What is turbocharging is known to those who like to cram one part into another, that is, we are with you. More recently, electric versions of the turbine and supercharger have appeared with mechanical drive(or supercharger). What are the electric versions of these compressors and how do they work?
Before we get into the discussion, let's brush up on our knowledge of how turbos and superchargers work. Essentially, both of these devices increase the density air-fuel mixture that enters the engine internal combustion where the compression and combustion of the mixture takes place. The higher the density of the air-fuel mixture, the more powerful the piston stroke and engine operation will be, even without increasing the physical volume of the engine cylinders.
That is why small engines turbocharged engines are more powerful than their larger counterparts: the engine gets more power from each piston stroke. How can this density be increased? By compressing the incoming air with a blower. If the supercharger is belt-driven, it is a mechanically driven supercharger. If from the turbine, which extracts energy from the flow exhaust gases, that is .
The disadvantage of a turbocharger is that the engine needs some time to produce enough exhaust gases. This annoying hitch is called turbo lag. The supercharger does not have such a delay, but the engine also needs time to spin the turbine, which affects its efficiency.
It can be assumed that if an “electrical” function was added to these systems, then these disadvantages would no longer exist. And it will be true.
In fact, I want to talk about three mechanisms: electric mechanical boost, electric turbocharging and that nonsense that is sold on the Internet. We immediately get rid of what is offered on the Internet. And what exactly they offer, for example, on eBay can be viewed at the link.
I must say right away that this is not an option to make your PT Cruiser even more powerful. This is a way to attach a useless exhaust pump or fan from a computer to an air intake for some unknown purpose. You still won't see any changes. All this stuff that connects to your 12 volt electrical system to run the "compressor" is complete rubbish.
IN best case, these marvels of technology will be connected to the generator to start a useless fan, which still does not have enough power for normal compression. On the contrary, you will most likely lose some power due to the limited flow of forced air. As the saying goes, don't be fooled.
So, real electric mechanical superchargers still exist and, in fact, they are the same superchargers as those to which we are accustomed. They also spin up the compressor to increase air density, but instead of being belt driven, they are powered by an electric motor.
But the electric motor isn't the same 12-volt dummy on eBay. This will require at least a 48-volt system. Air compression consumes a lot of energy, so it is difficult to develop electrical systems.
Most batteries and traditional electrical systems in cars simply can't deliver that much power fast enough to power an electric supercharger. For this reason, electrical superchargers usually come with high-capacity supercapacitors that can store energy and then release electrical energy very quickly. Such capacitors can also be recharged, as electrical and hybrid cars on the principle of regenerative braking.
For example, Mazda already uses a supercapacitor in its i-eLoop system. And while it's not an electric supercharger, it's still a fairly large capacitor that's already being made and installed in cars. This gives us hope that this technology will soon become ubiquitous.
Electric turbos are confusing and make us think they are different from electric superchargers. In fact, there is not much from electric turbocharging in them. They are simply small electric superchargers connected to a conventional exhaust gas turbocharger.
Even by definition, a turbocharger draws its energy from exhaust gases, so the beloved term "electric turbocharger" simply doesn't make any sense.
By by and large, the main task of an electric turbocharger is to get rid of the turbo lag and help the conventional turbocharger until the engine speed reaches the point where the turbine is at its most efficient. To do this, an electric one (which can be located in the same place as a conventional turbocharger or separately, but powered by the same impeller) spins the compressor at the start and at low speeds, and when the volume of exhaust gases is sufficient, it transfers work to a conventional turbocharger.
Many began to ask me a question about the drive compressor or air blower. After all, it can really be put on our native VAZ. Today I want to talk about this device in more detail, namely how it works and whether it is possible to install it yourself ...
In general, the idea of compressors is as old as the world. As early as the 1900s, such devices were proposed to increase engine power by forcing additional air into the cylinders. Let's get a little definition.
Drive compressor (or blower) - this is a unit that is installed on a car engine, creates additional air injection into the combustion chambers, which, with a slight alteration of fuel injection, gives additional power, sometimes up to 30%.
If you say in simple words what happens - miracles, as they say, do not happen, if you want to increase power, then you need to burn more fuel, but in order to effectively oxidize it, it needs more oxygen. If you exaggerate this, then the compressor does it. That is, you increase the fuel supply, for example - put a new one, install a compressor and get - power. Everything is simple.
