Electrically assisted turbocharger

An electrically assisted turbocharger (EAT) is an arrangement where an electric motor assists the gas-driven turbocharger in providing forced induction, particular at times when exhaust gas flow is insufficient to produce the desired boost.[1] Some systems integrate the motor inside a turbocharger, while others use a separate electric supercharger.

Schematic of an example EAT system (Aeristech)

Systems

BorgWarner

BorgWarner tested the idea in the 1990s, but never produced a part for production vehicles because of high power consumption, until the Mercedes-Benz M256 engine (2017), which used a 48-volt electrical system.[2]

As of January 2023, BorgWarner markets two EAT solutions: a standalone "electric compressor" (i.e. supercharger) named eBooster and a turbocharger with a single-shaft motor attached named eTurbo.[3]

Garrett Motion

In October 2019, Garrett Motion announced its first electric turbocharger for market passenger vehicles, with expected launch in 2021.[4] The design adds an electric motor between the turbocharger's turbine wheel and compressor wheel.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 convertible uses the Mercedes-Benz M139 engine, which features the integrated Garrett Motio EAT.[5]

Volkswagen TDI

The TDI line used by the Audi brand has seen 4.0 V8 TDI 310-320kW, used on the Audi SQ7 and more. It has 2 turbochargers and 1 electric supercharger.[6]

Volvo

In 2010, Volvo started to experiment with electrically assisted turbochargers. The result was unveiled in 2014, a 450hp 2.0L High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept engine, which used a 48-volt electrical system for the electric booster. The engine has three turbos, with the electric "turbo" driving the exhaust turbines of the twin-turbo.[7] Despite initial reports that the Volvo XC90 T6 would have an related improvement,[8] only the 2016 Volvo XC90 T8 actually received a Twin Engine starter-generator-supercharger in addition to the mechanical twincharger arrangement.[9]

In 2019, Volvo reiterated plans to replace the mechanical supercharger with an electric one.[10]

Abandoned

In the late 1990s, Turbodyne also investigated EAT designs.[11]

An electric supercharger also uses an electric motor to power the compressor, however the electric motor is the sole power source in an electric supercharger.

A turbocharger that can divert some of the exhaust gas to produce electricity (using the vehicle's alternator) is sometimes called a hybrid turbocharger.[12]

References
  1. "Electric Boost". www.autospeed.com. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
  2. "A Little Fan That Fixes the Turbocharger's Biggest Problem".
  3. "Electric Boosting Technologies". BorgWarner.
  4. "Garrett To Launch Industry's First Electric Turbo".
  5. "Nerd's Eye View: Mercedes AMG M139 Engine with E-turbo and Liquid Immersion Battery Cooling". MotoIQ. 11 April 2021.
  6. V8-Diesel im Audi SQ7: Zukunft, Konkurrenz - Fette Acht statt sechs in Reihe
  7. "Volvo's Drive-E Engine Family Adds Triple-Boosted 4 Cylinder Concept". EngineLabs. 7 October 2014.
  8. "Volvo Bets Its Future on Small, Turbocharged Engines". The 2016 XC90 (on sale early next year) is the first of this new generation of Volvos. It's powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger and a supercharger.
  9. "Volvo Cars introduces Twin Engine technology in world's most powerful and cleanest SUV". www.media.volvocars.com (Press release). Volvo Car Corporation. 8 December 2014. Archived from the original on 2017-11-07.
  10. "Volvo to Start Using Electric Superchargers". Car and Driver. 17 May 2019.
  11. "AlliedSignal and Turbodyne to Jointly Develop Mass Production Capabilities". www.theautochannel.com. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
  12. "Hybrid Turbocharger, Ship Marine Engine Turbocharger, High Speed Motor for Marine Applications, Marine Power Generation, High Speed Generator, Marine Engine Heat Recovery". www.calnetix.com. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
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