What is the principle of an exhaust gas turbocharger?
2 Answers
Here is an introduction to the principle of an exhaust gas turbocharger: 1. The exhaust gas discharged from the diesel engine, with a high temperature of 800~1000K and a certain pressure, enters the nozzle ring in the turbine housing through the exhaust pipe. As the cross-sectional area of the nozzle ring gradually contracts, the pressure and temperature of the exhaust gas decrease, while its velocity increases, thereby enhancing its kinetic energy. 2. This high-speed exhaust flow impacts the turbine in a specific direction, causing the turbine to rotate at high speed. The higher the pressure, temperature, and velocity of the exhaust gas, the faster the turbine spins. Simultaneously, it drives the compressor to rotate together. The compressor compresses the intake air and forcibly delivers the pressurized air into the cylinders. The exhaust gas passing through the turbine is finally discharged into the atmosphere. Since engine power is proportional to the amount of intake air, this process can increase engine power.
The working principle of turbocharging is quite straightforward. When the engine exhausts, those hot exhaust gases rush out through the pipes and directly hit the turbine blades, causing them to spin at high speed. This turbine is connected to the same shaft, so when it rotates, it also drives the compressor blades on the other side to spin. The compressor side is responsible for drawing in fresh air and then compressing it forcefully, squeezing the air into a denser state before delivering it to the engine cylinders. This way, the engine can take in more oxygen with each breath, mix it with more fuel, and unleash more powerful performance. The entire process recycles the energy from the exhaust gases, avoiding waste—a clever design. What I like about it is that even small cars can deliver big horsepower, but maintenance is key since turbos run hot and are prone to damage. Regular oil system checks and using higher-quality engine oil can reduce wear risks. Plus, it improves fuel efficiency, making it a win-win invention.