TURBO NOT TURBO
In short, there are now many constructive varieties of compressors. Some work using the energy of exhaust gases (TURBO), others - using a drive (NOT TURBO). It is about the second that we will talk today. By the way, you can read the link.
If you disassemble the design of such nodes, you can identify a certain similarity in the structure. Namely, such compressors operate from a drive that does not require intervention in standard systems engine, namely in the lubrication and exhaust gas system, which is very important! This design is really very simple - a direct connection is established with the “crankshaft”, which allows the engine and supercharger to interact perfectly during acceleration. That is, the higher the speed, the faster the “crankshaft” rotates, and accordingly spins the supercharger! Due to this interaction, there is practically no such thing as "turbojam". Also, an additional plus is the lack of work at high temperatures, like the TURBO options, which means that the resource is much increased - after all, the “turbine” does not need to cool down here, that is, “” or “boost controllers” are not required, just turn off the car and work stops. Site autoflit.ru recommends doing the same. Who is interested come in.
Types of driven compressors
It's time to talk about the devices of the "drive versions". Now there are only three types: - these are rotary, screw and centrifugal. The first two options pump air using certain cylindrical rotors or "vanes", the latter works like a cooler, that is, it blows with blades.
Rotary types
Compressors that are used quite widely. The main plus is average price, great service strings, high frequency supply air, smooth and stable operation, fast response to speed crankshaft.
The air in this system is not compressed, it seems to go inside, and then the blades, which are made in the form of a rotor, pump it into the engine. Therefore, they received the name - compressor with external compression. The downside is that with an increase in intake pressure, efficiency drops.
The structure most often consists of two rotors, on the inlet and outlet windows, see the photo. They are located transversely.
The disadvantages of this design are:
1) Efficiency depends on clearances between shafts and other parts.
2) The greatest heating of all other types.
3) Loud noise and shaft vibration.
4) Not very strong pressure of about 0.7 bar maximum.
To summarize, it becomes clear that this type is far from ideal. Some may ask the question - why are the blades screw? There are two reasons for this, the first is an increase in air pressure and the second is a decrease in noise (although it does not help much).
screw type
It is more perfect and robust construction supercharger. The principle of operation here is also simple - compression occurs due to a change in the volume of the cavities between the body and the rotation screws (kind of rotors). The air here moves diagonally. Big pluses this option is high efficiency up to 85%, as well as high air pressure (from 1 bar to above), this is achieved high turnover sometimes up to 12,000 rpm. It is because of this that you can make the case more miniature. I must say this option is often used on racing cars because of the reliability and small body.
The only disadvantages can be called a complex structure and repair, which increases the price of the final product. If such a drive compressor fails, then it is necessary to repair it at specialized stations, preferably from the manufacturer.
As can be seen on the design, there are two rotors, with toothed spiral teeth. Their profiles are fully consistent with each other when in contact, which makes the design very reliable.
The most common on internal combustion engines, they work with the help of the so-called blades or "blades". If we compare them with the previous two, then this type is the most compact of all, and it is also simple in manufacturing technology, which reduces the cost of its final cost. Often it can be confused with the TURBO version (which runs on exhaust gases), due to a similar design, but this is completely wrong, these are two completely different devices.
The principle of the structure - consists of an inlet part, a working part (blade-blade) and a diffuser, which can be either bladed or bladeless. Required for installation and air intake, made in the form of a "snail".
After passing through a special filter (by the way, it is also mandatory, otherwise all the dust will be inside the engine), it enters a special inlet which gradually narrows (for minimal air loss during supply), then follows to the wheel. The impeller is mounted on a special mount, however, there were cases when it was also placed on the shaft itself. Coming through mechanical transmission(drive), communicates with the crankshaft.
These options are the most common in our domestic cars(in particular VAZ). They are taken for durability, low price, versatility and compactness.
The disadvantages of such compressors is - low, but at high engine power can increase up to 30% of the nominal value. At a speed of 4000, the pressure can reach 0.5 - 0.6 bar.
Installing a compressor on a VAZ
Needless to say, our domestic market mainly consists of AvtoVAZ products, it is with it that young “tuners” start, so the most common question is can it be installed on a VAZ?
Of course you can, and the last one - the centrifugal type is often already on complete set, for installation on our cars, that is, the so-called "KIT set".
