Turbo Chargers and Diesel Generators

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbocharger

Try a simple search next time.

Hey the guy asked a simple question!! I have visited the wed site that you so tastefully pointed out and after much reading, piecing and glue I was lost. How about a break for the others who can't follow auto racing, aerospace and thermodynamics. Who cares about the development of the turbocharger, just a simple explanation will do.

I know a lot of these folks expect over and above. Just look at who your helping, someone who might or will take over from you.

OK bad thought, how's the fishing??

Turbo Chargers or Blowers.

Turbo Chargers use the exhaust gas to turn a small impeller connected via a shaft to turn another impeller to compress the intake air and shove it into the piston chamber. The increase of air raises the compression ratio, thus more power per stroke. The restriction caused by the exhaust impeller is offset by the increase in horsepower. Four stroke engines only! (Diesel or Gas)

Blowers on the other hand are required for two stroke operation and do require some use of horse power from the engine. This system is termed scavenged air. A two stroke engine cannot operate without this system. (Diesel or Gas) Blowers can be used on four stroke engines, either belt or gear driven. Same idea as the turbo but uses horse power to drive it. How much of a benefit does it provides is up to debate. Drag racers use this method, I'm thinking it's more for cooling than increase hp, as you can increase compression without melting the pistons. Cool air is circulated through the piston during the short time that both intake and exhaust valves are open during the exhaust phase.

Four stroke engines only! (Diesel or Gas)

This is incorrect, large two stroke diesel engines may also be turbo charged. Once the engine has started, using maybe, under piston scavenging, once the engine reaches a predetermined rpm, the turbos cut in.

If you had looked around this site you would have found this on the main page...

http://cr4.globalspec.com/blogentry/10212/Half-Hour-History-of-Turbochargers

Well said, ronseto, that is it in a nut shell. It increases the volume of air, not compression, although this is a result.