If, now, these two wires B C are put into circuit with each other,
as illustrated by the wires D, we shall have a form of battery which
will have the voltage equal to the voltage of one cell multiplied by
the cells in either battery 1 or 2. This is 1-1/2 volts × 3, equal to
4-1/2. The amperage, on the other hand, is found by that of one cell
multiplied by the number of batteries. This is 25 amperes × 2, equal to
50.
This, if well understood, will enable the user, for instance, to
strengthen a battery, where it is weak, by connecting it up in series
multiple, instead of in parallel.
Naturally, the cells in the series should be of equal strength and
should be frequently tested, to find where the weakness is. If the
combined amperage is below the minimum, considering the time it has
been in use, it is possible the cause is due to a weak cell, which
takes from others, instead of giving. This should be replaced.
STORAGE BATTERIES.--The matter pertaining to these batteries is fully
set forth in connection with Electric vehicles, in a subsequent
chapter. Primary as well as storage batteries may be used for ignition
purposes, the object being to obtain a form of battery which shall have
a constant and reliable output, and give a reasonable service in point
of time.
THE SPARKING METHODS.--Automobiles are equipped with either the _low_
or the _high_ tension system. Any circuit having a small voltage is
termed _low tension_, to distinguish it from a _high tension_, or high
voltage.
When a current passes along a conductor, no visible effect is produced,
unless the voltage should be too great for the carrying wire. In that
case it will heat the conductor to redness and thus enable the eye to
see it. The heat is thus caused by _resistance_.
AIR RESISTANCE.--Air has resistance, the same as all other substances.
It is, in fact an absolute non-conductor, so that with an ordinary
current, such as is used for electric lighting, the separated ends of a
conductor may be placed very close together and the current would not
leap across.
MAKE AND BREAK SPARK.--On the other hand, even with the weakest
current, if the two ends are brought into contact, and then separated,
a spark will follow, due to the flow of the current which is
interrupted at the breaking of the contact, and the effort of the
current to keep on flowing through the wire.
This is called the low tension system, or the _make_ and _break_ method
of ignition, where the act of breaking the circuit produces the spark
and ignites the charge.
_The high tension system_, on the other hand, depends on producing a
current of sufficient pressure to be able to make the current leap
across the small gap which is formed between the ends of the conductor.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account