When using compressed air to start an internal combustion generator set, what is a critical issue?

When using compressed air to start an internal combustion generator set, cylinder pressure is a critical issue because it directly impacts the engine's ability to ignite the air-fuel mixture and achieve a successful start.

Starting an internal combustion engine requires that a certain pressure is reached in the cylinders to create the necessary conditions for ignition. When compressed air is introduced, it needs to ensure that the cylinder pressure is adequate to facilitate this process. If the cylinder pressure is too low, the air-fuel mixture may not reach the temperatures necessary for ignition, resulting in a failure to start the generator.

The integrity of the combustion process heavily depends on the correct cylinder pressure, as it influences the overall mechanical efficiency and performance of the engine during start-up. Thus, maintaining proper cylinder pressure is essential for reliable operation when using alternative starting methods such as compressed air.