How Turbos Work?

A turbocharger is a device that boosts the power output of an internal combustion engine by increasing the amount of air entering the engine. Here's how it works:

• Exhaust Gas Collection: As the engine runs, it burns fuel and air, producing exhaust gases. These hot exhaust gases are directed towards the turbocharger's turbine.

• Turbine Spin: The exhaust gases flow through the turbine, causing it to spin. The turbine is connected to a shaft that also drives a compressor on the other side.

• Air Compression: The spinning of the turbine causes the compressor to spin as well. The compressor draws in outside air, compresses it, and forces it into the engine's intake manifold.

• Increased Air Pressure: By compressing the air, the turbocharger increases the amount of air that can enter the engine cylinders. More air allows for more fuel to be injected, leading to a more powerful combustion.

• Enhanced Combustion: With more air and fuel in the cylinders, the engine can burn the mixture more efficiently, producing more power compared to a naturally aspirated engine of the same size.

• Wastegate Control: To prevent the engine from getting too much boost (which could damage it), a wastegate is used to regulate the amount of exhaust gases reaching the turbine. The wastegate opens to allow some exhaust gases to bypass the turbine, controlling the turbocharger's boost pressure.

• Intercooler (Optional): Often, the compressed air gets very hot, reducing its density. An intercooler can be used to cool the air before it enters the engine, improving efficiency and power output.

In summary, a turbocharger recycles exhaust gases to compress the intake air, allowing the engine to burn more fuel and air, thereby producing more power. This process increases the engine's efficiency and performance without needing to increase its size.