Electric Starter

The electric starter is usually a direct

current (D.C.) electric motor coupled to the
engine through a reduction gear and
ratchet mechanism, or clutch, which
automatically disengages after the engine
has reached a self-sustaining speed. The
electrical supply may be of a high or low
voltage and is passed through a system of
relays and resistances to allow the full
voltage to be progressively built up as the
starter gains speed. It also provides the
power for the operation of the ignition
system. The electrical supply is
automatically cancelled when the starter
load is reduced after the engine has
satisfactorily started or when the time cycle
is completed.
Cartridge
Cartridge starting is sometimes used on
military engines and provides a quick
independent method of starting. The starter
motor is basically a small impulse-type turbine
that is driven by high velocity gases from a
burning cartridge. The power output of the
turbine is passed through a reduction gear and
an automatic disconnect mechanism to rotate
the engine. An electrically fired detonator
initiates the burning of the cartridge charge. As
a cordite charge provides the power supply for
this type of starter, the size of the charge
required may well limit the use of the cartridge
starters.
Iso-propyl-nitrate
This type of starter provides a high-
power output and gives rapid
starting characteristics. It has a
turbine that transmits power
through a reduction gear to the
engine. In this instance, the turbine
is rotated by high pressure gases
resulting from the combustion of
iso-propyl-nitrate. This fuel is
sprayed into a combustion
chamber, which forms part of the
starter, where it is electrically
ignited by a high energy ignition
system. A pump supplies the fuel to
the combustion chamber from a
storage tank and an air pump
scavenges the starter combustion
chamber of fumes before each
start. Operation of the fuel and air
pumps, ignition systems, and cycle
cancellation, is electrically
controlled by relays and time
switches.
Air Starter
Air starting is used on most commercial and
some military jet engines. It has many
advantages over other starting systems,
and is comparatively light, simple and
economical to operate. An air starter motor
transmits power through a reduction gear
and clutch to the starter output shaft which
is connected to the engine.
Gas Turbine Starter
A gas turbine starter is used for some jet
engines and is completely self-
contained. It has its own fuel and
ignition system, starting system (usually
electric or hydraulic) and self-contained
oil system. This type of starter is
economical to operate and provides a
high-power output for a comparatively
low weight. The starter consists of a
small, compact gas turbine engine,
usually featuring a turbine-driven
centrifugal compressor, a reverse flow
combustion system and a mechanically
independent |free-power turbine. The
free-power turbine is connected to the
main engine via a two-stage epicyclic
reduction gear, automatic clutch and
output shaft.
Hydraulic Ignition
Hydraulic starting is used for starling some small jet engines. In most applications, one
of the engine-mounted hydraulic pumps is utilized and is known as a pump/starter,
although other applications may use a separate hydraulic motor. Methods of
transmitting the torque to the engine may vary, but a typical system would include a
reduction gear and clutch assembly. Power to rotate the pump/starter is provided by
hydraulic pressure from a ground supply unit and is transmitted to the engine through
the reduction gear and clutch. The starting system is controlled by an electrical circuit
that also operates hydraulic valves so that on completion of the starting cycle the pump
starter functions as a normal hydraulic pump.