How do Turbochargers work and what are the different types of them?

Turbochargers are tools used by mechanical to boost the engine’s power without increasing its weight. They increase the airflow into the engine which in turn increases the amount of fuel flowing into the cylinders. Turbochargers are mainly preferred because it increases the horsepower of the vehicle which helps in increasing the overall performance of the vehicle. Some vehicles have them already installed while some are without them. Turbos are the part that is comprised of pipes that feed air to the engine and turbine blades rotate and feed air into the exhaust. A compressor is also attached to the turbocharger which feeds compressed air into the engine cylinders.

How do Turbochargers work?

The engine produces exhaust gases that flow through the turbo, which passes through the turbocharger’s turbine these gases spin the turbine wheel which is connected to the compressor. As the speed of the wheels increase the compressor starts to draw some air in and at the same time it also pushes out the exhausted air somewhat similar to that of a blower. The compressed air is normally heated and to cool down the air there is an intercooler installed next to the compressor. Then the air makes its way to the engine by forcing itself into the combustion chamber, which again increases the efficiency of the engine and improves the power.

Types of Turbochargers:

Radial flow turbocharger: in this type of turbocharger, fuel flows through the turbine wheels in the radial direction and they function in sync with the axial flow turbos. This turbocharger is more efficient to operate than axial flow turbos. It inflicts less mechanical and thermal stress on the tips of the turbine which allows them to carry out the compression and expansion on the same stage. Vehicles with a wheel diameter of 160 millimeters or less are ideal to use radial flow turbochargers.

Axial flow turbochargers: in this type of turbocharger fuel is passed through the turbine in an axial direction. The turbo expands the exhaust which helps rotate the turbine’s compressor. Vehicles with wheel diameters 300 millimeters or higher use axial flow turbochargers.

Exhaust gas turbochargers: this turbocharger recycles the vehicle’s exhaust into the compressor to power the turbine. The turbo feeds air into the compressor and more it into the engine instead of releasing it outside. This is also beneficial to the environment as it reduces the amount of exhaust air released.