Superchargers & Turbos research project

Hi Grassroots, Jake here from Animagraffs.com – I've created a web page with graphics to explain the difference between superchargers and turbos, and while I've done my best, I know my research will have flaws. My projects get a lot of attention online and I hate the idea of putting bad info out there!!

I was wondering if you could give it a quick read over, and let me know what I need to fix, and what I've gotten wrong?

(Side note: the final product will be animated 3D models instead of still images, for better viewing)

Here is the project for review (pre-release, for your eyes only): Supercharver vs. Turbo

On the Superchargers graphic, you have 3 for Intake Manifold, but there is no actual 3 arrow on the graphic.

Both superchargers and turbochargers benefit from intercooling - positive displacement ones more than turbos, actually, due to their lower efficiency.

Drag racers are sometimes required to use superchargers by the rules. Turbos do a great job on drag racing as well - when allowed.

Since almost every turbo setup is intercooled, I'd put an intercooler in the diagram for the generic turbo system. I'd also make more of a distinction between a centrifugal and positive displacement supercharger, as they really are different beasts. They're more like turbos in a lot of ways.

You might want to identify where the throttle body goes, as it's quite different between the two. Throw the bypass valve (supercharger) and dump/bypass/blowoff valve (turbocharger) in there as well.

This will be really useful when it's done.

You didn't mention sequential turbo setups. You might want to change twin turbo to multiple turbo since there are some supercars with quad-turbo setups etc.

I didn't see any mention of scroll-type superchargers.

You might want to mention that a twin-screw supercharger is also known as a Lysholm supercharger.

You might want to mention that turbo lag depends on bearing type and turbo size vs. engine output, and that it's possible to have very little lag.

+1 for mentioning intercoolers.

There's an exotic type of turbocharger I'm forgetting about right now, that compresses intake air directly with exhaust air but separates them with timed valves...I'll try to find it.

Edit: You might also want to mention VGT and super-turbo setups.

One very high end point- a turbocharger IS a supercharger. It's just an exhaust drive one instead of a belt driven one.

(there are hydraulic supercharger, but really rare-I'm aware of one; the electrically boosted turbos are making a big move these days)

+another for the wastegates, bypass valves- etc- those parts have been common for a few decades now.

The exotic turbo I was trying to remember is the wave rotor:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressure_wave_supercharger

They call it a supercharger, but it runs on exhaust energy, doesn't that make it a turbo?

You might want to also mention constant boost systems - where the engine is fed pressurized air from an independent turbojet engine. The only car I know of that uses this system is a single custom hillclimb car. It's basically free boost at the cost of increased fuel consumption and engine weight though.

In reply to GameboyRMH:

I'd actually shy away from all of the exotic and compound stuff for a sidebar web page. They are so few and far between right now that it can get confusing.

Agreed - but VGT is worth mentioning, as they're more and more common in OE applications and it's simple enough to show.

Keith Tanner wrote: Agreed - but VGT is worth mentioning, as they're more and more common in OE applications and it's simple enough to show.

True. there are some simple versions of it, too- which kind of makes the turbo bifurcated.