What is a Turbocharger and How Does it Work?

What is a Turbo Charger?

Before we move to the working of a turbocharger, first let's dig a bit deep to know what exactly is this device. A turbocharger is popular also known as turbo and it is a forced induction device that is driven by a turbine. This helps to increase the engine efficiency as well as the power output from the motor with help of the extra compressed air which is forced into the combustion chamber.

In any kind of engine, power is produced by the burning fuel along with a mixture of air in each cylinder. Hence to increase more power, it will need more and bigger cylinders, that is why we see that sports cars usually have bigger capacity engines. But there is another option to increase more power and engine efficiency, this can be done with the help of a turbocharger. This device forces more air so that the fuel burns more efficiently and at a faster rate. Hence a turbocharger is much cheaper, simple and very efficient to help extract more power from a smaller capacity engine. As of now, with the growing emission concerns and fuel economy measures, automakers are inclining more towards smaller capacity turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. 

So let's take a look at how a turbocharger works?

In basic terms, exhaust gases help to drive a turbine which is connected to a compressor. This compressor sucks in air in a pressurized form which is then cooled down and used to burn the fuel mixture efficiently.

• The exhaust gas produced helps to drive the turbine fan which rotates at a high speed.

• This spinning turbine is mounted on a shaft which also connects the compressor and it helps to spin the compressor as well.

• As the cool air enters the engine air intake it heads towards a compressor.

• This compressor sucks in air with the help of its fans but it heats up the incoming air.

• The hot air runs through an intercooler which can be either water-cooled or air-cooled and it cools down the air.

• This cooled down compressed air then enters the engine air intake system.

• As this air also brings in extra oxygen it burns the fuel at a faster rate.

• With this mechanism, more energy is produced quickly.

Pros and Cons of Turbocharged Petrol or Diesel Engine

Pros:

• The turbocharger helps to generate more horsepower in an efficient way by using waste energy from the exhaust gas 

• Works well in smaller engines to churn out better output.

• It helps to give out better fuel economy as compared to larger engines with similar power figures. As the engine is smaller it uses less fuel in idle state and it also has less rotational and reciprocating masses.

• When compared with a naturally aspirated engine, a turbocharged engine gives out higher efficiency. This is because a turbocharger runs on energy from the exhaust gas directly to recover more output.
   

Cons:

• One of the main concerns with turbocharged petrol or diesel engine is the turbo lag produced. Especially with a large turbocharger, it takes up more time to spool and offer a useful boost.

• Turbochargers do not operate across a wide RPM range. They are often sized to a certain RPM range in which there is an adequate amount of exhaust gas flow to provide the necessary boost for the engine.

• In certain turbo petrol and diesel engines as the turbo is large it produces an instantaneous amount of power when it reaches its boost threshold. This could lead to instability in handling the car and also comprise tyre traction.

• As turbochargers get very hot they often have to rely on engine oil supply for lubrication. 

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