Mounting the system is quite simple. However, first you need to install an enlarged gasket between the block and the head of the block. This is what the manufacturer recommends. The following is an exaggerated connection diagram:
1) Set up the air intake filter.
2) We fix the case on the bracket
3) We connect the crankshaft drive.
4) Fasten the drive belt
5) We use.
Now short video for understanding.
What can be achieved - as I wrote above, on high revs pressure can reach 0.5 - 0.6 bar. If you correctly adjust the fuel injection, flash the ECU, or reconfigure the carburetor, you can achieve 30% at the top! This is very significant.
I will end here, I think my article was useful to you.
It is too early to refuse the internal combustion engine. For several reasons. Therefore, many manufacturers are working on technologies that will optimize power systems using hydrocarbon fuel. One such technology is the electric air blower. German engineers believe that the electric turbocharger will replace traditional supercharging in the future, and will help make internal combustion engines smaller, more economical, and at the same time more powerful.
First, let's figure out what a turbocharger or turbocharger is. As you know, the internal combustion engine does not run on the fuel itself, but on fuel-air mixture. In case of gasoline engine the proportions should be as follows: 1 part gasoline to 13-15 parts air. Back in the late 19th century, the famous Gottlieb Daimler realized that it was necessary to increase not the fuel supply, but air. For a long time this had to be achieved by increasing the volume of cylinders, which is why the units turned out to be large and voracious. But in 1905, the Swiss engineer Alfred Buchi patented the world's first in-cylinder air blower, which used the energy of exhaust gases to work.
In the 90s of the last century, engineers began to use turbocharging not only to increase engine power in passenger car but also to save fuel and reduce emissions harmful substances. Since then, turbocharging has ceased to be part of tuning, and has become part of basic equipment diesel cars many brands.
The history of the electric turbocharger began quite recently. Since 2000, the British company CPT (Controlled Power Technologies) has been developing it. After 9 years, the company introduced a turbocharger capable of running from onboard network with a voltage of 12 volts. The engineers managed to solve the problem of a mechanical supercharger - the so-called "turbo lag", that is, a low ability to work at low speeds.
Electric superchargers are powered by a small electric motor, unlike mechanical turbocharging, which uses a fraction of the power (1-5%) of the engine. In addition, the CPT device itself can generate power: the back pressure generated when the exhaust gases are released turns the turbine blades, helping to generate electricity to charge the battery.
The first prototype car with an electric supercharger was developed by the German company AVL List. Supercharging CPT adapted for a 2-liter gasoline engine with direct injection fuel installed on the VW Passat. The car emitted 20% less harmful substances into the atmosphere than analogues with a mechanical supercharger.
At this stage, Controlled Power Technologies is coordinating with such big companies like Ford, Valeo and Ricardo. Based on CPT technology, the Hyboost electric supercharger has been developed, in which the turbine is rotated by a Valeo micro-hybrid unit, which receives energy from regenerative braking.
Equipped with the new 3-cylinder EcoBoost with VTES (Variable Torque Boost) and Hyboost supercharger, the Ford Focus improved fuel economy by 30-35% compared to similar power engines. It is worth noting that the engine with a volume of only 1 liter produces 145 Horse power at 240 Nm of torque!
BMW is also working on its own electric turbocharger. The development of the Bavarian company is devoid of a rigid connection between the supercharger and the rotor - an additional unit has appeared between them, which includes an electric motor and a pair of clutches.
On Idling the rotor rotates freely from the supercharger, reducing the load on the engine. The electric motor at this moment also works, adjusting its speed to the speed of rotation of the compressor shaft. When you press the gas pedal, the clutch between the electric motor and the compressor closes. In this case, the supercharger spins up only due to the electric motor, which avoids turbo jams.
According to rumors, the first BMW since electric turbocharger will be the new generation M3.
— ecoconceptcars.com —Benefits of electric turbocharging
What is the concept of electric turbocharging, which is increasingly found in latest news auto industry? Let's figure it out. In an effort to make cars as fuel efficient as possible, automakers are increasingly downsizing engines by equipping them with turbocharging technology. Indeed, in order for a compact engine to remain powerful, it is necessary to “help” it by forcing air into the cylinders, under pressure.
