Supercharger

Supercharger Animation by Tyroola

2006 Saturn Ion Red Line engine

Lysholm screw rotors

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1929 Bentley front 34 right

Bristol Centaurus centrifugal supercharger

Supercharger is a device used to force air into the internal combustion engine of a vehicle, increasing the amount of oxygen available for combustion. This process enhances the engine's efficiency and power output by allowing it to burn more fuel in the same amount of time. Superchargers are widely used in various types of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and boats, to improve performance.

Types of Superchargers

There are several types of superchargers, each with its unique mechanism and characteristics. The most common types include:

• Centrifugal Supercharger: Operates like a centrifugal pump by converting rotational motion into a boost in intake air pressure. It is connected to the engine via a belt or chain from the crankshaft.
• Roots Supercharger: One of the oldest types of superchargers, it uses two lobed rotors to trap air and compress it directly into the intake manifold. It is known for providing a significant boost at low engine speeds.
• Twin-Screw Supercharger: Features two intermeshing screws that pull air into the chamber, compressing it internally before discharging it into the engine. This type offers high efficiency and a smooth power delivery.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Superchargers offer several advantages over naturally aspirated engines, including:

• Increased Power Output: By forcing more air into the engine, superchargers enable more fuel to be burned, resulting in increased power.
• Improved Performance: Vehicles equipped with superchargers often have better acceleration and can achieve higher top speeds.
• No Lag: Unlike turbochargers, which can suffer from "turbo lag," superchargers provide an immediate power boost since they are mechanically driven by the engine.

However, there are also some disadvantages:

• Increased Fuel Consumption: The increased power comes at the cost of higher fuel consumption, as the engine burns more fuel to produce the extra power.
• Engine Strain: Superchargers can put additional strain on the engine and its components, potentially leading to increased wear and tear.
• Cost and Complexity: Adding a supercharger to a vehicle can be expensive and complex, requiring significant modifications to the engine and supporting systems.

Applications

Superchargers are used in a wide range of applications, from enhancing the performance of sports cars and racing vehicles to improving the efficiency of commercial vehicles and marine engines. They are particularly popular in motorsports, where the demand for high performance is paramount.

See Also

• Internal Combustion Engine
• Turbocharger
• Horsepower
• Fuel Efficiency