filonic

Thanks very much for the info. What about increasing the voltage to 24v and using 24v glow plugs, would that work? Like maybe 16 sub-c's in series for a power supply? Thanks -Alex

Hello, I am working on a project that requires powering a diesel engine glow plug from a relatively portable power source. The diesel glow plugs come in a variety of voltages, most common are 6v, 12v, and 24v. From what I understand, the most commonly found ones are 12v and draw around 10 amps. I have tried a number of configurations with varying success and at this point I am pretty frustrated with the trial and error method and so I am here to ask for help. I have been successful using a small 12v lawnmower battery(capacity unknown) with the 12v glow plugs, but it is WAY too big and heavy for my intended use. When I tried hooking up the same 12v glow plug to a series of 8 x D cell batteries, I was able to achieve a glow, but it seemed to be nowhere near its full heat potential. I am going right now to buy a 6v glow plug in the hopes that by using the lower voltage, I will be able to supply enough current with the 8 x D batteries. The power sources I have already purchased that may work include: 1. 1 X 12v Lead Acid Lawnmower battery (way too large) http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/SSB0/U1L/N0057.oap?ck=Search_N0057_-1_-1&pt=N0057&ppt=C0218 2. 8 X D cell alkaline batteries and various holders for different configurations 3. 1 X 6v 4500mah Lead Acid Alarm System Battery 4. 1 X 7.2V 2000mah NiCad Battery Obviously I am lost and have no idea what I am doing, so any kind of help would be much appreciated. The priorities are as follows: 1. HOT - it must reach full heating potential which is a glowing orange almost white hot. 2. Speed - it must reach that temperature in a relatively short time window, less than 20 seconds, by design these plugs are supposed to be fully hot at 5-10 seconds. 3. Size - I really need this to be portable, if it takes a car battery to do it, then its not going to work. I would like to keep the power source smaller in volume than a 12oz can of soda. If it could fit in a large pocket, that would be even better. 4. Capacity - It will need to be able to bring the glow plugs to full heat and maintain that heat for approx 10-15 seconds at a time. I am hoping to be able to complete at least 30-50 of these heating cycles before the power source is depleted. 5. Rechargeability - Preferably, it will use a power source that is rechargeable, however if the cost is too much or it will substantially increase the bulk to use a rechargeable power source, using disposable alkalines or nimh is a possibility, theoretically even a disposable 6v lantern battery could work. I really appreciate any and all input that you guys can give me! Thanks Alot, -Alex