Supercharging

The power output of a naturally aspirated engine depends

mainly on the following five factors:
1 Amount of air inducted into the cylinder.
2 Extent of utilization of the inducted air.
3 The speed of the engine.
4 Quantity of fuel admitted and its combustion
characteristics.
5 Thermal efficiency of the engine.

Supercharging
Supercharging of internalcombustion engines is in

practice for a long time as a method for improving

engine power output.
The purpose of supercharging an engine is to raise the
density of the air charge, before it enters the cylinders.
Supercharging increases the power output of the
engine. It does not increase the fuel consumption, per
brake kW hour.

Certain percentage of power is consumed in compressing

the air. This power has to be taken from the engine itself.
This will lead to some power loss. However, it is seen that
the net power output will be more than the power output
of an engine of the same capacity, without supercharging.
The engine should be designed to withstand the higher
forces due to supercharging.
The increased pressure and temperature as a result of
supercharging, may lead to detonation, Therefore the fuel
used must have better anti-knock characteristics.
Engines working at high altitudes. The power loss due to
altitude can be compensated by supercharging.

Superchargers
A supercharger is an engine-driven air pump that

supplies more than the normal amount of air into the

intake manifold and boosts engine torque and power.
A supercharger provides an instantaneous increase in
power without the delay or lag often associated with
turbochargers.
However, a supercharger, because it is driven by the
engine, does require horsepower to operate and is not
as efficient as a turbocharger

Types Of
Superchargers
Supercharger is a pressure-boosting device which supplies

air (or mixture) at a higher pressure.

If the supercharger is driven by the engine crankshaft,
then it is called mechanically driven supercharger. Some
superchargers are driven by a gas turbine, which derives
its power from the engine exhaust gases.
Centrifugal type.
Root's type.
Vane type.

Centrifugal Type Supercharger

Root's type

Vane type

METHODS OF SUPERCHARGING
Independently driven compressor or blower, usually

driven by an electric motor.

Ram effect.
Under piston supercharging.
Kadenacy system (applied to two stroke engines).
Engine driven compressor or blow

Electric Motor Driven

Supercharging
In

this type the compressor is driven

independently usually by an electric motor.
The speed of the supercharger can be varied
independent of engine speed and therefore
control is comparatively easier.

Ram Effect of Supercharging

The ram effect of supercharging system consists primarily

of tuned inlet pipes. These pipes induce resonant harmonic

air oscillations. The kinetic energy of these oscillations
provides a ramming effect. For the efficient operation of
this system, the engine speed must be kept constant

Under Piston Supercharging

Under piston method of supercharging has so far been

confined to large marine four stroke engines of the

crosshead type. It utilizes the bottom side of the piston for
compressing the air. The bottom ends of the cylinder are
closed off and provided with suitable valves. This system
gives an adequate supply of compressed air, as there are
two delivery strokes to each suction stroke of the cycle.

Kadenacy System of Supercharging

The kadenacy system utilizes the energy in the exhaust system to cause

a depression of pressure in the cylinder. This depression makes the

scavenge air to flow.
The kadenacy system is based on the following principle: When the
exhaust ports or valves are opened rapidly during the end of expansion
stroke, there is, within the first interval of a few thousandths of a
second, an urge or impulse in the gases to escape very rapidly from the
cylinder. The escaping gases leave behind a pressure depression.
At the above moment, the fresh charge of air (or mixture) is allowed to
enter the cylinder behind the exhaust gases by suitable timing of the
admission valve or ports. For the best result a proper timing and skillful
design of the exhaust system is a must.

EFFECTS OF SUPERCHARGING
Higher power output.
Greater induction of charge mass
Better atomization of fuel.
Better mixing of fuel and air.
Better scavenging of products.
Better torque characteristic over the whole speed range.
Quicker acceleration of vehicle.

More complete and smoother combustion.

Inferior or poor ignition quality fuel usage.
Smoother operation and reduction in diesel knock tendency

Increased detonation tendency in SI engines.

Improved cold starting.
Reduced exhaust smoke.
Reduced specific fuel consumption, in turbo charging
Increased mechanical efficiency.
Increased thermal stresses.
Increased heat losses due to increased turbulence Increased
gas loading.
Increased valve overlap period of 60 to 160 of crank angle
Increased cooling requirements of pistons and valves .

GEAR DRIVEN AND

ARRANGEMENTS
EXHAUST DRIVEN
SUPERCHARGING

EXHAUST

DRIVEN

SUPERCHARGING

Figure

shows an engine with free exhaust driven

compressor. The engines, so equipped are said to be turbosupercharged. In this case the exhaust energy of the engine
is used to drive the turbine which is coupled to a
compressor. There is no mechanical coupling of
compressor or turbine with the engine. The exhaust pipe
of engine is however connected to inlet of turbine. In this
case engine output is not utilized to drive the compressor.

GEAR DRIVEN SUPERCHARGING

shows the compressor coupled to the engine with step up

gearing to increase the rotational speed of compressor. In

this case a certain percentage of engine output is utilized
to drive the compressor. The net output increase due to
supercharging is obtained by subtracting this power from
the engine gross output.. After cooler is also shown, by
which the cool air to the engine can be sent if so desired.
This will further increase the density of the intake air.

compressor, engine, and turbine are all geared together.

The Wright Turbo-compound air plane engine is an

example. In this case, if the turbine output is insufficient
to run the compressor particularly at part loads, the engine
power takes care of the remaining load of compressor.
Also, the additional power from the turbine can be fed to
the engine

GAS GENERATOR TYPE ARRANGEMENT OF

SUPERCHARGING

shows the gas generator type of arrangement. In this case

engine drives only the compressor. Air from the

compressor flows through the engine and the exhaust
gases drive a power turbine. Most free-piston engines
work on this principle.