SUPERCHARGING

A supercharger is a device which boosts the pressure of air or fuel-air mixture higher than the pressure at which the engine naturally aspires.

A supercharger is generally an air compressor used for forced induction of an internal combustion engine.

Types of supercharger
There are two main types of superchargers defined according to the method of compression: positive displacement dynamic compressors

Positive displacement

Positive-displacement pumps deliver a nearly fixed volume of air per revolution at all speeds. The device divides the air mechanically into parcels for delivery to the engine, mechanically moving the air into the engine bit by bit. Positive-displacement superchargers are usually rated by their capacity per revolution. Example-roots type.

Dynamic
Dynamic compressors rely on accelerating the air to high speed and then exchanging that velocity for pressure by diffusing or slowing it down.

MAJOR SUPERCHARGERS

There are three major superchargers:

Centrifugal type Roots type Vane type

CENTRIFUGAL TYPE SUPERCHARGER

It is generally used in automobile engines. The air fuel mixture enters the impeller at center. It then passes through the impeller and diffuser vanes. Later the air fuel mixture enters the volute casing and then it goes to engine.

 It has two rotors of epicycloid shape connected with each other, with each rotor keyed to shaft. The roots supercharger operates like gear pump. The pressure at outlet is much higher than inlet.

ROOTS TYPE SUPERCHARGER

VANE TYPE SUPERCHARGER

In it a no. of vanes are mounted on a drum which is inside the body of supercharger. The vanes slides in and out against the force of spring. The space between inner surface and drum decreases from inlet to outlet . Thus the mixture which enters at inlet decreases in volume. This increases the pressure as it reaches the exit of supercharger.

METHODS OF SUPERCHARGING
Independently driven compressor or blower , usually driven by electric motor Engine driven compressor or blower Ram effect Underpiston supercharging Kadenacy system of supercharging

EFFECTS OF SUPERCHARGING
HIGHER POWER OUTPUT GREATER INDUCTION OF CHARGE MASS MORE COMPLETE AND SMOOTHER COMBUSTION REDUCED EXHAUST SMOKE INCREASED MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY SMOOTHER OPERATION

LIMITATIONS OF SUPERCHARGING
THERMAL LOAD ON VARIOUS PARTS OF ENGINE INCREASES INCREASED COOLING REQUOIREMENTS OF PISTON AND VALVES INCREASED THERMAL STRESSES INCREASED GAS LOADING INCREASED VALVE OVERLAP PERIOD

TURBOCHARGER
As opposed to a supercharger driven by the engine itself, a turbocharger is driven using the exhaust gases from the engines. No mechanical linkage between engine and supercharger. The amount of power in the gas is proportional to the difference between the exhaust pressure and air pressure, and this difference increases with altitude, helping a turbocharged engine to compensate for changing altitude. Turbocharged engines also require frequent inspections of the turbocharger and exhaust systems for damage due to the increased heat, increasing maintenance costs.