What is turbocharger?
A turbocharger is a device used to increase the air pressure fed to an internal combustion engine, thereby increasing its power output. It consists of a turbine and a compressor connected by a common shaft. The turbine is driven by the engine's exhaust gases, which spin the shaft and the compressor. The compressor compresses the air before it enters the engine, increasing its density and allowing more air to be fed into each combustion cycle. This results in more fuel being burned and a corresponding increase in engine power. Turbochargers are commonly used in diesel and gasoline engines to improve performance and efficiency.
Construction of Turbocharger
A turbocharger consists of four main components:- The turbine wheel - this is the component that is driven by the engine's exhaust gases, which spin the wheel and the shaft.
- The compressor wheel - this is the component that compresses the air before it enters the engine.
- The shaft - this is the component that connects the turbine wheel and the compressor wheel. It is typically made of high-strength steel or ceramic material and is able to withstand high levels of heat and stress.
- The housing - this is the component that contains the turbine wheel, the compressor wheel, and the shaft. It is typically made of cast iron or aluminum and serves to direct the flow of air and exhaust gases.
Additionally, a turbocharger also has a bearing system that supports the shaft and allows it to spin freely, as well as a wastegate that regulates the flow of exhaust gases to the turbine wheel. The wastegate ensures that the engine does not produce excessive boost pressure, which can cause damage to the engine or other components.
Working Principle of Turbocharger
The working principle of a turbocharger is based on the energy contained in the engine's exhaust gases. The turbocharger consists of a turbine wheel and a compressor wheel connected by a common shaft. The turbine wheel is located in the exhaust stream, where it is exposed to the high-speed flow of exhaust gases. These gases cause the turbine wheel to spin, which in turn spins the compressor wheel via the shaft.
The compressor wheel compresses the air that is drawn into the engine, increasing its density and allowing more air to be fed into each combustion cycle. This results in a corresponding increase in the amount of fuel that can be burned, which leads to a higher power output from the engine.
The turbocharger is able to provide a boost in engine power without requiring any additional fuel or power inputs. This makes it an efficient and cost-effective way to increase the performance of internal combustion engines. Additionally, the compact design of the turbocharger makes it possible to install it in a wide range of engines, from small passenger cars to large diesel engines used in heavy-duty applications.
Diagram of Turbocharger
A turbocharger consists of a turbine wheel, a compressor wheel, a common shaft connecting the two wheels, and a housing that contains all the components. The turbine wheel is located in the exhaust stream and is driven by the engine's exhaust gases, which spin the wheel and the shaft. The compressor wheel compresses the air before it enters the engine, increasing its density and allowing more air to be fed into each combustion cycle. This results in an increase in engine power output.
Supercharger Vs Turbocharger
A supercharger and a turbocharger are both forced induction systems used to increase the air pressure fed to an internal combustion engine, thereby increasing its power output. However, they differ in the way they compress the air before it enters the engine.
Supercharger - A supercharger is driven directly by a belt connected to the engine's crankshaft. It compresses the air before it enters the engine, increasing its density and allowing more air to be fed into each combustion cycle. This results in a corresponding increase in the amount of fuel that can be burned, leading to a higher power output from the engine.
Turbocharger - A turbocharger is driven by the engine's exhaust gases, which spin a turbine wheel that is connected to a compressor wheel via a common shaft. The compressor wheel compresses the air before it enters the engine, increasing its density and allowing more air to be fed into each combustion cycle. This results in a corresponding increase in the amount of fuel that can be burned, leading to a higher power output from the engine.
In general, turbochargers tend to be more efficient than superchargers due to their ability to convert the energy in the engine's exhaust gases into compressed air. However, superchargers tend to provide a more immediate boost in engine power and are easier to install and maintain. The choice between a supercharger and a turbocharger often depends on the specific requirements of the engine and the intended use of the vehicle.