What is Turbocharger

 

Turbocharger

The first turbocharger was invented in the early twentieth century by the Swiss engineer Alfred Buchi who introduced a prototype to increase the power of a diesel engine. Turbocharging has now become standard for most diesel engines and is also used in many gasoline engines.

Definition

A turbocharger, colloquially known as a turbo, is a turbine-driven, forced induction device that increases an internal combustion engine's efficiency and power output by forcing extra compressed air into the combustion chamber.

Construction

A turbocharger consists of a compressor wheel and exhaust gas turbine wheel coupled together by a solid shaft and that is used to boost the intake air pressure of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas turbine extracts energy from the exhaust gas and uses it to drive the compressor and overcome friction.

Pros:

Significant increase in horsepower.

Power vs size: allows for smaller engine displacements to produce much more power relative to their size.

Better fuel economy: smaller engines use less fuel to idle, and have less rotational and reciprocating mass, which improves fuel economy.

Higher efficiency: turbochargers run off energy that is typically lost in naturally-aspirated and supercharged engines (exhaust gases), thus the recovery of this energy improves the overall efficiency of the engine.

Cons:

Turbo lag: turbochargers, especially large turbochargers, take time to spool up and provide useful boost.

Boost threshold: for traditional turbochargers, they are often sized for a certain RPM range where the exhaust gas flow is adequate to provide additional boost for the engine. They typically do not operate across as wide an RPM range as superchargers.

Power surge: in some turbocharger applications, especially with larger turbos, reaching the boost threshold can provide an almost instantaneous surge in power, which could compromise tyre traction or cause some instability of the car.

Oil requirement: turbochargers get very hot and often tap into the engine’s oil supply. This calls for additional plumbing, and is more demanding on the engine oil. Superchargers typically do not require engine oil lubrication.

The Most Affordable Turbocharged Cars of 2020

·       Audi A3.

·       Kia Stinger.

·       Cadillac CT4.

·       Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

·       Mini Cooper Clubman.

·       Volkswagen GTI.

·       Subaru WRX.

·       Fiat 124 Spider.