The common purpose of Turbo and Supercharger systems is to send more air into the cylinders. In this way, more air combined with more fuel enables more power to be produced. Although turbo systems are very popular today, compressor systems are still available as an alternative. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages.
The picture on the left is the supercharger engine on the right is the turbo-powered engine.
The picture on the left is the supercharger engine on the right is the turbo-powered engine.
Turbo and Supercharger difference in terms of operating principle and structure
Turbo
The turbine fan inside the turbo rotates with the outlet pressure and speed of the exhaust gases and sucks the air with the compressor fan on the same shaft and sends it into the cylinders. In this way, they do not cause an additional load on the engine. (Advantage)
Since they start working at the engine speed of 1400-1500 rpm where exhaust gases exit with high pressure, they cause a lack of power at low speeds called “turbo gap”. (Disadvantage)
Lubrication of the bearings of parts such as propeller rotating in the turbo system is done by lubricating the engine. Therefore, the condition of the engine oil is very important. Even if the engine is stopped, the turbochargers continue to rotate freely for a short time. Stopping the engine stops lubrication and the bearings remain oil-free and wear is fast. Therefore, it is useful to leave the vehicle idle for 20-30 seconds before stopping. (Disadvantage)
They reach much higher operating temperatures. (Disadvantage)
It is a lighter system, so it has less impact on the overall weight of the vehicle. (Advantage)
Supercharger (Compressor)
The compressor system takes the rotating force from the crankshaft. Just as the circulation pump (water pump) and the alternator take the return force through the belt connected to the crankshaft, the compressor works the same way. Therefore, it causes an additional load on the engine. (Disadvantage)
Since it takes its rotation from a belt connected directly to the crankshaft, it is effective in all engine speed ranges and generates power. (Advantage)
Due to the fact that there are closed system lubrication systems, the oil in the compressor chamber is changed periodically. As in the turbo system, rotation does not occur after stopping and thus there is no lubrication problem. (Advantage)
They have a lower working temperature. (Advantage)
Due to their heavier structure, the effects on the vehicle's weight are higher. (Disadvantage)
Supercharger on top turbocharger on bottom
Turbo and Supercharger difference in terms of power and efficiency
Turbo
It does not cause any additional friction and load on the engine since it takes the return force from waste exhaust gases and thus it works more efficiently. (Advantage)
Fuel consumption is lower due to the absence of idling speeds, low friction and no additional load on the engine. (Advantage)
Tires fall faster to skidding in sudden responses, especially in engines with large turbochargers, as they deliver power in the narrower rpm range. (Disadvantage)
It can be used easily in small volume engines. (Advantage)
Compressor
The friction and losses are higher due to the fact that it takes the return force from the belt connected to the crankshaft. Therefore, its efficiency is lower. (Disadvantage)
It also works at idling speeds, which adds an extra load to the engine and therefore higher fuel consumption. (Disadvantage)
Since they operate in a wider rpm range, they distribute power more evenly and calmly. (Advantage)
It is generally preferred in high volume engines due to its large load on small volume engines. (Disadvantage)
Pink curve - supercharger
Yellow curve - turbocharger
Compound - using both together - twin charger
Turbo and Supercharger difference in cost and assembly
Turbo
They are cheaper systems.
It is more difficult to install on the engine and has more parts.
Assembly workmanship is more difficult and expensive.
Compressor
They are more expensive systems.
Installation to the engine is much more practical and easy.
Assembly workmanship is easier and cheaper.
Result
Turbo systems prevented compressor systems because they can be integrated easily into small volume engines, they are efficient and provide lower fuel consumption. With this trend, the compressor systems seem to be used only in special applications and racing cars. VW has previously managed to combine both systems in one engine.
Twin-Charger (both compressor and turbo system)
There are also mixed systems where turbo and compressor systems are used together. This type of system, called twin-charger “dual overfeed”, was recently used by VW in 1.4 liter engines. In this way, thanks to the compressor that is activated at low speeds, turbo lag is not experienced, while the advantages of turbo are obtained in the upper speeds. However, since the system was expensive and complicated, it was continued with systems with single turbo and multiple turbo.