The Use of Turbochargers and How They Modify the Motor Vehicles - Coursework Example

Turbochargers The research shows the use of turbochargers and how they modify the motor vehicles. Turbochargers are used to modify the car engines and they serve the purpose of enhancing the performance of the car. The research shows the different modified types and designs of the turbochargers, and how the add up to the value of the cars. It also determines the statutory controls and regulations on the use of turbochargers. Introduction A turbocharger is a forced induction device which is used to power up the engine of motor vehicles to allow more production. The history of cars using forced induction dates from the 19th century when the engineers found out the technique of pumping air into the car engine to increase performance, in 1885. Later, Alfred Buchi invented the turbocharger. He was a Swiss engineer who received a patent 20 years before the turbocharger was invented for using a compressor to force air into the car engines to increase the power and the output. However, it took him 20 years to implement the idea into action (Hartman, 2007, p. 78). During the World War I and in the later years, turbocharger use was increased to power the engines of aircrafts, fighters, motor vehicles and other appliances. The engineers advanced the technologies in different experiments and created a variety of turbochargers which were meant for their widespread use. Core When it is about motor vehicles or any sort of high performance cars, turbochargers are usually the most common and pleasing things used by the motorists. Turbochargers enhance the engine power without possibly adding weight to it. This can be a huge benefit and this is what makes turbochargers very popular. The way turbochargers work is related to the forced induction system. It compresses the air into the cylinder and more air eventually means more fuel can be added. Thus, this means that the engine can get more power from each cylinder. A turbocharged engine can perform much more efficiently than the engine without the turbochargers. And thus, it increases the power-to-weight ratio of the engine (Hillier, 2004, p. 124). The engine is powered by the turbochargers when they use the exhaust flow from the engine which spins a turbine that rotates an air pump. The turbine spins at a great speed, which would be about 150,000 rotations per minute recorded. This speed is about 30 times faster than most of the car engines. These turbines are hooked up to the exhaust which makes its temperatures intensely high. The system of the turbocharger is operated by the several components that it features. These components work together to boost the engine of the motor vehicle. These components are inlet and compressor wheel which sucks the air into the car and is spun around by the compressor wheel. Oil inlet is the component that controls the oil pressure in the turbine to keep it running smoothly. Turbine wheel and housing create the back pressure by the hot air that enters the turbines. Blow-off valves are the pressure relievers that prevent the compressor from going into failure. Wastegates are also like the blow-off valves but they are for the exhaust side of the turbocharger (Pettitt, 2005, p. 79). Today, there are many types of turbochargers that are available to suit the needs of the motorists. There are many sizes and designs in which turbochargers are available. The main types of turbochargers are standard turbo, ball-bearing turbo, twin-scroll designs and variable geometry. These turbochargers can be classified by their own features, advantages and disadvantages. The standard turbo is the traditional turbocharger which usually has the same basic design. The exhaust side compressor is made of steel to resist the high temperatures, and the cool side compressor is made out of aluminum. The standard turbocharger uses the investment cast turbines that are tuned to produce the largest number of rotations in a minute. The advantages of the standard turbocharger are generally the efficiency level, greater power for the engine and a great performance in a small package. However, the disadvantages of these turbochargers are that they tend to get hot and require higher octane gas. They do not provide proper power if the rotations per minute are low; that is why they have to be judged. Moreover, they can wear out soon (Davis, 2002, p. 9). The ball-bearing turbochargers are the modern designed turbochargers in which some sort of ball-bearing centre is placed instead of the original solid bearing. This allows the turbine blades to spin more freely, which, in return, increases the power generated. These ball-bearing centres also produce lesser friction and help it to stay cooler and run longer. The main advantages of the ball-bearing turbocharger are that they are 10 times more resistant to any sort of compressor damage, and secondly, they have a faster spool up. The disadvantage may be the higher cost comparing to the non-ball-bearing turbocharger. The twin-scroll