“Shortening the size of the engine is one of the main ways to reduce the fuel consumption of a car,” says a spokesman for the French supplier Valeo. automotive components. "To subcompact engine could develop more power, manufacturers usually use turbines powered by exhaust gases. However, unfortunately, turbocharged engines are characterized by poor responsiveness at low speeds, called the “turbo lag effect” or “turbo lag”.
This "failure" in the set of revolutions, caused by the inertia of the turbine, became the "Achilles heel" of the turbo engine. In part, the problem was solved by using a twin-scroll turbine with variable geometry, or using a second small turbine to help the first one. In both cases, the turbines operate in a wider range of engine speeds, however, it was still not possible to completely eliminate the “turbolag”. Alas, it is very difficult for turbocharged units to provide an instant response to pressing the gas pedal, natural for atmospheric engines.
And now come to the rescue the new kind turbocharging - electric. What is this "beast" and can electric turbocharging be a "game changer"?
While studying how electric vehicles work, automakers have found that electric motors are characterized by instantaneous responsiveness. Today, it is still unrealistic for everyone to switch to electric transport. The motors and batteries of electric vehicles are expensive due to their large size, and the limited range of electric vehicles on a single battery charge will not suit everyone.
But why not use a small electric motor to power the compressor turbocharged engine? After all, then it will be possible to force air into the engine without the help of exhaust gases! This is precisely the principle of operation of an electric supercharger.
idea to use electric turbocharging is not new - companies such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Ferrari have already reported on developments in this area several years ago. But, perhaps, more than others, he became interested in an electric supercharger Volkswagen concern– the VW Group is currently investing heavily in the development of electric turbocharging technology or electric turbocharging.
Marc Gilles, who is involved in the development of technological communications in the North American division of Volkswagen, calls the main advantage of electric turbocharging “that it provides acceleration at low revs, while conventional exhaust gas turbines create the right pressure air at a minimum of 1500 rpm.”
“The electric motor is able to respond to the gas pedal instantly (within 250 milliseconds),” Valeo says, adding that by using an electric turbo, “fuel consumption can be reduced by 7 to 20 percent.”
Audi, part of the group Volkswagen Group, recently demonstrated its recent achievements in the field of electric turbocharging using the example of the Clubsport TT Turbo concept. four-wheel drive vehicle develops a power of 600 hp. and a torque of 649 Nm thanks to the fact that its 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine was equipped with two turbines - traditional and electric.
The electric compressor is powered by a 48-volt subsystem installed in the trunk and, unlike a conventional turbine, provides torque “on demand”. As a result, the Clubsport TT Turbo accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.
“An electrically powered compressor has significant advantages,” says Brad Stertz, power plants in the North American division of Audi. “It spins up to maximum quickly without any perceptible delay and continues to build up air pressure when the traditional turbine lacks exhaust energy.”
“This principle of operation allows you to create traditional turbochargers, specially “sharpened” for supplying higher pressure and, accordingly, provide more engine power, while the electric compressor will be responsible for instant response and powerful jerks with low speed at any point in time,” Sterz adds.
By the way, the Clubsport TT Turbo concept is not Audi's first attempt at experimenting with an electric supercharger. Last year German manufacturer equipped with an electric compressor 3.0-liter diesel engine by adding it to the traditional turbine. This design was installed on sports coupe RS5. The output turned out to be a car capable of “exchanging the first hundred” in 4 seconds, while consuming only 5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. That is, the electrically supercharged RS5 turned out to be both faster and twice as economical as its “normal” counterpart.
So when should electric turbocharging be expected at the masses? Already next year! According to the manufacturer of the electric supercharger Valeo, the first stock car, which will be implemented new technology, will be the Audi SQ7 sports SUV, where the electric turbocharger will receive a V8 diesel engine with a volume of about 4 liters. Power given power unit, presumably, will be more than 400 hp, and acceleration from standstill to 100 km / h - 5.5 seconds. The SQ7 will go on sale in 2016.
Interest in electric turbocharging has also been shown by companies such as Volvo, Hyundai, Kia and American manufacturer honeywell.
So, perhaps soon electric turbocharging will become the norm, and owners of turbocharged cars will forget about “turbo lag”, enjoying excellent traction almost from idling and modest fuel consumption figures.
Mechanical supercharger air can improve engine performance by up to forty percent. At the same time, fuel consumption practically does not increase. Many of modern cars equipped with an air injection mechanism, it is the main constructive element in a mechanical boost system.
