Rivalry Of Turbocharger Vs Supercharger

Every one of us “Car Meniacs” has always wanted the finest automobile engines. Additionally, everyone is aware of the long-standing rivalry between Superchargers and Turbochargers.

We must know exactly what these two do to comprehend better. The main purpose of a Supercharger and a Turbocharger is to allow the internal combustion system to work at its fullest capability. The main difference between them is the way they operate. In contrast to turbochargers which, use the energy of exhaust gas superchargers, power the engine directly,

What is TURBOCHARGER?

A turbocharger also known as a Turbo, is a device that enables the internal combustion system to work at its fullest. It powers the engine through the kinetic energy of exhaust gas. In simple words, it is an air pump that allows more air to be pumped inside the engine at a higher pressureTurbochargers have been around since 1896.

What is SUPERCHARGER?

A supercharger is a device that enables an internal combustion engine to work at its level best by using the engine’s power. Engines mechanically power a supercharger, which compresses air above atmospheric pressure to increase intake volume.

Types of Turbocharger:

There are in total 6 types of Turbochargers, let’s have a look into them:

1.Single Turbo

Single turbochargers alone have limitless variability. Differing the compressor wheel size and turbine will lead to completely different torque characteristics. Large turbos will bring on high top-end power, but smaller turbos will provide better low-end grunt as they spool faster. There are also ball-bearing and journal-bearing single turbos. Ball bearings provide less friction for the compressor and turbine to spin on, and thus are faster to spool (while adding cost).

2.Twin Turbo

Just like single turbochargers, there are plenty of options when using two turbochargers. You could have a single turbocharger for each cylinder bank (V6, V8, etc). Alternatively, a single turbocharger could be used for low RPM and bypassed to a larger turbocharger for high RPM (I4, I6, etc). You could even have two similarly sized turbos where one is used at low RPM and both are used at higher RPM. On the BMW X5 M and X6 M, twin-scroll turbos are used, one on each side of the V8.

3.Twin Scroll Turbo

Twin-scroll turbochargers are better in nearly every way than single-scroll turbos. By using two scrolls, the exhaust pulses are divided. In a traditional single-scroll turbo manifold, the exhaust pressure from cylinder 1 will interfere with cylinder 2 pulling in fresh air since both exhaust valves are temporarily open, reducing how much pressure reaches the turbo and interfering with how much air cylinder 2 pulls in. By dividing the scrolls, this problem is eliminated.

4.Variable Geometry Turbo

Perhaps one of the most exceptional forms of turbocharging, VGTs are limited in production (though fairly common in diesel engines) as a result of cost and exotic material requirements. Internal vanes within the turbocharger alter the area-to-radius (A/R) ratio to match the RPM. At low RPM, a low A/R ratio is used to increase exhaust gas velocity and quickly spool up the turbocharger. As the revs climb, the A/R ratio increases to allow for increased airflow. The result is low turbo lag, a low boost threshold, and a wide and smooth torque band.

5.Variable Twin Scroll Turbo

As the name suggests a VTS turbocharger combines the advantages of a twin-scroll turbo and a variable geometry turbo. It does this by the use of a valve that can redirect the exhaust airflow to just a single scroll, or by varying the amount the valve opens can allow for the exhaust gases to split to both scrolls. The VTS turbocharger design provides a cheaper and more robust alternative to VGT turbos, meaning it is a viable option for petrol engine applications.

6.Electric Turbo

An electric turbocharger is used to eliminate turbo lag and assist a normal turbocharger at lower engine speeds where a conventional turbo is not the most efficient. This is achieved by adding an electric motor that spins up the turbo’s compressor from the start and through the lower revs until the power from the exhaust volume is high enough to work the turbocharger. This approach significantly increases the RPM band within which the turbo will efficiently operate. However, there are some disadvantages, most are around cost and complexity, as the electric motor must be accommodated and powered, plus also cooled to prevent reliability issues.

Types of Superchargers:

There are in total 3 types of Superchargers, let’s have a look into them:

1.Centrifugal type supercharger

This type of supercharger employs a rotor which is connected to the crankshaft with a belt drive. The rotor applies centrifugal force to draw in air. The diffuser then receives the air at high velocity and low pressure, compressing it to high pressure and low velocity. The compressed air is discharged through the outlet valve, entering the engine. This supercharger generates less heat and exhibits high thermal efficiency. As the supercharger compresses air, it increases the air temperature. This hot air has lower density due to fewer air particles, which can hinder the expansion of air in the combustion chamber. To avoid this heating problem intercooler plays an important role in keeping the temperature cool and letting it perform at full capacity.

2.Roots air blower supercharger

The Roots supercharger, also known as a root-blower, employs two meshing lobes as its mechanism. These lobes rotate in opposite directions, trapping and compressing air. The air enters through the delta valve, and as the lobes spin, they compress the air, causing it to move toward the outlet valve. This process provides the engine with a greater supply of oxygen, allowing for increased fuel intake and enhanced speed. However, due to the generation of significant heat energy, this type of supercharger is less efficient. Also, due to its size, the Roots supercharger is typically positioned at the top of an engine. However, it is the least efficient among the three types, as it adds more weight to the vehicle and moves air in discrete bursts instead of a smooth and continuous flow.

3.Twin-Screw supercharger

This type of supercharger features rotating screw-shaped rotors, replacing the lobes found in other designs. The screw rotors and flap rotors move in opposite directions from each other. As the screw rotors rotate, they draw in air, compress it, and then release it through the supercharger’s outlet valve. This design provides an immediate boost to the engine’s performance.

How Turbocharger can be beneficial: 

• Increased Power
• Fuel Efficiency
• Altitude Compensation
• Quieter Engine
• Reduced Emission

How Supercharger can be beneficial: 

• Faster Acceleration
• Improved Fuel Efficiency
• Less Lubrication
• Easier Installation
• Better Combustion

Demerits of Turbocharger: 

• Excessive Smoke
• Lack of Boost pressure
• Unusual Noise
• Oil leaks
• Oil starvation

Demerits of Supercharger: 

• Increased gas loading
• Higher Heat loss
• Increased Cooling requirement
• Lower power output
• Thermal Stress

Who Wins in this Rivalry? Turbocharger or Supercharger?

Both these induction systems have a purpose, which is to enable the engine to perform at its fullest, not leave even a shed of energy, both system’s main focus is to provide the best to its consumer. After analysis of all the pros and cons of both the induction System expert concluded that the turbocharger is better than a supercharger by the thinnest margin, not due to power but because of fuel efficiency.

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