Duty Cycle is how long a item is switched on. Reducing the Duty Cycle means the item is not on as long. In the case of an ignition coil reducing the Duty Cycle allows more time for charging the coil. I am sure you know how ignition coils work and that the formation of the magnetic charge that collapses when the coil is switched off to make the spark that fires the plug does not happen instantly. Reducing the Duty Cycle allows more time for the magnetic field to develop and allows the magnetic field to be stronger, to a point. Reduce Duty Cycle too much and charge a coil too long and one just generates more heat.