Despite the fact that in mechanical compressor the simplest principles of operation of the unit are applied, it is widely used among motorists who want to increase its capabilities. The whole secret is that the mechanism creates intake tract pressure above atmospheric. As a result, the unit outputs maximum power with minimal fuel consumption.
How a mechanical air blower works
To make it clearer what an air blower is, let's give a simple comparison: most of all, its design is similar to a turbocharging device. Both systems perform approximately the same functions. That is, they pump air, then it enters the collector, and only after that - into the unit system.
The device has one advantage regarding turbocharging. It lies in the fact that the delay in the operation of the mechanism is not so significant here, because the device does not consume as much energy as its more massive and powerful counterpart. In addition, the system is more economical.
Benefits of a mechanical supercharger
It is not in vain that it has become so popular among lovers of high speeds and impressive capacities. This type compressor has the following benefits:
- low price;
- ease of installation;
- low amount of energy consumption;
- the sound from the compressor is much weaker than from the turbo.
That is why they have practically replaced other types of air blowers with domestic market.
Compressor device
Superchargers have a fairly simple device:
- air channel;
- impeller blades;
- diffuser;
- snail storage.
The system works like this:
- air through the air channel passes into the supercharger;
- then falls on the impeller blades;
- centrifugal force throws it into a casing with a diffuser;
- after that, the air enters the air collector in the form of a snail.
This is where the difference in pressure comes in. As soon as air enters it, it moves quite quickly under a little pressure. As the cochlea passes through the tube, the pressure increases, the air velocity becomes lower, and the pressure increases significantly. Under high pressure air flow enters the engine cylinders.
Air is compressed in the system. As you know, it is accompanied by an increase in temperature. An intercooler is used to cool the system. It is a liquid or air cooler.
Drive types
All types of mechanical superchargers have approximately the same design and principle of operation. The main differences are in the type of drive. Below is a list of drive options:
- direct, the supercharger in this case will work directly from the crankshaft;
- belt. In this case, wedge, flat or toothed belt, depending on the design of the supercharger;
- gear with the use of a cylindrical gearbox;
- chain drive;
- electric drive using a separate drive.
Types of superchargers
Before tuning a car using a mechanical air blower, you should decide on the type of device. There are three main types on the market today. air compressors to increase engine performance.
Cam superchargers
This is the most old type superchargers, because it can be found on many cars with high mileage. It has been installed on cars since 1900, and since then has proven itself pretty well. Its analogues can be found on the market today. It is also known as the Roots supercharger. Commonly known as a blower.
All modern compressors Roots have two rotors, three or four cams. They roll towards each other. The rotors are located along the entire length of the supercharger. The angle of twist of the cams ensures the proper level of air injection. With an increase in crankshaft speed, air is pumped faster. Therefore, at high speeds, the pressure can become too high, which sometimes leads to a blockage in the discharge channel. As a result, the engine loses its speed. But this trouble can be dealt with with the help of a boost control system, which in recent times has always been installed along with superchargers of this type.
Such devices have a fairly high cost, which is not justified by performance. Because they are not very popular.
Screw blowers
They are similar in design to cams, but have two auger rotors. One - with spiral protrusions, the second - with the same notches. This type has more compact dimensions and high performance. True, their cost is much higher than that of cam analogues. Therefore, such compressors are installed mainly on expensive sports cars.
Centrifugal blowers
Today, the most common among other types. Outwardly, they are very similar to turbochargers. It is in such devices that the impeller pumps air into the air collector in the form of a snail. They have relatively small cost, compact and lightweight. They are quite easy to install on the car. In addition, they can be applied various ways mounts. Therefore, let's take a closer look at the installation on a car. centrifugal compressor.
How to install a mechanical air blower with your own hands
The installation process is quite simple. But you should not neglect the recommendations of the compressor manufacturer. And he advises to pre-install an enlarged gasket between the block and its head. It does not hurt to check the unit for malfunctions and make sure that its characteristics correspond to the installed compressor model. Then the installation process will look like this:
- Filter setting.
- Fixing the housing to the bracket.
- Connection to the crankshaft drive.
- Belt fastener.
Installing a mechanical supercharger allows you to increase the power of the unit by 50%, and its speed - by 30%. At the same time, fuel consumption remains at the same level. For clarity, we suggest viewing next video:
