A turbocharger operates by utilizing the engine's waste exhaust gases to drive a turbine wheel, which is connected to a compressor wheel via a shaft. This system effectively enhances engine performance by increasing air intake.
1. Capture Instead of escaping through the exhaust pipe, hot gases produced during combustion are directed to the turbocharger. In an internal combustion engine, cylinders fire in sequence, creating irregular pulses of exhaust. Conventional single-scroll turbochargers route these pulses in a manner that can lead to interference, reducing flow strength. In contrast, a twin-scroll turbocharger collects exhaust from pairs of cylinders in an alternating sequence, optimizing flow.
2. Spin The exhaust gases strike the turbine blades, causing them to spin at speeds of up to 150,000 RPM. This alternating pulse action helps minimize turbo lag, allowing for quicker response times.
3. Vent After serving their purpose, the exhaust gases exit through an outlet to the catalytic converter, where harmful substances such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides are filtered out before being released through the tailpipe.
4. Compress Simultaneously, the turbine powers an air compressor that draws in cold, clean air from a vent. This air is compressed to approximately 30% above atmospheric pressure, equating to nearly 19 pounds per square inch. The result is a dense, oxygen-rich air supply directed into the combustion chamber.
This additional oxygen enables the engine to burn fuel more completely, thereby generating significantly more power from a smaller engine. For instance, a Twin Power engine can produce 30% more power than a comparable non-turbocharged engine.
