What is Turbocharging?
2 Answers
Turbocharging is a technology that utilizes the exhaust gases generated by internal combustion engine operation to drive an air compressor. A turbocharged engine relies on a turbocharger to increase the engine's air intake. Essentially, a turbocharger is an air compressor that uses the engine's exhaust gases as power to drive a turbine in the turbine housing. The turbine, in turn, drives a coaxial impeller, which compresses fresh air delivered through the air filter pipe and then sends it into the cylinders. As the engine speed increases, the exhaust gas flow rate and turbine speed also accelerate synchronously, enhancing the degree of air compression. Consequently, the engine's air intake increases accordingly, thereby boosting the engine's output power.
I think turbocharging is a magical piece of equipment for cars, making the engine more powerful. It uses exhaust gases to drive a turbine, which in turn drives an air compressor to force more air into the cylinders. This allows the combustion chamber to burn more fuel, significantly boosting the engine's horsepower. The driving experience is incredibly exhilarating, especially during acceleration when you feel a strong push from the back. However, turbos take time to respond, resulting in lag, and in traffic, the power delivery might not feel as smooth as in naturally aspirated engines. For daily driving, turbocharged cars, despite their higher horsepower, require more careful maintenance, including regular oil changes to prevent turbo wear. I recommend that new car owners test drive such cars to feel the moment the turbo kicks in, rather than just focusing on fuel efficiency and neglecting the joy of driving.
