How a Turbocharger Works
The turbocharger is a device that operates like a turbine that is driven by the exhaust system of an engine. The apparatus is installed where one end of the turbine side of the shaft is spun at high speed by exhaust coming from an engines’ exhaust manifold. At the other end of the shaft is an impeller that drives compressed air at high speed connected to the carburetor base or intake manifold. The part that has the shaft with impeller and turbine on each side is called the center hub rotating assembly.
Compressed air driven by turbochargers to the fuel-air mixture gives a more powerful combustion when ignited compared tonormally aspirated engines. Operation of the turbocharger can be controlled to give the boost at certain speeds or when engine load requires it. The apparatus has what is called a wastegate where exhaust passes through to regulate boost pressure. In other cases it is activated or regulated by a solenoid that could be governed by the electronic control unit of a vehicle.
The rotation of the turbine and impeller could reach as high as 250,000 RPM that makes it a very efficient air compressor-driver. There is some work that needs to be done to like fabrication of adapters to fit the exhaust and intake system of an engine to make it work efficiently. This is to make sure that any repair or maintenance that would need to be done in the future would be convenient. Also, engine bays normally do not have a specific location for turbocharger installation. Hoses attached to the equipment should be free from any obstruction or being too cramped to allow free flow of air.
Not much repair is required with turbochargers as moving parts are at a minimum. Lubrication of turbo shaft bearings does not require attention frequently. More frequent oil change and maintenance of the apparatus will be necessary as much heat is generated with its operation. Leaks in the equipment can cause lack of boost, checking joints and flanges should be regular. Check bolts and nuts that hold the turbocharger together to ensure its efficiency.
Dealers and installers of turbochargers would give the right model for the engine it would be used on. This will mean less work on installation at the exhaust manifold system. As exhaust gas produces heat, it is recommended to install aturbo cooler. This cools the compressed air that is delivered to the cylinders. Cooler has more mass than heated air that is ‘expanded’. So cool compressed air with the right amount of fuel mixed with it will definitely give a power boost for a engine’s combustion.
