A control system and method for a multi-fuel generator engine are mainly applied to multi-fuel generator products. The control system comprises a controller, a first signal input terminal, a second signal input terminal, a third signal input terminal, and an output terminal connected to an ignition device of a generator engine. When the third signal input terminal of the controller receives a generator engine start signal and either the first signal input terminal or the second signal input terminal receives a signal corresponding to an on state of the corresponding valve assembly, the controller controls the ignition device to ignite. According to control system and method, the controller detects signals corresponding to the states of the two fuel valve assemblies to determine whether or not fuels are normally supplied, so that operating instabilities or faults caused by synchronous supply of two fuels to the generator engine are avoided.

An on-demand generator starting system and method is disclosed. The generator starting system is included as part of a standby or portable generator that includes one or more outlets that provide electrical power to an electrical device. The operating system includes a generator controller that monitors for a request for power from the electrical device connected to the outlet. When the control circuit of the generator controller determines that electric power is required from the generator, the control circuit initiates operation of the internal combustion engine. After the internal combustion engine starts, the control circuit operates a relay to provide power from the generator to the outlet of the generator. When the electrical device is no longer operating, the control circuit of the generator controller terminates operation of the internal combustion engine of the generator. In this manner, the generator operates only when the electrical device is requesting electrical power.

A method for determining a need for changing a spark plug of a combustion engine, comprising the following steps: monitoring a current flowing through the spark plug, analyzing the current and thereby determine a time interval that is indicative for the time between application of a voltage to the spark plug and formation of an arc discharge between electrodes of the spark plug, creating a signal indicative of the need to change the spark plug if the duration of the determined time interval is outside predefined bounds.

A method for determining a need for changing a spark plug of a combustion engine, comprising the following steps: monitoring a current flowing through the spark plug, analyzing the current and thereby determine a time interval that is indicative for the time between application of a voltage to the spark plug and formation of an arc discharge between electrodes of the spark plug, creating a signal indicative of the need to change the spark plug if the duration of the determined time interval is outside predefined bounds.

A system for interrupting ignition is disclosed. Specific implementations of ignition interrupters may include a first conductive tab configured to couple to a spark plug; a second conductive tab configured to couple to a spark plug wire; a first tab holder coupled with the first conductive tab; a second tab holder coupled with the second conductive tab, where the second conductive tab overlaps with the first conductive tab; a sled positioned perpendicularly to a plane of the first conductive tab and the second conductive tab, the sled coupled between the first conductive tab and the second conductive tab; a first spring coupled to the sled; and a second spring coupled to the sled; where the sled may be configured to move to an open position in the gap between the first conductive tab and the second conductive tab, decompressing the first spring and the second spring.

An engine control device includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to perform a spark discharge with an ignition plug for each cylinder by cutting off energization after elapse of a predetermined period from start of energization to an ignition coil for each cylinder of the engine, to stop the spark discharge caused by the ignition plug for each cylinder after supply of fuel to the engine is stopped when operation of the engine is stopped, and to control an ignition plug so as to stop the spark discharge caused by the ignition plug from a cylinder after a rotation speed of a crankshaft decreases gradually and the rotation speed of the crankshaft reaches a preset threshold value or less, after the stop of the supply of fuel to the engine.

A capacitive ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes a voltage converter which has two primary terminals and two secondary terminals a primary voltage source has two voltage source terminals (A+, A) which are connected in each instance to one of the primary terminals so that a primary circuit is formed; a switch which is incorporated within the primary circuit and a controller so that the switch can be closed and opened; a first control device constructed to actuate the controller in accordance with an ignition pattern for closing and/or opening; an electrical capacitance (C1, C2) within the primary circuit; and a second control device (25) constructed to maintain constant a voltage rise at the secondary terminals, which occurs in order to reach the ignition voltage, as the ignition energy requirement of an ignition device connected to the secondary terminals changes.

A capacitive ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes a voltage converter which has two primary terminals and two secondary terminals a primary voltage source has two voltage source terminals (A+, A) which are connected in each instance to one of the primary terminals so that a primary circuit is formed; a switch which is incorporated within the primary circuit and a controller so that the switch can be closed and opened; a first control device constructed to actuate the controller in accordance with an ignition pattern for closing and/or opening; an electrical capacitance (C1, C2) within the primary circuit; and a second control device (25) constructed to maintain constant a voltage rise at the secondary terminals, which occurs in order to reach the ignition voltage, as the ignition energy requirement of an ignition device connected to the secondary terminals changes.

A standby generator includes an alternator to produce electricity for distribution to an electrical system, and an air-cooled internal combustion engine driving the alternator. The air-cooled internal combustion engine includes one or more cylinders, one or more spark plugs each configured to initiate combustion in a corresponding cylinder, and one or more ignition coils each coupled to a respective spark plug of the one or more spark plugs to provide a voltage to the respective spark plug. The standby generator also includes a battery system electrically coupled to the one or more ignition coils to provide power thereto, and a digital ignition module wiring the battery system to each of the one or more ignition coils to control operation of the one or more spark plugs.

A standby generator includes an alternator to produce electricity for distribution to an electrical system, and an air-cooled internal combustion engine driving the alternator. The air-cooled internal combustion engine includes one or more cylinders, one or more spark plugs each configured to initiate combustion in a corresponding cylinder, and one or more ignition coils each coupled to a respective spark plug of the one or more spark plugs to provide a voltage to the respective spark plug. The standby generator also includes a battery system electrically coupled to the one or more ignition coils to provide power thereto, and a digital ignition module wiring the battery system to each of the one or more ignition coils to control operation of the one or more spark plugs.