Today, there are many types and modifications of engines, and recently there has been a tendency to increase power. Moreover, manufacturers are trying to do this without increasing the working volume of the engine. For this purpose, but is it worth buying such cars, or is it better to buy an old, proven “aspirated”? This is a highly controversial issue. What is the difference between a naturally aspirated engine and a turbocharged one, we will consider in our today's article.
Characteristics of the atmospheric internal combustion engine
He is Classic System Its power supply is based on a distributed injector. So, a combustible mixture is formed from 14 parts of air and one part of gasoline. ECU if necessary modern cars can adjust this value up or down. After the mixture enters the cylinder, the system ignites it and ignition occurs, and then the piston stroke. Due to this, it rotates crankshaft, flywheel and, accordingly, the wheels of the machine.
Pressure is the main difference between a naturally aspirated engine and a turbocharged one. The pressure of the air that enters the engine is small - about one atmosphere (hence the characteristic name). There is no forced injection here.
Advantages of a naturally aspirated engine
Which is better - naturally aspirated or turbocharged? Among the advantages of the first motor, experts distinguish:
Resource
What to choose - atmospheric engine or turbocharged? On average, engines without a turbine have a resource of 300, or even more than a thousand kilometers to overhaul. And if it is an atmospheric diesel engine, then it is completely capable of traveling a million kilometers. A striking example of this is diesel engines old 124's "Mercedes". Also, these engines are easier to repair, since their design is extremely simple.
Regarding the reliability of atmospheric engines, there are no questions. Such engines can feel good even when running on low-quality gasoline. They are also not so demanding on oil. Among the special advantages should be noted their maintainability. Repair will be very cheap and will not take much time.
Disadvantages of atmospheric engines
The difference between naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines is power. Such motors will always develop less power and produce limited torque. Therefore, you should think about dynamic driving only when the engine displacement is above 2.5 liters. Most cars with naturally aspirated engines accelerate slowly.
Turbocharged engine: characteristics and advantages
Many believe that these motors were developed recently. But for the first time a turbocharged unit was installed on a car back in the 50s of the last century. Its principle of operation is somewhat different from atmospheric. So, in the design there is a special pumping mechanism. This is a turbine. She uses energy exhaust gases and thus blows air into intake manifold.
An artificial pressure is created, which is many times higher than atmospheric pressure. This increases the power and torque of the motor without increasing its working volume. These indicators can be higher by 20-40 percent, which, of course, affects the dynamics of acceleration of the car. High torque allows you to pick up speed faster. In addition, the turbocharged engine produces less noise and is more environmentally friendly. In terms of fuel consumption, it practically does not differ from its atmospheric counterparts. Such engines will excellent choice for those who want to enjoy driving. Overtaking on such a motor can be done with complete confidence.
Disadvantages of a turbocharged engine
When making a choice between a naturally aspirated engine or a turbocharged one, it is worth considering the fact that the latter type is more picky about fuel quality. Most engines prefer high octane gasoline. And if it's about turbo diesel, you need to buy fuel only at proven gas stations. When choosing between a naturally aspirated engine or a turbocharged one, you need to understand that the latter engine requires better lubricants. Oil must be expensive and original. It needs to be changed every 10 thousand kilometers. This applies to both gasoline and diesel turbocharged engines. In addition, attention should be paid to the filter. The oil filter must be of high quality. It depends on resource and wear. important details engine.
About reliability
Which engine is more reliable - atmospheric or turbocharged? Compared to the first, the turbocharged engine is less reliable. This is due to the more complex design. You also need to understand that all parts in such a motor are subjected to high loads. Indeed, with the same volume and design, this unit produces great features. This clearly affects the overall resource. You should know that a turbocharged engine runs at elevated temperature. Therefore, you need to check the oil more often and monitor the condition of all filters. The slightest problem with them affects performance and fuel consumption.
Unfortunately, the resource of such motors will always be lower. Especially it concerns gasoline engines. bright volume an example is turbocharged engines from the Volkswagen-Audi concern.
The resource of such motors, even with timely service does not exceed two hundred thousand kilometers. Diesel engines are also available. They last a little longer. But the turbine will make itself felt anyway earlier. And then the owner will have to prepare for serious investments.
Now about the repair. It is not so easy to repair the most critical node (turbine). If she submits characteristics should be diagnosed and troubleshooted. This is best left to qualified professionals. The repair itself consists in replacing the turbine cartridge. This is the most popular recovery method. You can go the other way - install an already used turbine from disassembly. Although this option is dangerous, because no one gives a guarantee of how long it will last, what is its real mileage and in what conditions it was operated. However, all operations related to repair and diagnostics given element have their own difficulties. This is reflected in the final cost. atmospheric engines in this case much easier. Since there is no turbine, there is nothing to repair here.
