As car manufacturers seek ways to reduce engine size while amping up horsepower, turbochargers are all set to become the norm, rather than the exception. In this article, we will explore how does a turbo work and how it empowers your car engine to perform better.
While earlier turbos were considered a good fit for race cars or just high-performance sports cars, modern turbos are being used to enhance fuel economy and performance in regular vehicles.
So how does a turbo achieve all these amazing feats? Keep reading to find out more.
What is a Turbocharger?
A turbocharger is basically a system that is added to your automobile engine to enable it to generate more power and torque via forced induction.
As a rule, one can use turbochargers with both gasoline or diesel engines to enhance engine power for a wide variety of vehicles, i.e., cars, trucks, ships, and even a bus.
Remember, the trail of sooty fumes emanating from the tailpipes of vehicles? Well, not only does it pollute the environment, but it’s also a colossal waste of energy. This is because these fumes are a mix of hot gases that are being pumped out at regular intervals.
Turbochargers help control the problem of vehicular emissions as these waste exhaust gases are used to power the turbine and push compressed air into the engine to increase torque output.
Before we explore the different uses and applications of turbochargers, let’s see who invented this tiny yet remarkable piece of machinery and what are the secrets behind its functioning.
Who Invented Turbos?
Ever wonder who invented the turbocharger and why? Well, you may be surprised to learn that it was invented in Switzerland by Alfred J. Büchi, an automotive engineer working with the Gebrüder Sulzer Engine Company.
He designed the first turbocharger before the first World War and patented it in 1905 in Germany. However, that wasn’t the end of his work as he continued to improve his design over the next 4 decades.
Another figure who made significant contributions to the development of the modern turbo is Sir Dugald Clark, the Scottish inventor behind the two-stroke engine. He tried to figure out a way to separate the compression and expansion stages of the internal combustion engine by using two separate cylinders. The principle behind his design was the same as modern-day superchargers, i.e., increasing the flow of air into the cylinder to burn an increased amount of fuel.
Louis Renault, Gottlieb Daimler, and Lee Chadwick are some of the names who also contributed to the development of supercharging systems for engines. Therefore, the modern turbocharger amalgamates brilliant insights from a broad spectrum of great minds.
How Does a Turbo Work?
A turbocharger comprises two main parts or components, namely the turbine and compressor.
The turbine itself consists of two parts, the turbine wheel, and turbine housing:
- The primary function of the turbine wheel is to divert and guide the exhaust gases into the turbine wheel.
- These exhaust fumes then help turn the turbine wheel with their kinetic energy before being eliminated via a specially-designed exhaust outlet area. As you can see, this ingenious conception offers an excellent way to reduce emissions while boosting engine performance.
We now come to the next part of the turbine, i.e., the compressor that consists of the compressor wheel and housing.
- The compressor works in the opposite direction to the turbine.
- A forged steel shaft connects the turbine to the compressor wheel.
- As the turbine transfers the kinetic energy to turn the wheels of the compressor, the resultant high-speed spinning sucks in air and compresses it.
- Once this air enters the compressor housing, it undergoes a process known as diffusion to convert it into a high-pressure & low-velocity airflow.
- This compressed air is then pushed into the engine cylinders, wherein it accelerates fuel burning to generate increased power.
How Does a Turbo Work: Key Advantages
A turbocharger is an incredibly versatile piece of technology that works with both gasoline and diesel engines. You can also install turbochargers across a different types of vehicles, including cars, buses, trucks, and ships.
The primary benefit of turbochargers is that you get a significant boost in power output while maintaining a smaller engine size. This basically allows manufacturers to make more powerful cars without having to increase their size or weight.
Aside from empowering your vehicle to achieve its maximum potential, turbochargers also improve its fuel efficiency. The compressed air that is pushed into the engine cylinders is extremely dense, which allows more fuel to be burned during a single combustion cycle. As the amount of power generated is enhanced, it means your engine produces more power using less fuel.
What are the Disadvantages of Turbochargers
While turbochargers are an amazing innovation for your vehicle, at the same time, they do come with a few drawbacks. Adding a turbocharger to your automobile engine makes things way more complex and harder to maintain. Over time, the functioning of the turbocharger can also cause excessive wear and tear on the engine.
Another common issue, experienced by drivers is turbo lag. Basically, there is a delay in the speed boost because the engine takes a few minutes to reply to the throttle as the turbo takes time to spin up. That’s why is so important to understand-how does a turbo work?
While these disadvantages are not exactly deal-breakers, they do highlight that your turbocharger requires regular servicing and maintenance to stay in top working condition.
Why Do You Need Turbocharger Repair Services?
In case, you are experiencing any issues with your turbocharger or feel that there is a drop in performance, then you need to get it checked out immediately.
This is where specialized turbocharger repair services come in. You cannot expect your regular repair guy to diagnose and fix problems with your turbo. The team of experts at Diesel Components Inc., offer authorized turbocharger repair services for AiResearch, Garrett, and Schweitzer, to name a few.
Looking for Trusted Turbocharger Repair Services in Burnsville? Contact Diesel Components Inc., Today!
We hope we were able to successfully answer your question-How does a turbo work?
If you’re looking for excellent turbocharger repair services in Burnsville, MN, just drive down to 670 E. Travelers Trail #105 between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and we will do the rest.
When you get your turbocharger fixed at Diesel Components Inc., you can rest assured that we will always use top-quality components and the latest repair techniques to make sure we get it right, the first time.
We’re your one-shop stop for all things related to your turbocharger, whether you’re looking to replace your manifold gasket or an air discharge hose/clamp. Our trained professionals will also help you out with more complex repairs, including wheel balancing, testing, correcting balance, and completing cartridge assemblies, using our state-of-the-art VSR technology.
We also offer a faster turnaround on your turbocharger, courtesy of our in-house building rebuilding facilities. For the best turbocharger repair services in Minnesota, contact us now at (952) 890-2885.
