How does a turbine work and why is it worth checking its condition? Is it the same as a turbocharger?

Turbine in an internal combustion engine - history, device, operation, malfunctions

Compressed air can be charged in various ways. The first of these - and the oldest - is the compression of air by mechanical compressors driven by a crankshaft pulley. This is basically what started and to this day, American cars are equipped with powerful compressors instead of internal combustion turbines. A turbocharger is something else, so it's worth getting down to business.

What is a turbine in a car?

Although it looks like a single device, it is actually a pair of components that make up a turbine and a compressor. Hence the name "turbocharger". A turbine and a turbocharger are two different things. The turbine is an integral part of the turbocharger. What is the difference in operation between them? The turbine converts the energy of the gas (exhaust in this case) into mechanical energy and drives the compressor.ąair pressure). However, to shorten the whole name, which is difficult to articulate, the catchy name "turbo" was adopted. 

The principle of operation of a turbo in a car

If we look at the working diagram of this component, we can see that it is very simple. The most important elements of the system are:

• turbine;
• compressor;
• intake manifold.

The turbine part (otherwise - hot) has a rotor that is driven by a pulse of hot exhaust gases exiting through the exhaust manifold. By placing the turbine wheel and the vane compressor wheel on the same shaft, the pressurizing side (compressor or cold side) rotates simultaneously. The turbine in the car begins to generate the energy needed to increase the pressure of the intake air. povetsha filter and sends it to the intake manifold.

Why is there an automobile turbine in a car?

You already know how a turbine works. Now it's time to answer the question why in the engine. Compressing the air allows more oxygen to be injected into the engine compartment, which means it increases the combustion power of the air-fuel mixture. Of course, a car doesn't run on air, and fuel is still needed to improve engine performance. More air allows you to simultaneously burn more fuel and increase the power of the unit.

Presence of turbine and combustion

But that's not all. The turbine also effectively reduces the engine's appetite for fuel.. Why can you say that? For example, 1.8T engines of the VAG group and 2.6 V6 from the same stable had the same power at that time, i.e. 150 HP However, average fuel consumption is reduced by at least 2 liters per 100 kilometers on the smaller engine side. However, the turbine is not used all the time, but only starts at certain times. On the other hand, the 6 cylinders in the second machine must be running all the time.

When should a turbine be regenerated?

It can happen that the described turbocharger element is damaged, which is not uncommon, especially given the operating conditions of this part. In such cases, the turbine requires regeneration. However, this must be pre-installed. How to check the performance of the turbine? One of the main steps is to remove the air line that goes to the compressor from the air filter. You will see the rotor in a hole a few centimeters in diameter. Move it up and down, forward and backward. There should be no noticeable sag, especially on the front-rear axle.

Blue smoke or rattle from the turbine - what does it mean?

Also make sure that there is no blue smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. It may turn out that the turbine passes oil into the intake and burns it. In critical situations, this threatens to start the engine in diesel units. What does it look like? You can check online in photos and videos.

It also happens that something much worse will happen to this element. Under the influence of lack of lubrication, a stuck turbine gives sound symptoms. This is primarily: friction, grinding, but also whistling. It is very easy to recognize this, because the operation of the turbine changes dramatically. The work of metal parts without an oil film is clearly felt.

What else can go wrong with a turbocharger?

Sometimes the problem may be a damaged turbine lamp. Symptoms of this are fluctuations in boost pressure at full load, which means a lack of power and increased turbo lag. However, replacing such an element is not difficult and you can handle it yourself.

The bulb and the bar acting under its influence control the hot side of the turbocharger and are responsible for cutting off the boost pressure when the maximum value is reached. The shorter it is, the more the turbo will “inflate”. How to check? The turbo sensor shows signs of a damaged bar when recharging.

How much does turbine regeneration cost?

In addition to what we have listed above, the turbine can be damaged in many other ways. So you need to be prepared for some expenses. How much does turbine regeneration cost? As a rule, prices range from a few hundred zlotys to over a thousand. Much depends on the number of parts to be replaced, the type of turbocharger itself, and its intended use. On the occasion of a regeneration, all components are updated (or at least they should be). This includes a very thorough cleaning, visual inspection and replacement of components that have either been damaged or are about to fail.

Why should you care about the turbine?

When the turbine suddenly stops working, the costs are not small. Therefore, do not forget to regularly change the oil of very good quality and turn off the engine after a dozen or two seconds of cooling at idle. Also avoid driving at high speeds immediately after starting a cold engine. This will extend the life of the turbine.

Turbine is an element of a turbocharger, which, due to its usefulness and functionality, is increasingly being used. If you know how it works and if you know the symptoms of problems with this element and familiarize yourself with the prevention of threats, you can consciously take care of the turbocharger in your car.