Turbocharging: History and Principles – Part 1

Turbocharger Origins and Evolution
The turbocharger, patented by Swiss engineer Alfred Büchi in 1905, first found its application in aircraft engines. The earliest turbocharged engine appeared in the 1920s Napier Lion 12-cylinder aircraft engine. In 1912, Rudolf Diesel incorporated the concept into diesel engines. For gasoline engines, it wasn’t until 1962 that Oldsmobile equipped the Aluminum 215 V8 engine with a turbocharger, calling it “Turbo-Rocket.” Europe’s first turbocharged car arrived in 1973 with BMW’s 2002 Turbo featuring the M31 engine. Japan followed in 1979 with Nissan’s Cedric and Gloria, using the L20ET engine. Honda entered the scene in 1982 with the City Turbo powered by the ER-T engine.

🌟 Hello, my friend...
Welcome to a hidden gem—OLD FISHER DISCOUNT, your one-stop online shop with 9,999+ unique finds waiting for you. 🎉
🛒 Explore a World of Discoveries
Dive into our collection and uncover special treasures that will delight and inspire.
🔗 Start Your Journey Here: www.fisherdiscount.com
Come and see why we’re more than just a shop; we’re a place of endless possibilities! ✨

Milestones in Turbocharger Development

Despite its century-long history, turbocharger adoption faced challenges, especially during the pre-oil-crisis era when automakers experimented with squeezing maximum power from small engines. Turbocharging reached its peak in the 1980s Formula 1 era, exemplified by Honda's RA166E V6 engine outputting 1,055 hp at 4 bar boost. Fast forward to 2005, Volkswagen spearheaded the small displacement turbocharging trend with the EA211 1.4L TSI engine, blending turbocharging with direct injection to achieve big-engine power from small engines. However, turbocharging still carries the allure of high performance for many car enthusiasts.

Revolutionary Turbo Technologies: VGT

Variable-Geometry Turbochargers (VGTs) stand out as one of the most significant advancements in turbocharging. Patented in 1953 by Garrett, VGTs were first mass-produced in 1988, debuting in Honda’s Legend KA5 with the C20A engine. Known as Variable Nozzle Turbo (VNT) in Honda terminology, these systems alter the compressor’s geometry to minimize turbo lag and maximize efficiency.

Popular manufacturers like Garrett, BorgWarner, and Mitsubishi now offer VGT systems for aftermarket upgrades. By adapting the compressor’s A/R ratio, VGTs strike a balance between low-end responsiveness and high-end power delivery.

Understanding the Basics of a Turbocharger

At its core, a turbocharger comprises three main sections:

• Turbine (Red Section): Driven by exhaust gases, the turbine spins at high speed, with the spent gases exiting through the exhaust.
• Shaft (Yellow Section): Transfers rotational force from the turbine to the compressor with minimal losses.
• Compressor (Blue Section): Compresses incoming fresh air, which is then directed toward the intercooler or throttle body.

Turbocharger Tips and Maintenance

One inherent drawback of turbocharged engines is oil consumption. The immense negative pressure in the intake before turbo engagement can draw oil into the combustion chamber. This natural characteristic accounts for up to 40% of oil consumption. Prolonged idling or stop-and-go traffic exacerbates this issue.

Operating Temperatures and Wear

The turbine side of a turbocharger endures exhaust temperatures of up to 900°C, while the compressor handles fresh air at ambient temperatures. The resulting stress on the components underscores the importance of routine maintenance and timely part replacement.

🚗 Car Owner Tip: Many experts argue against warm-up or cooldown periods for modern turbocharged engines, citing advancements in materials and oil technology. However, thermal dynamics like heat expansion still necessitate proper engine warm-up and cooldown routines to preserve turbocharger longevity.