Turbocharger Operation

A turbocharger is a compressor that is used to increase the power output of an engine by increasing the mass of the oxygen and therefore the fuel entering the engine. The dual-scroll turbocharger is mounted either to the exhaust manifold or directly to the head. The turbine is driven by the energy generated by the flow of the exhaust gases. The turbine is connected by a shaft to the compressor which is mounted in the induction system of the engine. The centrifugal compressor blades compress the intake air above atmospheric pressure, there by increasing the density of the air entering the engine.

The turbocharger incorporates a wastegate that is controlled by the engine control module (ECM), by means of a electronic motor driven actuator, to control boost pressure. A turbocharger bypass valve (compressor recirculation valve), controlled by the ECM, is used to prevent compressor surging and damage by opening during abrupt closed throttle conditions. The bypass valve opens during closed throttle deceleration conditions, which allows the air to recirculate to the turbocharger compressor inlet. During a wide open throttle command, the bypass valve closes to optimize turbo response.

The turbocharger is connected to the engine oiling system by a supply and drain pipe. The oil is required for the bearing system function and also serves to carry some heat from the turbocharger. There is a cooling system circuit in the turbocharger that further reduces operating temperatures, and passively dissipates bearing housing heat away from the turbocharger, to prevent oil coking in the bearings on shut down.