Superchargers – Forced Induction 1

Superchargers are used to increase the power and torque output of an engine by forcing more air into the engine. This additional air carries more oxygen allowing more fuel to be burnt at a single cycle thus raising output. Also known as forced induction, there is generally two methods of doing so. First is supercharging and the other way is through turbocharging.

The difference between superchargers and turbochargers is that superchargers is driven using a belt and a pulley on engine crankshaft, while turbochargers uses exhaust gases to drive the compressor. A supercharger is sometimes called a blower because certain type of supercharger pumps air into the engine whereas other type compresses the air within the supercharger assembly.

There are generally several types superchargers. The earliest and simplest type is Roots type supercharger, which functions like an air pump. They are simple, reliable but are least efficient and noisy. Manufacturer of Roots supercharger includes Eaton.

The second type of supercharger is the centrifugal type supercharger. A compressor turbine is spun at high speeds creating centrifugal forces which compresses the air before it is fed into the engine. Since this type of turbine only generates significant boost at high speeds, the air pressure is significantly increased at high engine rpms. Well known brands are Paxton and Vortech.

The third type of supercharger is the twin scroll or twin screw type supercharger. These are considered the latest and most efficient type of air compressor. Twin scroll have the benefits of Roots type superchargers while compressing air between the 2 scrolls. Due to precise machining, twin scroll superchargers are quite, have high efficiency but costs more. Made by companies like Whipple.