✅ How a turbine works on a diesel engine

A turbocharger is a device that allows you to increase engine power by approximately 30%, without the need to physically increase the volume of the cylinders. Such units are installed on almost all modern cars, regardless of the type of fuel used. Below we will tell you in more detail about the design and operation of a diesel engine turbine, and also outline the disadvantages of this device and the most common breakdowns.

Turbine design and features

The unit consists of two devices - a turbine and a compressor. The task of the first is to convert the energy of exhaust gases, and the second is to supply compressed air to the cylinders. “Impellers” are the main components of this system; they represent two bladed wheels (compressor and turbine).

At its core, a compressor is a pump; its only task is to supply compressed atmospheric air masses to the cylinders. Oxygen is necessary to burn fuel; the more it is supplied, the more the power unit can burn. As a result, this leads to a significant increase in engine power without physically increasing the volume or number of cylinders. The turbocharging system consists of the following components:

compressor housing;

turbine housing;

bearing housing;
compressor wheel;
turbine wheel;
rotor axis or shaft.

In a turbocharger, the main element is the rotor, which is protected by a housing and attached to a special axis. Both the rotor itself and the turbine housing are made of heat-resistant alloys - this is necessary due to the fact that they are in constant contact with high-temperature gases.

The rotor and impeller rotate in different directions at high speed - this solution ensures that they are pressed tightly against each other. The operating principle is as follows:

Exhaust gases enter the exhaust manifold.
Then - into a special channel located in the supercharger housing, which is made in the shape of a snail.
In the “snail” the gases are accelerated to high speed and supplied to the rotor.

Thanks to this principle, the rotation of the turbine is ensured. As for the turbocharger axis, it is mounted on special plain bearings and is lubricated by the flow of fluid from the engine compartment. Leakage of lubricant is prevented by the presence of a gasket and O-rings. In addition, mixed and separate flows of exhaust gases and air provide additional sealing. This technological solution does not provide a 100% guarantee that the exhaust will not enter the compressed air, but the system does not require this.

Diesel device

A diesel engine has a compression ratio almost twice that of a gasoline engine. Therefore, this requires strengthening its elements, since they require large loads. The design of the diesel engine assumes the absence of a standard ignition system, since the principle of self-ignition from compression is used. At the same time, there are models where candles are also used. They are used to warm the air, which is especially important in winter when starting is difficult.

The piston of a diesel engine has a shape that depends largely on the type of combustion chamber. In this case, its bottom protrudes beyond the cylinder blocks when it is at the top point. Therefore, environmental friendliness and technical parameters depend largely on the injection system, as well as the type of combustion chamber.

What else is included in the turbocharging system?

The turbine is a complex unit; it took engineers several decades to perfect the system. Only at first glance, the solution to compensate for efficiency losses using exhaust gases seems simple. Even after the creation of the device, it had certain problems for a long time.

For example, it was not possible to solve the problem of turbo lag - a delay after pressing the gas pedal and starting the rotor. The solution was found in the form of using two valves. One of them was used to remove excess air, and the second was intended for exhaust gases. In addition, modern turbines have a modified blade geometry, which seriously distinguishes them from similar devices of the second half of the 20th century.

One more problem can be identified, which was excessive detonation - modern engineers have also successfully dealt with this. The problem was that the temperature in the working sectors of the cylinders increased sharply during air injection, especially in the last stage of the stroke. The solution was found in installing an intercooler (air intercooler).

Intercooler is a device for cooling charge air. It performs two functions at once - it prevents detonation and prevents air density from decreasing. As a result, it was possible to maintain the functionality of the entire system.

It is also worth noting other important components of the turbine.

Control valve. Responsible for maintaining a given pressure level; excess pressure enters the exhaust pipe.

Bypass valve. It is used to remove excess air masses back into the intake pipes - this is necessary to reduce power when there is excess power.

Bleeding valve. If the throttle closes and there is no MAF sensor, the valve will return excess air back to the atmosphere.

Pipes. Sealed pipe sections. Some are used to supply air, the other to supply lubricating oil.

Exhaust manifolds. Must be compatible with turbocharger.

How does turbocharging work?

To understand how turbocharging works, you first need to understand the concepts of turbo boost and turbo lag.

Turbo boost is a situation when the rotor, which has picked up speed, increases the flow of air into the cylinders, resulting in an increase in engine power.

