Turbocharging and Supercharging with Comparison

The main goal of an engineer is to improve the performance and emission characteristics of the engine. Increasing the mean effective pressure of the engine is one of the effective methods of increasing the power output of the engine. The mean effective pressure of the engine can be increased by increasing the pressure of the air-fuel mixture. Supercharging is one of the methods to improve the power output of the engine. In this method, we supply the air or fuel-air mixture at a higher pressure than the naturally aspirated pressure. The instrument which increases the pressure is called the supercharger. The turbocharger is the type of supercharger which is driven by a turbine wheel that uses energy in exhaust gases. Let's discuss supercharger and turbocharger.

Engine Supercharger

Engine Turbocharger

Supercharger

The 'supercharger ' is driven mechanically (belt, gear, etc.) by the engine. It increases the power output of the engine and improves the atomization of the fuel. The main objective of the supercharger is to increase the air density before it enters the combustion chamber. Some power output of the engine is used to run the compressor. But the overall net power output of the engine is higher than the engine without a supercharger with the same configuration. Supercharging also increased the cooling requirements of pistons and valves. The temperature and pressure of the engine are increased due to the supercharging. 

Working of Supercharger

 Turbocharger

 A turbocharger is used to increase engine efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and lower emissions. A turbocharger is a forced induction device that improves the performance and emissions of the engine. It is the process of forcing compressed air into the intake for combustion. The turbocharger is designed to rotate over 1 lac RPM. With a turbocharger introduced the exhaust gas from combustion turns the turbine wheel. This turbine wheel rotates the compressor wheel which is attached by a connecting shaft. This compressor sucks the more air and sends it to the combustion chamber. A turbocharger provides more fresh air to expand on combustion and produces more power. Fresh air makes human's lungs healthy in the same way highly compressed, highly hot and fresh air make the engine more powerful.

Working of Turbocharger

Comparison of Supercharger and Turbocharger

1. The efficiency and mileage of the turbocharger are better than the supercharger because the turbocharger is converting exhaust gas (waste) energy into useful energy. 
2.  Oil consumption is low in a supercharger compare to the turbocharger because the overall temperature of the process is low in the supercharger. 
3. The supercharger gives a more stable and continuous power response compare to the turbocharger.

Summary of the article

If you want an efficient and more milage then you can go with the turbocharged engine. But if you want the more refinement in the engine (excellent torque, power) and good response of your accelerator then you can go with a supercharged engine.