Turbocharger: what is it?

The turbo, or turbocharger, is a system that sends oxygen to the engine to mix with the fuel. This overfeeding then causes an increase in the combustionwhich gives more power to the vehicle.

The turbocharger has two advantages: on the one hand, the driver has a car more powerful and, on the other hand, the vehicle pollute less. Indeed, the turbo is light and improves engine efficiency by ensuring better combustion.

What are the elements that make up the turbocharger?

A turbocharger consists of six main elements. All of them are indispensable and without them the turbo would not work. It is :

• the turbine
• coaxial axis
• the compressor
• the relief valve
• the safety valve
• the intercooler (air-air exchanger).

The turbine is the key to the operation of the turbo: the gas exhaust make it spin and send theair to the compressor through the coaxial axis. This part has the shape of a snail which shrinks, and the air is introduced under pressure in the cylinders.

There are two valves: the discharge valve (or wastegate) regulates the gases that they send to the exhaust pipe.exhaust. The safety valve serves to prolong the duration turbine life.

Finally, the air-air exchanger cools the compressed air in the turbine, because with the increase in temperature it takes more volume.

What are the different types of turbochargers?

There are four main types of turbochargers:

• Fixed geometry: these are the most basic, the most economical and the most reliable, since they have no parts mobile.
• Variable geometry: they are more efficient than the previous ones, because they have a mechanism that allows you to vary the speed exhaust gases at the turbine inlet.
• Twin Scroll: they have two inlets in the compressor area, which is shaped like a snail.
• The electric turbo: this is the most modern system. It is powered by electricity.