Turbojam is a moment of slight delay observed in the operation of the turbine when the amount of incoming fuel increases, which is achieved by pressing the gas pedal. The delay is caused by the time it takes for the rotor to accelerate with gases.

Turbocharging increases the pressure of exhaust gases due to more intense engine operation. At the same time, the boost pressure also increases: this process requires monitoring and adjustment, since when high values are reached, there is a high probability of breakdown. The pressure regulation functions are assigned to the valve; the maximum possible values are controlled by a membrane and a spring with certain stiffness values (when the maximum permissible value is reached, the membrane opens the valve).

The operation of a diesel engine turbine also requires pressure control:

The compressor releases excess air taken in through a valve to reduce pressure;
when the pressure of the incoming air reaches the maximum permissible value, the valve releases the gases, and the rotor rotates at the required speed, and the compressor always takes in only the required amount of air.

Principle of operation

First you need to understand two terms.

Turbo boost is a condition in which a rapidly rotating rotor increases the air supply to the cylinders, thereby increasing the power of the power unit.

Turbo lag is a short delay that occurs in the operation of the turbine when the amount of fuel supplied increases while the gas pedal is pressed. The delay appears due to the fact that the rotor needs some time until the gases accelerate it.

Turbocharging increases exhaust gas pressure due to more intense engine operation, but at the same time the boost pressure also increases. When critical values are reached, breakdown may occur, and therefore this process must be controlled. Valves are responsible for regulating the pressure, and the membrane and spring monitor the maximum permissible values. When a certain value is reached, the membrane opens a valve to relieve pressure.

Why you can’t do repairs yourself

This operation cannot be done by hand. An automobile turbine operates at very high speeds and temperatures, so the demands placed on it are very high.

The system must be sealed and the entry of any small foreign objects into it during repairs or maintenance is unacceptable. Special equipment and skills are required to disassemble and assemble the turbine.

The room in which these operations are carried out must be as clean as possible; the ingress of dust and other substances onto the parts of the turbine installation can entail large financial costs. Specialists from specialized service centers have a precise understanding of how to check the operation of the turbine.

Operation of a turbocharger on a diesel engine

The work is carried out according to the following scheme:

The compressor pumps compressed atmospheric air.
The air mass is mixed with fuel and enters the cylinders.
The resulting fuel-air mixture ignites, which sets the pistons in motion.
In parallel with this process, exhaust gases appear and are sent to the exhaust manifold.
The gases accumulated in the housing significantly increase the speed.
The rotation passes (along the shaft) to the compressor rotor, it draws in a new portion of air.

It turns out to be an interesting interaction. The rotor rotates faster - more air flows. The more air comes in, the faster the rotor rotates.

TURBODIESEL

An effective means of increasing the power and flexibility of a diesel engine is turbocharging.

It allows you to supply additional air to the cylinders and, accordingly, increase the fuel supply during the operating cycle, resulting in increased engine power.

The absence of a throttle valve in a diesel engine allows for efficient filling of the cylinders at all speeds without the use of a complex turbocharger control circuit. Many cars are equipped with an intercooler, which makes it possible to increase the mass filling of the cylinders and increase power by 15-20%.

Disadvantages of a turbine on a diesel engine

Like any device, the turbine has its own positive characteristics (which were described above) and disadvantages. The disadvantages include, first of all, increased fuel consumption, especially for incorrectly adjusted units. The second disadvantage is sensitivity to fuel quality, which is especially important in Russian conditions. The fact is that low-quality diesel can lead to detonation. Let's note other disadvantages:

general increase in engine cost;
increased demands on motor oil;
oil and filters have to be changed more often (approximately every 5-6 thousand km);
you need to change the air filter often;
The turbine life of a diesel engine is significantly lower than that of a gasoline engine (due to higher exhaust temperatures);
the average resource of the unit is 200-250 thousand km, after which it will require replacement or, at a minimum, major repairs;
The repair is quite complex, and the average car owner will not be able to carry it out on his own.

However, it is worth noting that the pros still outweigh the cons. Otherwise, turbines would not be so popular.

Myths about the oil filter

The size of the oil filter on the rally Peugeot 205 t16 group B is indicative.
Let us dispel the misconception of some motorists who say that timely replacement of the oil filter will prevent wear of the moving parts of the turbine. At the moment of a cold start, and also when the oil filter is clogged to its critical level, the filter safety valve opens slightly, and some of the oil always penetrates into the turbine system, as well as into the oil system of the entire power unit. The valve will remain half-open or fully open until the oil reaches its normal temperature. Thus, all foreign particles and suspensions that are in the oil will sooner or later end up in the turbine.

