Turbocharger - Basic understanding and Future Trends

 Turbocharger

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When we hear about turbocharger suddenly an image or thought of Racing Car, high speed sports car comes into mind

Invented by Alfred Buchi  Swiss Engineer (July 11, 1879 – October 27, 1959)

In 1938, the first turbocharged engine for trucks was built by the "Swiss Machine Works Saurer

      What is a turbocharger? : A turbocharger, (or turbo), is a turbine-driven forced induction device that increases an internal combustion engine’s efficiency and power output by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber.

     Additionally, we can say its simple device, it is nothing more than an air pump driven by energy remaining in the exhaust gases as they exit an engine.

                                                                      Cut View (Section) of Turbocharger

          

                                                                          Assembly and its Major Components

                                            1.  The Compressor Cover                                   

                                            2.   Bearing House

                                            3.   Turbine Housing           

                                            4.   Compressor Wheel                                

                                            5.    Turbine wheel  and shaft  assembly

                   Working Principle:

                                  

 The exhaust gases (dark red arrow) drive the turbine wheel and shaft, which is coupled to the                              

 compressor wheel. When the compressor wheel rotates, fresh air (dark blue arrow) is forced-fed at  high pressure into the combustion chamber (light blue arrow).With a high concentration of oxygen per cubic volume and optimum air-fuel ratio, combustion is now cleaner and more complete.

                    

                  Benefits: 

·         Increases engine output and torque

·         Lowers diesel fuel consumption

·         Reduces harmful engine emission

·         Uses more compact and lighter engines

Many turbocharger installations use additional technologies, such as waste gates, intercooling and blow-off valves.

Turbochargers are commonly used in truck, car, aircraft and construction equipment engines.

 Types of Turbo used in automotive industry:

·         Single-Turbo

·         Twin-Turbo

·         Twin-Scroll Turbo

·         Variable Geometry Turbo

·         Variable Twin Scroll Turbo

                Common Cause of Turbo Failure:

·         Crack and Poor Seals

·         Old Age or Heavy Usage

·         Poor Oil Quality Forming Carbon Deposits

·         Object entering the turbo, Dust, stones , leaves etc.

Impact of Electric Vehicle on Turbocharger Market Globally.

1. The automotive turbocharger market is expected to register a CAGR of over 8.5 % during the forecast period,2020-2025.

2. There is no doubt that electric vehicle will become the dominating force in global market for light vehicles. Turbocharger market will certainly face the disruptions from Electric Vehicle. However overall market volumes are still likely to increase.

3. After about 8-10 years it will be more Electric Vehicles (EVs) where cutting tool usage will be lower. Sectors like Railway, Defence and Aerospace will grow much bigger in size to compensate for the decline in automotive.

Top Turbocharger Manufacturing Industries : 

Honeywell Turbo Technologies, Borg Warner and Mitsubishi Turbocharger are the largest manufacturers in Europe and the United States.

FAQs

Q1.    Can Turbo be used in Bike ?

Ans : Yes, The first example of a turbocharged bike is the 1978 Kawasaki Z1R TC.

Q2.  What is the Price range of Basic Turbocharger ?

Ans: Rs 35,000/- onwards depending upon the specification, most of  them need to be replaced after 1,00,000 or 1,50,000 miles hence good maintenance and timely oil change can even last longer than this.

Q3. Can we upgrade from non turbo car to turbo car ?

Ans: For non turbo car the work and costs involved would be complicated and high, hence not recommended.

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                VijayKumar