Also note that the operation of a turbocharged car has its own characteristics. For example, after aggressive driving, you should not immediately turn off the engine. It is necessary to give him the opportunity to work at idle, so that the turbine cools down.
Summing up
Which engine is better - naturally aspirated or turbocharged? As you can see, both motors have their own characteristics. But I must say that a turbocharged engine will definitely be more expensive to repair and maintain. It is demanding on fuel and consumables. Atmospheric in this case is easier. But do not forget that a turbocharged engine gives acceleration dynamics that even modern “aspirated” with direct injection.
There is no definite answer to the question of which is better - a turbocharged or naturally aspirated engine. But practice has shown that the content of the last motor is three times cheaper. Therefore, if dynamics is not important to you, but you need a simple car for everyday use, you should consider buying a car without a turbine. If you are a fan of speed and want to enjoy the ride, you need to put up with spending and choose a turbocharged engine. Some want to beat fate and thus buy a larger, but atmospheric engine (if there is such an option in the line of power units). In this case, do not forget about fuel consumption. The larger the volume, the more gasoline required for the operation of the cylinder. Therefore, sometimes it makes sense to buy some small-capacity, but turbocharged engine than a voracious atmospheric one.
Every motorist sooner or later faces a choice: a car with which engine, atmospheric or turbocharged, he should buy. Both those and other power plants have their advantages and disadvantages. About them - our today's material.
Pros and cons of a naturally aspirated engine
First of all, let us explain what an engine is, which is commonly called atmospheric. This is the engine internal combustion, in which the air supplied through the carburetor or injector participates in the formation of a fuel mixture (1 part of gasoline and 14 of air), which, when ignited, creates energy that drives the working parts of the engine. We will not go into all the details of the operation of such engines - this is not the purpose of this material. The person who chooses a car with a naturally aspirated engine, but still looks to the side turbocharged unit, it is important to understand what advantages and disadvantages the motor that will be equipped with his car has.
atmospheric engine
There are three undoubted advantages of a naturally aspirated engine.
Great motor resource. As the practice of operation of atmospheric engines shows, it does not matter, the period of their resource operation can be hundreds of thousands of kilometers. Facts are known when some American atmospheric engines"nursed" for 300-400, and even 500 thousand kilometers without a major overhaul. Moreover, there were instances of record-breaking motors that were installed on other cars, since the “native” body was already rotting, and power point worked before overhaul more than one tens of thousands of kilometers.
Reliability and ease of use. Such record figures are due to the relative simplicity of the design of atmospheric engines and their "loyal" attitude to the quality of fuel and engine oil. The atmospheric engine digests well even the lousiest gasoline, which is a dime a dozen in our area. Of course, with frequent refueling with such fuel, the aspirated engine may experience interruptions in operation, but restoring its vital activity will be many times cheaper than that of the same turbocharged unit.
High maintainability. The relative simplicity of the design of the atmospheric engine mentioned above also implies its high maintainability. That is, in the event of a failure of one or another engine assembly, its repair will cost less than it would take to repair a turbocharged engine.
Atmospheric engines also have their drawbacks. These include a large mass of the unit itself, smaller than that of a turbocharged engine with a similar volume, power, inability to maintain high power when driving in mountainous areas with rarefied air. Finally, a car with a naturally aspirated engine loses to a turbocharged one in dynamics.
Pros and cons of a turbocharged engine
The first turbocharged engine was invented back in 1905, and cars motors of this type began to be used in the middle of the twentieth century. The principle of its operation is that installed on the engine uses traffic fumes to create forced air pressure, which enters the cylinders, where it is formed fuel mixture. Under pressure, it is pumped into the cylinders large quantity air than an atmospheric engine, which entails an increase in engine power (up to 10% on average).
Turbine engine
The advantages of turbocharged engines include high power with the same working volume as an atmospheric engine, higher torque - this affects the dynamics better than that of the "aspirated". In addition, a turbocharged engine is more environmentally friendly (more efficient combustion of fuel in the cylinders), and makes less noise than a naturally aspirated engine.
The disadvantages of a turbocharged engine include difficulties in operation. Such a power plant is more sensitive to and (for turbocharged engines it is recommended to use special oil). oil life and oil filter in such an engine is reduced, in comparison with that of an atmospheric one, by one and a half to two times due to the fact that the turbine has to work at more high temperatures. It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the oil and filter and change them at the frequency recommended by the engine manufacturer. You also need to monitor the condition of the air filter: if it is clogged, this will impair the operation of the compressor.