Main malfunctions - signs and causes

It’s worth mentioning right away that the main cause of breakdowns is untimely maintenance of the unit; it is recommended to carry it out at least once a year. The next reason is low quality oil or untimely replacement. The third is the entry of foreign objects into the device (for example, small pebbles). Finally, the fourth is the banal wear and tear of individual turbine components, because each equipment has its own service life. Now we will describe the signs that may indicate a malfunction.

Black smoke from the exhaust pipe. The fuel burns in the intercooler or charge line. Most likely there is a malfunction of the control system.

Blue smoke. Perhaps due to a failure in the turbine seal, oil leaks into the combustion chamber.

White smoke. The oil drain line is dirty and will need to be cleaned.

Increased fuel consumption. Air does not reach the compressor.

Increased oil consumption. It is necessary to check the joints of the pipes - the tightness may be broken.

Reduced acceleration dynamics. Most likely, the control system failed, causing a lack of oxygen.

Extraneous whistling, grinding or noise. This could be a change in the rotor clearance, a defect in the housing, an air leak between the engine and the turbine, or contamination of the oil line.

You should always follow the operating rules of the unit - this will reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and extend the life of the device. You should follow a few simple rules:

monitor the quality of fuel and oil;
do not forget to change the oil and filters on time;
start driving only after the engine has warmed up;
After stopping movement, you need to let the engine idle, and not immediately turn it off.

And, of course, you should undergo regular maintenance.

Operating rules

In order to fully use the resource of a diesel engine turbine and extend its service life, a number of conditions must be met:

Change the oil in the system regularly to prevent abrasive from getting into the oil line and clogging it.
Use only high-quality certified oil of the brand that corresponds to that specified in the engine data sheet.
Warm up the engine before driving and do not put high loads on a cold engine.
Never suddenly turn off the engine, and after stopping the car, give it the opportunity to idle for a few seconds.

What to do if the turbine breaks down

If a malfunction is detected, the first thing to do is carry out diagnostics. And the sooner the better. If you replace a faulty part in time, you will be able to avoid more serious problems. For example, often a car owner does not pay attention to a slight knocking, thinking that it does not matter; as a result, after some time he has to buy a new turbine, although initially a minor repair could have been done.

It should be noted that it is not enough to know how a diesel turbine works - you need to have a perfect understanding of all its components. Only with the appropriate skills, experience and equipment will it be possible to carry out high-quality repairs. That is why we recommend that you do not try to repair the unit yourself (you can only make it worse), but contact. We have been specializing in turbine repair since 1998, and therefore we know everything about them.

5 reasons to contact us:

High-precision diagnostic equipment is available (Bosch and Delphi stands);
The staff includes specialists with extensive practical experience in such work.
Quick repairs within a day without loss of quality.
We use only original components and repair kits.
We provide an official guarantee on components and repairs performed.

At the first sign of a defect, contact us. We will determine the cause of the problem and offer an effective, cost-effective way to solve it.

At what speed does the turbine “turn on” (turbo boost)

Many drivers are convinced that the turbine turns on only at high speeds, since at low speeds they do not feel the effect of turbocharging on movement. This is a half-truth - in fact, the turbine on the car works constantly, but at low speeds the discharge is weak. Let's take a closer look at it:

When the engine operates at up to 1500-2000 rpm, the exhaust gases create only a slight pressure on the turbine blades. Therefore, a small amount of oxygen is pumped into the internal combustion chamber, so the driver does not feel an increase in power. This phenomenon is called turbo lag.
As power increases above 2000 rpm, exhaust gases begin to affect the turbines, which leads to a noticeable injection of oxygen into the internal combustion engine. The relationship here is directly proportional - the higher the speed, the stronger the turbocharging will work and vice versa. This phenomenon is called turbo boost.

Note! Many turbines are equipped with a safety valve that blocks operation of the device at very high speeds (red zone of the tachometer). This is done so as not to damage the engine.

Diesel engine turbine design

A turbocharger is a solution that is installed on both gasoline and virtually every modern diesel car engine. Turbocharged engines are commonly called turbodiesels. This compressor is a kind of air pump that is driven by a turbine. The turbine of a diesel engine is rotated by the energy of exhaust gases.

