The Fascinating World of Turbos

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Basics of How an Engine Works
3. The Need for More Power
4. Turbo Normalizing vs Turbo Charging
5. How Does a Turbocharger Work?
6. Managing Heat in Turbocharging
7. The Role of Intercoolers in Turbocharging
8. Avoiding Turbo Lag
9. Types of Twin Turbocharging
10. Turbocharging in Modern Cars
11. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the concept of turbocharging in engines. We will Delve into the basics of how an engine works and the need for more power. We will discuss the difference between turbo normalizing and turbo charging. We will then explore how a turbocharger works, its components, and its role in increasing engine power. Managing heat in turbocharging and the importance of intercoolers will also be covered. Additionally, we will examine the issue of turbo lag and discuss different types of twin turbocharging. Finally, we will touch on the prevalence of turbocharging in modern cars.

Basics of How an Engine Works

To understand turbocharging, it is important to have a basic understanding of how an engine works. An engine can be thought of as a large Pump that sucks in air and fuel into a cylinder, compresses and combusts it, and then expels the combustion byproducts. In order to generate more power, an engine needs to burn more fuel more quickly. However, simply increasing the fuel supply without an adequate air supply is not effective. The amount of air an engine can breathe is limited by its size or displacement. Traditionally, increasing air supply necessitated larger cylinders, resulting in HEAVIER and slower engines.

The Need for More Power

In the Quest for more power, engineers realized that increasing air supply without increasing cylinder size was the key. Alfred Buchi, a Swiss engineer, introduced the concept of using exhaust gases to power a compressor that would then feed denser air into the combustion chamber. This innovation, known as turbocharging, allowed for more air to mix with fuel, resulting in more efficient combustion and increased power output. Turbos were quickly adopted in the aeronautical industry to restore air pressure in engines at high altitudes.

Turbo Normalizing vs Turbo Charging

When a turbo is used to restore air pressure to sea level pressure, it is referred to as turbo normalizing. This is useful at high altitudes where engine power is significantly reduced due to the lower density of air. Turbo charging, on the other HAND, involves using a turbo to exceed sea level air pressure and provide even more power. Turbo charging creates a significant amount of heat due to the blazing exhaust gases passing through the turbine side of the turbo.

How Does a Turbocharger Work?

A turbocharger consists of a turbine and an impeller. As the engine expels exhaust gases, they enter the turbine, causing it to spin like a pinwheel. Simultaneously, the impeller on the other side of the turbo spins as well. As the impeller spins, it sucks in a large volume of air, which is then compressed and delivered to the intake manifold. The denser air allows for more efficient combustion and increased power output. To prevent the charged air from flowing back into the turbo when the throttle is lifted, a blow-off valve is used to relieve the pressure.

Managing Heat in Turbocharging

Turbocharging generates a significant amount of heat. The turbine side of the turbo constantly has blazing exhaust gases passing through it, making it burn red hot. This extreme heat causes the metal to oxidize more quickly, giving the turbine side its characteristic rusty appearance. Similarly, compressing air also generates heat due to the increased friction between air molecules. To overcome this, intercoolers are commonly used. Intercoolers are placed between the turbo and the engine and help cool down the charged air, making it denser and more efficient.

The Role of Intercoolers in Turbocharging

Intercoolers act as heat exchangers for the charged air. They consist of channels with cooling fins through which the air flows. The cool air from outside passes over these fins, absorbing heat from the charged air and reducing its temperature. This cooled and denser air results in increased power output from the engine. Intercoolers are often visible through holes or vents on the hood of some vehicles, such as Subarus.

Avoiding Turbo Lag

Turbo lag refers to the delay experienced between hitting the gas and feeling the boost from the turbo. This occurs when the turbo is too big and takes a long time for the exhaust gases to spin it fast enough to compress the air. To mitigate turbo lag, engineers have employed sequential turbocharging systems. Sequential systems use a smaller turbo that spools up quickly to provide immediate power, while a larger turbo spools up in time to provide increased power at higher revs. Bypass valves are used to control the flow of exhaust to the correct turbo at the right moment, ensuring smooth and consistent power gains.

Types of Twin Turbocharging

Twin turbocharging involves using two turbos in an engine to increase power output. Parallel turbocharging refers to using two equally sized turbos working simultaneously. This approach is relatively straightforward and is commonly used in engines with two banks of cylinders, such as V-Shaped engines. Sequential turbocharging, on the other hand, employs a smaller turbo to provide immediate power and a larger turbo to deliver increased power at higher revs. This approach reduces turbo lag and provides a smoother power gain. Additionally, there is the concept of two-stage turbocharging, which further enhances power output.

Turbocharging in Modern Cars

Turbocharging has become increasingly prevalent in modern cars as a means of improving performance and fuel efficiency. What was once a technology predominantly found in high-performance sports cars has now trickled down to mainstream vehicles. Many automakers offer turbocharged engines across their lineups, allowing everyday drivers to experience the thrill of increased power when needed. Turbocharging has revolutionized the automotive industry, providing a balance between power and efficiency.

Conclusion

Turbocharging is a fascinating technology that has transformed the automotive industry. By utilizing exhaust gases to power a compressor, turbochargers enable engines to generate more power without increasing cylinder size. Turbos come with their own set of challenges, including managing heat and avoiding turbo lag, but these difficulties have been mitigated through the use of intercoolers and sequential turbocharging systems. Turbocharging has become a ubiquitous feature in modern cars, allowing everyday drivers to experience increased power and performance. As technology continues to advance, turbocharging is likely to play an even more prominent role in the future of automotive engineering.

Highlights

• Turbocharging allows engines to generate more power without increasing cylinder size.
• Intercoolers play a crucial role in cooling the charged air and increasing its density.
• Sequential turbocharging systems mitigate turbo lag and provide smoother power gains.
• Turbocharging has become prevalent in modern cars, offering a balance between power and efficiency.

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of a turbocharger?\ A: The purpose of a turbocharger is to increase the power output of an engine by compressing the incoming air and delivering it to the combustion chamber at a higher pressure.

Q: How does a turbocharger increase power?\ A: A turbocharger uses exhaust gases to power a compressor, which compresses the incoming air, allowing for more efficient combustion and increased power output.

Q: What is turbo lag?\ A: Turbo lag refers to the delay in power delivery experienced when the turbo takes time to spool up and provide the compressed air to the engine.

Q: How does sequential turbocharging work?\ A: Sequential turbocharging employs a smaller turbo that spools up quickly to provide immediate power, while a larger turbo spools up at higher revs for increased power output.

Q: What are intercoolers used for?\ A: Intercoolers are used to cool down the charged air from the turbo, making it denser and more efficient for combustion.

Q: Why is turbocharging popular in modern cars?\ A: Turbocharging is popular in modern cars as it provides a balance between power and fuel efficiency, allowing drivers to experience increased performance when needed.