Have you ever wondered how turbocharged cars get that extra bit of punch when you step on the gas? In this blog we will explain this in detail, without any hassle. Whether you're just getting started with cars or are just curious about what's going on under the hood, we make it really simple.
We take you into the world of turbos and explain step by step how a turbo works. Just clear and understandable. Are you ready?
Photo by: Dolf Tuning & Performance
The foundation of turbos: exhaust gases and extra air
Turbos are smart guys that use the power of exhaust gases to give the car a big boost. How does a turbo work?
First of all, it is important to know that a car without a turbo simply "breathes" air and emits exhaust fumes. A car with a turbo not only breathes air, but also uses exhaust fumes. That requires some extra explanation:
The most important parts of a turbo
There are three important parts in a turbo, namely the turbine wheel, the compressor wheel and the housing. The turbine wheel and compressor wheel work together like two small fans.
The turbine wheel
This is in the exhaust gas flow of the car. When the car is moving, the exhaust gases start the turbine wheel and it spins very quickly. The speed can reach up to 280,000 rpm.
The turbine wheel is connected to a shaft. On the other side of the shaft is the compressor wheel. This compressor wheel is located in the air intake of the engine. When the turbine wheel turns, the compressor wheel also turns.
The compressor wheel
As soon as the compressor wheel turns, large amounts of air are sucked in and compressed. This extra air is warm and has a high air density.
The snail-shaped housing
The housing of the turbo surrounds the turbine wheel and compressor wheel. The housing helps direct the exhaust gases and airflow. The shape and properties of the housing play an important role in the overall performance of the turbo.
The intercooler
Not a direct part of the turbo itself, but a separate part that often works together with the turbo is the intercooler. The intercooler is located between the compressor wheel and the engine and acts as a kind of refrigerator. The warm air cools here before it enters the engine. Cooled air is denser, meaning more of it can fit into the engine. This greater amount of air gives the engine the ability to burn a greater amount of fuel. And where does your power come from? That's right, out of fuel!
In brief:
The turbine wheel, compressor wheel and housing work together like a well-oiled machine:
- The turbine wheel rotates due to the exhaust gases, and causes the compressor wheel to rotate.
- The compressor wheel sucks in additional air and compresses the air.
- The housing regulates the air flows to the intercooler.
- The intercooler cools the compressed air before it reaches the engine.
With a turbo, your engine can burn gasoline much more efficiently, making it faster.
Basic knowledge about turbos
So, now you know how a turbo works. But there is much more to learn about it and that is why a whole series of interesting blogs will follow. With topics such as:
- Can a turbo be installed on any car?
- the pros and cons of a turbo
- what do you need?
- what is turbo lag and can you prevent it?
- how do you choose the best turbo for your car?
We complete the picture with great practical examples from our own customers. All in all, you will soon find a very cool piece of reference work about turbos here.
To stay informed?
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We can imagine that your enthusiasm has already been stirred up a bit. And that you are already full of questions or are even considering buying a turbo. Do not hesitate and send an email to info@pulsarturbobenelux.com. Our team is ready to help you take your car to the next level.