Another minus turbocharged engine- increased, compared with atmospheric, . Due to the fact that a larger volume of air is used to prepare the mixture in the cylinders, a larger volume of fuel is supplied there. We should not forget that the turbine is faster if you immediately turn off the engine when you stop the car. Therefore, to extend the life of the turbine, you need to give the motor some time to work on idling to cool the turbine, and only then turn it off.
In a word, both types of engines have their positive and negative sides. Therefore, before buying a car with a naturally aspirated or turbocharged engine, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons, and only then make an informed choice.
The long-awaited topic: naturally aspirated or turbocharged. A lot of motorists are interested in this topical issue. What to choose and what to ride for as long as possible.
The question is ambiguous and requires a detailed understanding of the pros and cons of those and other motors.
And so, atmospheric or turbocharged engine. If we take initially their difference, then structurally the engine does not differ. The only difference is that the intake system is added enhanced flow air and, accordingly, the fuel supply changes in the direction of its increase.
On atmospheric, you can install a pressurization system, that is, a turbine that enhances the incoming air flow into the intake system, we will correct the fuel supply, here you have a turbocharged engine.
Let's take a deeper look at what atmospheric and turbocharged are.
atmospheric engine
What does atmospheric mean? As mentioned above, a naturally aspirated engine does not have a system for forcing air into the intake system.
Air is drawn in naturally, the intake pistons suck in air, creating a negative pressure in the intake phase. In this cycle, fuel is also sucked in with air, forming the fuel mixture necessary for a particular mode of engine operation.
For good purge, so called good filling working mixture and exhaust gas removal, on modern atmospheric engines, four valves per cylinder are installed. Two for intake and two for exhaust.
In this case, the maximum efficiency of the motor is ensured, relative to its volume of cylinders and, accordingly, maximum power.
Advantages of a naturally aspirated engine:
- increased resource;
- simplicity of design;
- consumption of low-octane fuel grades;
- less oil consumption;
- longer mileage before oil change;
- warm up the engine faster.
Disadvantages of a naturally aspirated engine:
- less power;
- fuel consumption is high;
- less environmentally friendly.
turbocharged engine
As mentioned above, this is an atmospheric engine with a turbine installed on it. Something like this you can imagine a turbocharged engine. But installing a turbine is simply not enough.
The turbine works from the movement of exhaust gases, spinning the shaft with the impeller to crazy speeds.. At the other end of the turbine shaft is an impeller, the so-called compressor, which supplies air under pressure to the intake manifold.
The compressor pumps air, it enters the cylinders much more than in an atmospheric engine. Due to this, it becomes possible to create a finished combustible mixture several times more per intake stroke. In a turbocharged one, of course, when this mixture is burned, more energy is released, the result is sharp rise power.
The crankshaft, camshafts, connecting rods, pistons, valves in a turbocharged engine remain the same as on an atmospheric engine.
In order for a turbocharged engine to work stably and for a long time, many improvements and improvements are required related to the lubrication of the turbine and the cooling of the supplied air.
Turbocharged engines are more revving, more powerful, operate at higher temperatures.
In addition to the turbine, the turbocharged engine is complemented by an additional radiator (), which serves to cool the air entering the intake system.
The intercooler is necessary so that the mixture does not enter the cylinders very hot, in order to save it from detonation and overheating.
Pros of a turbocharged engine:
- increased power;
- reduced size and weight;
- reduced overall fuel consumption.
Disadvantages of a turbocharged engine:
- reduced resource;
- requires quality oil;
- requires high-quality fuel;
- increased oil consumption;
- poor heating;
- the need to change oil more often.
Summing up
And so, atmospheric engine or turbocharged. From the considered factors we draw a conclusion.
For those who do not need extra troubles with frequent replacements and adding oil, more cheap service. For those who do not need to sink in, accelerate quickly, those who love the measured principle of driving a car, then they will be more satisfied with atmospheric.
Although now non-turbo engines are quite lively and you can drive them well.
Those who do not disdain caring for their iron horse, those who respect powerful cars, and does not take into account increased costs for car maintenance. For those who love from a place with a slipper to the floor and overloads like in an airplane, then definitely, only a turbocharged engine.
Popular statistics say that a turbocharged engine costs about three times more to operate.
So good luck with your choice!
Which engine is better: turbocharged or naturally aspirated? Before buying a new or used car, many drivers ask this question. But experts recommend making a choice in favor of one or another type of units in accordance with personal requirements and operating conditions of the car.
