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Turbocharger vs Supercharger - Overview, Working & Comparison
Turbocharging and supercharging are the two primary methods of forced induction. These are used to improve the engine performance of cars by enhancing their horsepower. While there are similarities between these two, some key differences set them apart.
In this article, we will discuss and draw a comparison between turbochargers vs superchargers.
What Is a Turbocharger?
Before diving into the differences between turbochargers and superchargers, it is important to know what they are.
A turbocharger is a device you can fit into your car engine to improve its power output and efficiency. It uses an air pump to compress air which allows more oxygen to enter the engine at high pressure. This allows an engine to burn more fuel in its cylinder, which increases the car’s mechanical power and improves its fuel economy.
While turbochargers are not as powerful as superchargers, they are an efficient option since they use the waste energy from exhaust gases.
How Does a Turbocharger Work?
The compressor is made up of two sections; a compressor and a turbine. The compressor is built with aluminium and heats up to 70°C. When air is drawn into the compressor, its wheel compresses the air and increases its speed.
The turbine is made of cast iron/stainless steel and reaches temperatures up to 960°C. Exhaust gases rotate the turbine and boost its speed up to 2,80,000 RPM or revolutions per minute. These gases are passed out through the exhaust system.
This leads to increased fuel combustion and, subsequently, a boost in the engine's power. In addition, the increased airflow boosts the motor's power by 25-40%. The continuous cycle uses the waste energy from exhaust gases in this process.
However, there is a delay in this process since the turbine takes time to speed up. This delay is known as “turbo lag”.
What Is a Supercharger?
Superchargers are mechanically-charged devices that inject pressurised air into a car’s engine to increase its power output and fuel efficiency. As with turbochargers, superchargers compress air at above atmospheric pressure. This causes more oxygen to burn with the fuel, which boosts a car engine’s power.
The main difference between turbochargers vs superchargers is the latter is powered by a belt drive or chain drive, unlike turbochargers which use turbines.
How Does a Supercharger Work?
A supercharger comprises a set of compressors which compress air and force it through the engine. When the MEP (Mean Effective Pressure) of the engine is increased, the engine produces more power.
They are directly connected to the car engine using a belt. The supercharger spins when the crankshaft of the engine spins, which helps it to compress air and pass it through the engine.
Since superchargers are connected directly to the engine, this results in an instantaneous enhancement of engine power by 30-50%. In addition, there is no lag in superchargers. This makes superchargers more powerful than turbochargers. However, they are less efficient since they directly consume the engine's power. In addition, they do not use a wastegate like turbochargers, which results in high smog emissions.
Let us now have a look at the differences between turbo and superchargers.
What Are the Differences Between Turbochargers and Superchargers?
The table below draws a detailed comparison of turbochargers vs superchargers:
| Parameters | Turbochargers | Superchargers |
| Basic principle | It’s a forced induction apparatus that compresses exhaust gases and passes them through the engine. | It is a forced induction apparatus that compresses atmospheric air and passes it through the engine. |
| Connection to engine | Turbochargers are not directly connected to the engine. | Superchargers are directly connected to the engine via a chain or belt. |
| Engine Improvement | Adds 30% to 40% more horsepower. | Adds 46% more horsepower on average. |
| Reliability | They are less reliable than superchargers. | Have higher reliability than turbochargers. |
| Energy source | Used waste energy from exhaust gases. | Uses the crankshaft of the engine as an energy source. |
| Carbon emissions | It has an in-built waste gate which helps lower carbon emissions. | No built-in wastegate. Hence, superchargers emit smog. |
| Noise | It makes less noise than superchargers. | Produces a high level of noise.. |
| Lag | Since it is not directly connected to the engine, it does not have a continuous energy supply. This results in lag | Since the crankshaft continuously supplied the supercharger with energy, it does not have a lag issue. |
| Temperatures | Turbochargers tend to heat up more. Therefore, they require internal cooling devices. | Superchargers operate at lower temperatures. They may require internal cooling in some cases. |
| Efficiency | Higher efficiency than superchargers. | Lower efficiency. |
| Complexity | They are more complex in design. | They are less complex. |
| Maintenance | They are easy to maintain. | Maintenance is complex. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can turbochargers or superchargers be installed separately on vehicles?
Yes, both are extra parts that one can install on vehicles. Installing a supercharger is simple since you only need a bracket, crank pulley and belt. Having an intercooler can be helpful.
What is twin charging?
A twin-charged engine comprises both a turbocharger and a supercharger. It implements the design of both of them to provide their combined advantages. However, twin-charging systems are complicated and expensive to make.
What is the difference between internal and external wastegate?
An external wastegate is fitted to the exhaust between the turbocharger and the engine. An internal waste is built into the turbocharger and uses a boost control actuator to open a valve in the turbine.