Supercharger History
The first "Blower" was designed and patented in 1865 by F.M. and P.H. Roots. They were used for various purposes but a popular early application was for mine shaft ventilation.
The first type of Blower used on motor vehicles was a Roots rotating type. This "positive driven" type would consume up to 15% of engine power. On the MINI COOPER S the supercharger will consume a maximum of 20 kW of power (17% of maximum power output).
The decline in the use of positive driven blowers came with demands on motor manufacturers to produce more efficient and smaller engines. Most manufacturers at this time opted for the non positive driven blower known as the turbocharger. This has the advantage of not consuming any engine power directly but was not capable of delivering increased engine power at low engine speeds (turbo lag).
With the advantage of new material and designs the positive driven blowers have once again risen in popularity among motor manufacturers. Over the past few years, design engineers have managed to enhance the operation of the supercharger, now providing the following:
- Increased Power Output.
- A 40% net increase in power, without affecting fuel economy.
- Improved Reliability and Life Expectancy.
- Newly developed 60 degree twisted rotors (helix), aided with high quality bearing seals and synthetic oil (sealed for life).
- Improved Quietness.
- Newly developed inlet/outlet ports and ducting mounts.
The MINI COOPER S is fitted with a "state of the art" supercharger that has been specifically engineered for small engines. It was designed as a compact unit with the ability to provide the performance that is synonymous with the COOPER S name.