For some historical background on the coming wave of electric assisted turbochargers,
turbo compound and hybrid turbo generators for cars I recommend Turbocharging
and Turbochargers. Published by the I Mech E 1982 ISBN 0 85298 491 X
Much more in depth than the Hugh MacInnes book. Also some of the original
work on the variable vane turbochargers now widely used on European diesel
engine powered cars. Many technical papers on work done world wide.
Paul Lamar
This first page introduction from this tech paper in the book concisely explains why
the electric assisted turbo charger is going to dominate future IC car engine
production. Smaller engine...same instantaneous acceleration less fuel and smog.
Same size engine... same fuel more instantaneous acceleration.
This paper describes a hydraulic motor but an electric motor is cheaper, lighter
in weight and simpler. The electric motor only need run for one or two seconds
when max acceleration is called for. When not used for acceleration it can, in
theory, be used as a generator for charging the battery. This yields a slight turbo
compounding effect for slightly better fuel mileage.
It also explains why we need a variable ratio gear box in an automotive
application of a high efficiency mechanical turbo compound.
The original incentive was to reduce the smog from diesel engines which is why
EA turbo chargers are now widely used on trucks.
Mazda already has shown an electric assisted turbo on the hydrogen powered
RX8 prototype. The coming EA turbo charger on the 2005 or 2006 RX8 will
be an eye opener to drive. I am thinking of trading in my current RX8 :)
Rumor has it that all the supercharged car engines in the world will
be shortly converted to EA turbo chargers for less fuel burn.
I wonder why it has taken so long to sink in.
Buy Garret and other EA turbo charger manufacturers stock :)
Paul Lamar
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