Turbocharger vs Supercharger Flashcards
What is a turbocharger?
A device in an engine that uses exhaust gases to compress air, increasing the engine’s power and efficiency.
How do turbochargers function?
- Exhaust gases flow through the turbine section. Heat and pressure spin the turbine, which drives the compressor
- The compressor wheels draw in air through the air filter and intake pipe. The fins force air through a smaller chamber where it’s compressed and forced into the cylinder
What is the role of the intercooler?
- Ensures the air temperature is at ambient levels
- Hot air passes through the fins for cooling and is redirected to the intake manifold
What is the role of the wastegate?
- Controls exhaust gases passing through the turbocharger
- Prevents turbocharger from producing excessive pressure
What is the role of the blow-off valve?
Releases pressure when the throttle is released, causing air to shoot out of the valve
What is the role of boost controller?
- Adjusts the amount of pressure the turbo supplies to the cylinders
- Rated in PSI
Describe the sequential twin turbo setup
- Two turbos, one low-powered or for low revs, the other high-powered or high revs
- This setup reduces lag when the throttle is applied
Describe the parallel twin turbo setup
The work of each turbo is split separately to provide equal power output
How does a twin scroll turbo setup function?
- Exhausts exits cylinder in a pulse
- Cylinder separated in pairs to prevent interference with pulses
- Continuous stream of max pressure exhaust reaches the turbine
What is a supercharger?
A mechanical device that increases engine power output by forcing more into the engine
How do superchargers work?
- A gear drive system delivers power to opposing rotors
- Air enters air filter and intake pipe and is forced through by the interlocking rotors
- Air exits supercharger through discharge port
Describe how a positive displacement supercharger functions
Uses a pump to provide a fixed volume of air per stroke in the engine, regardless of RPM
Example are roots and twin
Describe how a dynamic supercharger function
Accelerates the airflow to a high speed which is used to create pressure
Describe the pros and cons of Turbochargers over Superchargers
- High efficiency as it uses waste energy from exhaust gases
- Turbo lag occurs as time is taken to build turbine speed and pressure
- More complex to install and maintain
Describe the pros and cons of Superchargers vs Turbochargers
- Provides instant boost
- Simpler to install and maintain
- Lower efficiency as it directly consumes engine power
