Auto-Start For Generators

These days generators are available with self-start and auto shut-off facilities. The user starts the generator with the flip of a switch and the rest is taken care of automatically. The low-cost circuit presented here adds an auto-start function to a generator that has a manual self-start facility. This circuit is particularly useful where power failures are frequent (specially at night).

The timer IC 555 generates pulses with a time period of 10 seconds and a 50 per cent duty cycle during power failures. This in turn energises relay RL1 which activates the starting motor for five seconds. If the generator fails to start during the first try, the motor remains off for the next five seconds before another attempt is made to start the engine. The CMOS decade counter CD4017 restricts the number of starting attempts to three. As soon as the generator starts, the main supply is resumed which disables the timer and resets the counter. The supply for the circuit can be obtained from the battery that drives the starting motor. The transformer is connected to a point which is common to both the mains as well as the generator. The period (T) for the starting motor can be varied by changing the values of resistor R1 and capacitor C1 as per the equation: T=1.4(R1) (C1). The number of starting attempts may be increased to 4, 5 or 6 by changing the present connection from pin 7 of IC2 to pins 10, 1 or 5, respectively.

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