Air blower in a car
A mechanical air blower allows you to increase the power of a car engine by increasing pressure. Its other name is a supercharger (from the English word "supercharger").
With it, you can increase the torque by 30% and give the engine an increase in power by 50%. Automakers are well aware of this.
Device action
The principle of operation of a supercharger is almost the same as that of a turbocharger. The device sucks air from the surrounding space, compresses it, and then sends it to the intake valve of the car engine.
This process is implemented due to the rarefaction created in the collector cavity. The pressure is generated by the rotation of the blower. Air enters the engine intake due to the pressure difference.
Compressed air in a car's supercharger gets very hot during compression. This reduces the injection density. An intercooler is used to lower its temperature.
This accessory is either a liquid or air type heatsink that helps prevent the entire system from overheating, no matter how the blower is running.
Mechanical unit drive type
The mechanical version of ICE compressors has structural differences from other options. The main one is the drive system of the equipment.
Autosuperchargers can have the following types of units:
- belt, consisting of flat, toothed or V-ribbed belts;
- chain;
- direct drive, which is attached directly to the crankshaft flange;
- mechanism;
- electric traction
Each design has its own advantages and disadvantages. Your choice depends on the tasks and model of the car.
Cam and screw mechanisms
This type of supercharger is one of the first. Similar devices have been installed in cars since the early 90s, they are named after the inventors - Roots.
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These superchargers are characterized by a rapid build-up of pressure, but can sometimes be recharged. In this case, air pockets may form in the discharge channel, which will cause a decrease in the power of the unit.
In order to avoid problems when using such devices, it is necessary to adjust the inflation pressure.
This can be done in several ways:
- Turn off the device from time to time.
- Provide air passage with a special valve.
Most modern automotive mechanical blowers are equipped with electronic control systems. They have electronic control units and sensors.
Roots compressors are quite expensive. This is due to the smaller tolerances in the manufacture of such products. Also, these superchargers must be serviced regularly, as foreign objects or dirt inside the starting system can break the sensitive device.
Screw assemblies are similar in design to Roots models. They are called Lysholm. In screw compressors, pressure is generated internally by means of special screws.
Such compressors are more expensive than cam compressors, therefore they are not used very often and are often installed in exclusive and sports cars.
centrifugal design
The operation of this type of device is very similar to that of a turbocharger. The working element of the unit is the drive wheel. During operation, it spins very quickly, sucking air into itself.
It should be noted that this variety is the most popular among all mechanical devices. It has many benefits.
For example:
- compact size;
- small weight;
- high level of efficiency;
- price payable;
- reliable fixation on the car engine.
The disadvantages include only the almost complete dependence of performance indicators on the speed of the crankshaft of the car engine. But modern developers take this fact into account.
The use of compressors in cars
The use of mechanical compressors is especially popular in expensive and sports cars. Such superchargers are often used for auto tuning purposes. Most sports cars are equipped with mechanical compressors or their modifications.
The great popularity of these units has contributed to the fact that today many companies offer turnkey solutions for installation on a naturally aspirated engine. These kits contain all the necessary parts that are suitable for almost all models of power plants.
But mass-produced cars, especially mid-priced ones, are rarely equipped with mechanical superchargers.
