Benefits of using a Turbocharger

Strict regulations have been enforced on carbon emissions all over the world. This has challenged automobile manufacturers to design engines that are both environmentally friendly and efficient without compromising the engine’s output power.

 

Solution = Turbochargers.

 

Here are some benefits of using a turbocharger:

 

  1. Efficiency – A turbocharger increases the output power of an engine, efficiency and ease of driving. It reduces the possibility of loss of power by the vehicle when driving up a slope as oxygen levels decrease at higher altitudes.

 

  1. Environmentally friendly – Exhaust gases emitted are cleaner as they go through optimal combustion processes. A turbocharged engine emits less NOx and CO2 as compared to a natural aspirated engine.

 

  1. Cost efficiency – The turbocharger is driven by the waste energy from the exhaust gas. It draws in cool ambient air and compresses the air before the air travels to the engine. The compressed ambient air contains higher levels of oxygen, which is necessary for a better combustion. As a result, fuel consumption is reduced while engine performance is maximized. Fuel savings: 40% for diesel engines and 20% for gasoline engines.

 

  1. Enhanced driving experience – Turbocharged engines have greater torque, which will boost the engine’s performance significantly, thus enhancing the overall experience.

How a Turbocharger works

A turbocharging system begins with an engine’s exhaust gas.

 

  1. Upon combustion, exhaust gases leave the engine.
  2. They are channelled to the turbine wheel via a turbine housing.
  3. The turbine wheel is connected to the compressor wheel by a shaft where both wheels spin at very high speeds.
  4. As the compressor wheel rotates, ambient air is being drawn in and compressed inside the compressor housing.
  5. When the compressed air flows out from the compressor housing, it is forced fed into an intercooler at its maximum temperature of 200oC .
  6. The compressed ambient air enters the passage of the intercooler, where the intercooler cools the air, further condensing it.
  7. When the air is cooled and becomes denser, it flows into the engine combustion chambers. The denser and cooler the air is, the more efficient the combustion.