The thing is that it is impossible to unambiguously answer the question of which engine is better, turbo or aspirated. Both motors have their own advantages and some disadvantages. And of course, the features of the operation.
What are turbocharged and atmospheric units
Before choosing between two types of engines, you should understand the principle of their work. So:
atmospheric engine
This is the well-known internal combustion engine. Today, it is these motors that are installed on most cars, the principle of operation is that air enters the combustion chamber through a carburetor or injector. The proportion of air to petrol is 14:1. In the chamber, the fuel mixture ignites from a spark, which drives the valves. At first glance, everything is quite simple, although the work atmospheric motor has many nuances and complex moments.
The operation of such an engine has one significant feature: the air is pumped through the operation of the turbine, which uses the exhaust gases to generate forced air pressure. Air, as in a conventional naturally aspirated engine, mixes with fuel already in the cylinders, where the mixture ignites. In this case, the air pressure is greater than in the atmospheric, which affects the torque and power characteristics of the unit.
Important! Any owner of a car with a turbo engine should know some of the features of its operation. For example, the need to hold the engine at idle for some time after stopping to allow the unit to cool down a bit. Only then can it be completely silenced.
Advantages and disadvantages of a naturally aspirated engine
It is the aspirator that today is classic for motorists, and wide application turbo engines since the middle of the twentieth century has not yet changed the situation. The reason is that atmospheric engines have three main advantages over turbocharged units:
- Long term operation. The structure of the motors was originally designed for hundreds of thousands of kilometers. At normal conditions and proper care, this is a normal phenomenon, which makes it possible to list atmospheric engines among the so-called million-plus engines. This applies to both petrol and diesel engines.
- Reliability and ease of use. It is this type of motors that is the most trouble-free due to simple device. In addition, engines are less demanding on the quality of fuel and oils. This is a significant plus when considering the features domestic gasoline And Supplies.
- Good maintainability. Again, given the quality of gasoline and diesel fuel sold at our own gas stations, this good news. Even if the unit fails, in most cases it can be "reanimated". Naturally, the car owner will have to pay a certain amount in this case, he will have fewer difficulties than when repairing a turbo engine.
The disadvantages include the following factors:
- Large motor weight.
- Less power compared to turbo engines of the same size.
- When driving in thin air conditions, power is significantly reduced.
- Less dynamic performance compared to turbo engines.
Advantages and disadvantages of turbocharged engines
The advantages of using turbo engines are as follows:
- Compared to aspirated, more significant power reserve and high torque.
- Increasing dynamics.
- Environmental friendliness.
- Works less noisy.
Nevertheless, you have to pay dearly for such indicators, both figuratively and literally. Turbo engines have the following disadvantages:
- Engines are more picky about the quality of fuel and engine oil. The result is the need to use more expensive products, which causes dissatisfaction among motorists in the face of a constant rise in the price of petroleum products.
- The life of lubricating and filtering elements in the motor is significantly reduced, as they operate at higher temperatures. Owners of cars equipped with turbocharged engines are forced to carefully monitor the oil level and the condition of the filters, otherwise the working components of the unit will quickly fail, for example, the compressor.
- The turbo engine consumes more fuel.
- Less resource compared to aspirated.
- High cost of repair and maintenance. Moreover, many specialists refuse to repair such units at all. But even after doing quality repair, often the units work intermittently and soon fail again.
In conclusion, we can say that both types of motors have their drawbacks and advantages. But before installing a turbo engine on a car, which has become fashionable lately, it is worth considering whether such tuning will be justified. When choosing a car, you need to take into account driving conditions, the quality of gasoline in the region, the cost of fuel and many other factors.
To improve the efficiency of the engine can be used very efficient system, which is called a turbocharged engine. The use of a system of such a plan contributes not only to an increase in engine power, but also allows you to save fuel during its operation. At the same time, the toxicity of exhaust gases is significantly reduced.
What is turbocharging?
Turbocharging- a system of forced air injection into the engine cylinders, as a result of which more air enters the combustion chamber fuel-air mixture. An increase in the amount of the fuel-air mixture increases the average effective pressure in the cylinders, which leads to a significant increase in engine power with its design parameters unchanged. A turbocharged engine operates by using the energy of exhaust gases or by drive supercharger, which is rigidly connected to the engine and spends part of its power on its work.
How does a turbocharged engine work?
