The flame-start system is a
cold start aid for starting
diesel engine
The diesel engine, named after Rudolf Diesel, is an internal combustion engine in which ignition of the fuel is caused by the elevated temperature of the air in the cylinder due to mechanical compression; thus, the diesel engine is a so-ca ...
s at low ambient temperatures. It reduces the white smoke emission after the engine is started. In addition, it reduces the strain on the
starter motor and
batteries by shortening the start-up time.
Usually the suction intake air is heated up in commercial vehicles to improve the starting capacity and emissions. The heating power requirement in large capacity diesel engines leads here to the use of flame starting systems, with a small diesel burner in the air intake acting as a heater.
References
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Starting systems
Diesel engine components