It is used to increase the performance of engine to achieve its peak volumetric efficiency and more horse power.
The Turbocharger:
A detailed functioning of turbocharger & supercharger with inspection and maintenance video.
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| A Turbocharger |
A turbocharger is a component used to increase the performance of engines. The turbocharger is simple yet it improves engine horsepower and efficiency by making use of the burnt exhaust gases coming out from the engine to useful mechanical work.
Generally air is present around us but we can feel it only when we use force to feel it, this shows that air has inertia (the ability of the body to remain in a state of rest or motion on applying of a force) so a force is needed to do a work. It's like using a ceiling fan to get air or exhaust fan to get stale air outside the room.
A turbocharger works somewhat according to this principle. The atmospheric air pressure at the sea level is higher when compared to higher altitudes. If an engine functions at sea level altitude it performs well without any lack of power since the air pressure is high and oxygen rich. when the same lacks power at high altitudes due to less oxygen, in order to overcome this problem and to increase horsepower, volumetric efficiency of the engine the process of turbocharging or supercharging can be used.
Working:
A turbocharger induces air into the engine by using the waste exhaust gases from the engine to mechanical work. This can be achieved by using two vanes or turbines side by side, one on the exhaust side and the other on the inlet side.In exhaust side the turbine is driven by the exhaust gases coming out from the engine which in turn is connected by a shaft on the other side which drives the inlet side compressor that compresses air and sends it to the inlet manifold of engine.
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| Working Of A Turbocharger |
The compressed air increases engine performance ultimately.
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| Stages of functions in a turbocharger |
The stages of function that takes place in the turbocharger are
1. Inlet air enters into the turbocharger's compressor housing.
2. Compressed air.
3.Turbo intercooler cools the air (Since temperature of compressed air is high and to improve the oxygen content in the air).
4.Compressed air enters inlet manifold of the engine.
5.Exhaust gas comes out from the engine's exhaust manifold.
6.Exhaust gas reaches the turbine housing.
7.Exhaust gas drives the turbine which forces air into the inlet compressor.
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| A Turbocharged Diesel Engine |
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| Garrett- The Pioneer In Turbocharger technology |
A supercharger is also a similar component like the turbocharger, the supercharger works like an air compressor which compresses the air from outside and forces it into the engine. Unlike the turbocharger the supercharger draws its power from the engine crankshaft with a drive shaft and belt. A supercharged engine is not efficient when compared to a turbocharged engine since it draws power from the engine, although it improves power more drastically than a turbocharger.
Both these components works on a simple principle, More air or oxygen into the engine allows better combustion of fuel improving efficiency and more horsepower.
The main difference is turbocharger uses the burnt exhaust gases to useful work whereas the supercharger takes power directly from the engine's crankshaft.
Types:
Working:
The supercharger working cycle is not closed as that of the turbocharger, The shaft is driven by a belt which is connected to the crankshaft runs the supercharger which compresses the outside air into engine.
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| A Supercharged Engine |
Turbocharger vs Supercharger:
The Features of turbocharger Vs supercharger