turbochargers have a center divider in the middle of their exhaust side of the compressor. This divides the scroll into two halves, which effectively forces the gases to move faster in the channels. These gases are high-velocity and they push the exhaust harder at lower rotations per minute, and this reduces the turbo lag greatly. The advantages of the twin-scroll turbocharger are that instead of the gases coming in one go, they come in two different flows, which keeps the spool running faster. The disadvantage, however, is that the process of fixing can be time taking and costly, and there is a lot of change needed in the engine (Smith, 2001, p. 14). The modern variable vane turbochargers use a lever system to alter the angle of the vane electronically. These turbochargers are designed since the traditional turbo designs had the exhaust side directional housing blades casted into one solid form. The blades that are angled straight out from the centre offer efficient RPM but in a long time. The variable vane turbochargers enhance more sharply angled blades that move quickly and spin faster. Thus, the main advantage of the variable geometry turbocharger is that it reduces lag time and at the same time, increases efficiency. The disadvantages are the high cost and the risk for reliability and they are typically available only for the diesel engines (Maclnnes, 1987, p. 112). Recently, there have been many new types of cars and engines being developed. Since the advancement is taking place in the use of cars and the modifications, the turbochargers have also been greatly modified. There are several types of turbochargers available for the different kinds of cars and engines. These modifications take place to suit the turbocharger to the new kinds of cars being introduced, which include the heavy engine cars. These modifications lead to many of the positive aspects that enhance the use and the handling of the cars. With more power produced by the engine and less weight, the vehicle becomes more convenient and comfortable to drive. As compared to the normal engine, the turbocharged engine gives the driver a lot more practical driving exposure (Vidler, 2003, p. 226). The effects of these modifications are shown through the many aspects that they affect. The power of the engine means the vehicle overall is modified and improved. Because of the turbochargers, the engine also remains safe and full of power. The engine becomes powerful and thus, long lasting. Turbochargers serve the car for a long period of time and add up to the value of the car at the time of resale or insurance. Conclusion Turbochargers tend to affect the car positively in terms of structural integrity and drivability. Since turbochargers provide more power to the engine and enhance its performance, turbochargers can impact the overall car structure. They let the car be light wheeled, and thus it can drive more smoothly. It lightens the weight on the wheels and gives a good mileage. Economically, turbochargers allow the engine to use up less fuel than the normal engines. This means that the car receives more mileage and can, thus, make efficient use of the fuel. Turbocharger also lets the noise of the engine down and relatively controls the engine performance (Miller, 2008, p. 10). The use of turbochargers is managed through an investigation board which is laid to examine the proper use and repair of the turbochargers. The board manages the compliance issues which are possibly influenced by the external factors such as fuel consumption. The statutory regulations for the use of turbochargers tend to regulate the quality production of the turbochargers and make sure that they are being produced with the appropriate designs. Other authorities participate in inspecting the possible harm done to the environment and other road users by the use of turbocharged engine. Any risks of poisonous gases being exerted will be severely discouraged. However, the authorities and the statutory bodies have to make sure that these turbochargers are produced under quality and any issues arising are overcome. Turbochargers have been a great modification for the motor vehicles and the drivers have long been inspired by the use of turbocharged engines. This has led to great performance by the engines and furthermore, more companies producing turbochargers of various types and designs. References Davis, E., 2002. Supercharging, turbocharging and nitrous oxide performance. Texas: MotorBooks International. Hartman, J., 2007. Turbocharging performance handbook. Texas: ‎MotorBooks International. Hillier, V., 2004. Fundamentals of motor vehicle technology. NY: Nelson Thornes. Maclnnes, H., 1987. Turbochargers. London: Penguin. Miller, J., 2008. Turbo: real world high-performance turbocharger systems. NY: CarTech Inc. Pettitt, J., 2005. Sport compact turbos & blowers. NY: CarTech Inc. Smith, J., 2001. An introduction to modern vehicle design. London: ‎Elsevier. Vidler, D., 2003. Today’s technician: automotive engine performance. London:‎ Cengage Learning. Read More