spark from the spark plug to start and operate normally. You will not find an ignition coil in diesel-powered vehicles.

This is because diesel engines have a self-combustion system that can start and run the vehicle as intended. The function of the ignition coil itself is to increase the battery voltage from 12 volts to 25,000 volts. This voltage increase is often utilized as power generated from electromagnetic induction.

Thanks to the function of the ignition coil, which provides high voltage that can create a spark at the spark plug located in the combustion chamber. 

The ignition coil itself contains a primary coil and a secondary coil to assist in generating high voltage through electromagnetic induction.

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How the Ignition Coil Works

You should know that the coil in the ignition coil consists of copper wire windings that can generate a magnetic field when supplied with voltage and electric current. 

The strength of the generated magnetic field depends on the number of windings, the diameter of the wire, the voltage, and the current flowing through its coil.

The greater the number of windings and the current flowing through the ignition coil, the larger the magnetic field produced will be. 

Thanks to this important function of the ignition coil, it allows the engine to be supplied with a large amount of electricity. When the existing magnetic field aligns with other coils, electromagnetic induction will occur.

However, the electromagnetic induction that occurs does not result in the emergence of electromotive force in each of its coils. 

This also applies to the secondary coil, which functions to create high voltage in the battery or accumulator up to 25,000 volts.

Electromotive force occurs when high voltage appears in the secondary coil, causing the primary coil to suddenly lose its current flow. Therefore, in the ignition system, there is a component intentionally installed called the contact point or platina. This part functions to interrupt the electric current in the primary coil.

When the contact point performs its task, the electromagnetic induction in the primary coil will suddenly disappear. This obviously affects the secondary coil and generates electromotive force with a voltage reaching 25,000 volts in an instant. This function of the ignition coil produces a spark to drive the engine.

It can be concluded that the presence of the ignition coil is very important, especially in gasoline-powered four-wheeled vehicles. It is hard to imagine if this component were absent from your beloved vehicle; surely the engine inside could not operate as it should.

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