« Back to Dictionary Index
A turbocharged engine is an internal combustion engine equipped with a turbocharger, which is a device that increases the engine’s power output by forcing extra compressed air into the combustion chamber. This additional air allows more fuel to be burned, which results in greater power generation compared to a naturally aspirated engine of similar size.
Here’s how a turbocharged engine typically works:
- Turbocharger: It consists of two main components — a turbine and a compressor. The turbine is driven by exhaust gases from the engine. As the exhaust gases pass through the turbine, they spin it at high speeds.
- Compressor: Connected to the turbine via a shaft, the compressor draws in ambient air and compresses it before delivering it into the engine’s intake manifold.
- Increased Airflow: The compressed air from the turbocharger allows more fuel to be injected into the engine’s cylinders. This increases the volume of the combustion, resulting in more power being produced by the engine.
Advantages of Turbocharged Engines:
- Power and Performance: Turbocharging significantly increases the power-to-weight ratio of engines, allowing smaller engines to produce more power than larger naturally aspirated engines.
- Fuel Efficiency: By using exhaust gases to drive the turbine, turbochargers can improve the engine’s efficiency, as more power is generated without an equivalent increase in fuel consumption.
- Environmental Impact: Turbocharged engines can reduce emissions, as they enable manufacturers to build smaller, more efficient engines that still provide sufficient power.
Applications: Turbocharged engines are commonly found in high-performance vehicles, sports cars, trucks, and even some mass-produced passenger cars. They are used across various automotive segments to enhance both power and efficiency, making them a popular choice in modern automotive engineering.
« Back to Dictionary Index