How does the turbo of a car work?
The turbocharger has become a common and almost indispensable element in today’s engines. In fact, both diesel-powered vehicles and gasoline-powered vehicles incorporate highly advanced powertrains.
The turbo system is very simple and is based mainly on the use of exhaust gases. As the smoke from the cylinders comes out at a certain speed, it is used to move the turbocharger so that it accelerates the ambient air and draws it into the engine. To perform its function correctly, the turbo incorporates two turbines linked by a shaft rotating both at the same speed.
The first turbine rotates thanks to the contact with the exhaust gases that come out hot from the engine and with a lot of pressure. As they rotate, they provide movement through the shaft to the other turbine, which draws in the air entering the engine, generating higher pressure and compressing the amount of air entering the cylinder. With more air entering the engine’s cylinders, power will increase and fuel consumption and pollutant gas emissions will be reduced.
In this process, speeds of up to 200,000 rpm are reached in the turbocharger and very high temperatures that reach 900oC. For the correct operation of the engine, the function of the intercooler is vital, an element that is responsible for reducing the temperature of the air coming from the turbo compressor to optimum levels for its subsequent entry into the cylinders through the intake valves. This piece is located between both parts and cools the air that goes from the turbo to the engine.