The principle is based on the power of energy possessed by exhaust gases. It drives the turbine wheel. It, in turn, contributes to the rotation of the compressor wheel. This is where the rotary shaft comes in handy. The task of the compressor wheel is to compress the air. It heats up, and after entering the intercooler, it is cooled, and it is fed into the cylinders.
1 - air filter; 2 - air supply sleeve low pressure; 3 - boost control valve; 4 - turbocharger; 5 - throttle assembly; 6 - air supply sleeve of cooled charge air; 7 – charge air cooling radiator (intercooler); 8 - air supply sleeve of hot charge air; 9 - air intake
How intensively the system will work depends on the nature of the work of the power unit itself. At the same time, it should be said that there is no rigid connection between the turbocharger and the engine crankshaft. The energy of the exhaust gases increases with the increase in the number of rotations of the engine. The stronger the motor works, the more intensively the energy potential increases. Consequently, the supply of compressed air also increases.
However, not everything here is so simple. There are a number of factors that are constraining the use of turbocharging. First of all, detonation can be attributed to such factors. Its occurrence is elementarily due to the fact that gasoline unit just dramatically increases its rotation. Another factor is the significant temperature parameters that the exhaust gases have. This provides significant heating of the turbocharger and the turbocharged engine as a whole.
What is a turbocharging system?
Structurally, the turbocharging device includes a turbocharger, an intercooler, a boost pressure control device and other components. However, the turbocharger plays the first violin in this design. With the help of it, an increase in pressure in the air intake system is ensured.
Air masses need to be cooled somehow. For this purpose, an intercooler is provided in the design. cooling compressed air coming from the compressor, it helps to increase its density. As a result, the pressure increases. Structurally, it is a radiator, and its type can be either liquid or air.
The system is controlled by a boost controller. He is nothing but bypass valve. Its main purpose is to limit the pressure of the exhaust gases. They don't all go to turbine wheel: a certain number of them go past him. In this case, the boost pressure becomes optimal. The valve is actuated by pneumatics or electricity. The sensor sends signals, resulting in valve actuation.
It is envisaged and safety valve. throttle valve may close abruptly, causing a sudden surge of air. The function of this valve is to protect against such actions.
In the case of aggregates, it is sufficient high power a system involving two parallel turbochargers is used.
If the turbines power unit installed in series, this provides increased performance due to the operation of various turbochargers at different engine speeds. Developers do not stand still, but try to move forward. At the same time, instead of two, he installs three and even four sequential turbochargers.
Disadvantages of turbocharged engines
In general, all the disadvantages of turbocharging are as follows:
- Increased fuel consumption. At equal volumes, a turbocharged engine will consume more fuel by about 20%, but also produce Horse power 70% more. For some, this may be a plus, but for most car owners, this may not be necessary.
- Turbo engine resource. Since the engine becomes stronger in terms of power, and the characteristics of the general plan remain unchanged, wear of a very intensive nature of the main components occurs. The result of this is a decrease in the resource capabilities of the engine.
- Oil starvation. The disadvantages include the fact that reduced wear resistance piston group. The resource of the turbine itself is significantly reduced. This is facilitated by the fact that pressure from crankcase gases increases. If work in such conditions is observed for a long time, then " oil starvation". This, in turn, can lead to damage to the turbocharger. Problems from such important knot may cause engine damage.
- Turbo lag and turbo pickup. There are such concepts as turbo lag and turbo pickup. The first occurs in situations where the gas pedal is pressed sharply. When the turbo lag is overcome, the turbo boost pressure increases sharply. We have already who are interested, you can read.
- Quality fuel and oil. You will only have to refuel yourself High Quality, otherwise the turbine can die very quickly. In addition, the use of turbines implies the presence engine oils special varieties. At the same time, maintenance periods must be adhered to in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. At the same time, high demands are placed on air filter, which will have to be changed 2 times more often than on a naturally aspirated engine.
- Expensive repairs and maintenance. The design and arrangement of the turbine is quite complex and only high-quality materials are used there, therefore their cost is not small. And if we add to this the high cost of the work itself, then the total cost of maintenance and repair comes out to be a round sum. For example, the cost of overhauling a turbine in good service can range from $1,000 to $1,500.
Despite all the cons mentioned, turbocharged engines are the future of the automotive industry based on internal combustion engines (we believe that the real future is still in cars with electric motors). At the moment, the most advanced turbocharging systems are considered TSI engines(Volkswagen) and TFSI (Audi). But not far behind Japanese manufacturers such as EJ20 (Subaru), 13B-REW (Mazda), RB26DETT (by Nissan), 2JZ-GTE (Toyota), 4G63 (Mitsubishi), etc.