The main task of the device is to pump air into the cylinders of a diesel internal combustion engine under pressure. The more air enters the combustion chamber, the more diesel fuel the diesel engine can burn. The result is a significant increase in engine power without the need to physically increase the volume of the cylinders.

Turbine Volkswagen Sharan

The engines of this car, equipped with a turbine, have engine displacements equal to: 1.9, 2.0 and 2.5 liters. However, the most successful is the engine with the smallest volume. The 1.9 TDI is characterized by a long service life without the need for major repairs, low maintenance costs and low fuel consumption.

However, there is a drawback: it is too noisy. The design of the turbine is very similar to similar units from competitors. It consists of: the compressor, its input and output shafts, cylinder head valves, and channels for exhaust gas flows. The main difference is the presence of ventilation holes that serve to take air in and out of the turbocharger housing.

Operating principle and design of a diesel turbocharger

The turbocharger of a diesel engine consists of two wheels: turbine and compressor. These wheels can also be called an impeller. The turbine impeller is directly and rigidly connected to the compressor wheel via an axle. The supercharger device can be divided into main components:

compressor housing (1);
compressor wheel (2);
rotor shaft or axis (3);
turbine housing (4),
turbine wheel(5);
bearing housing;

How a turbine works: video

Turbocharger axis

The axis is the central part of the turbocharger and is mounted inside the housing on plain bearings. The axle is lubricated by supplying engine oil from the engine lubrication system. Special O-rings and gaskets are installed on both sides.

These elements prevent excessive oil leaks so that lubricant does not get into the area where the compressor and turbine are located. Oil seals themselves do not provide a complete seal. These solutions are seals that operate due to the pressure difference that occurs during the operation of the turbocharger.

The seals also minimize the breakthrough of air from the compressor and gases from the turbine into the axle housing. It is worth noting that it is not possible to completely eliminate the ingress of exhaust and compressed air from the compressor. The excess is removed through the oil drain line along with the oil and ends up in the diesel engine crankcase.

Lubrication system

The turbocharger shaft is lubricated by the engine lubrication system.

O-rings are installed on the shaft to prevent oil from penetrating into the cavities of the compressor and turbine housings. They also protect the housing from overheating. But tightness is ensured not so much by seals as by the difference in pressure in different parts of the unit. This pressure difference is created by a turbine axis (shaft), which has an uneven diameter.

The special casting shape of the housing in which the shaft is located also helps retain oil.

If the engine does not develop the required power, this may be a symptom of a turbocharger failure. The most common problems are a dirty air filter or loss of airtightness in the intake manifold. In addition to loss of power, they can be diagnosed by the color and amount of smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe, which is unusual for a working car.

Turbo lag and turbo boost

The turbine impeller and compressor wheel are mounted on one common axis. For this reason, a certain dependence is observed, which consists in an increase in the air supply by the compressor only with an increase in turbine speed. Experts distinguish the concept of turbojam (turbolag), which means a delay in the increase in diesel power when the accelerator is sharply pressed.

The turbine impeller is spun by exhaust gases to create effective boost pressure by the turbocharger. Under certain conditions, the turbine can rotate at a very high frequency, which depends on the design features of the device housing and the intensity of the exhaust gas flow.

Self-check of a diesel engine turbocharger. Checking the supercharger without removing it. Presence of oil in the turbine housing, shaft play, impeller.

When and why does it become necessary to adjust the turbocharger actuator. The principle of operation of the device, features and available methods for setting up the wastegate.

What determines the service life of a diesel engine turbocharger? Features and recommendations regarding the operation and repair of turbines with variable geometry.

Turbocharger design, main design elements, turbine selection. Advantages and disadvantages of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines.

What is a supercharged engine and how does it differ from a naturally aspirated one? The main advantages and disadvantages of turbocharged internal combustion engines. Which motor to choose.

Selecting a mechanical supercharger or turbocharger. Design, main advantages and disadvantages of solutions, installation on an atmospheric tuning engine.

Applications of turbines in Mazda cars

The Japanese manufacturer decided to abandon the production of engines with turbines. Company employees believe that any turbo engine during operation does not achieve the environmental friendliness and fuel economy parameters that are stated in their presentations.

This conclusion comes from the fact that cars are tested under ideal conditions, without taking into account extraneous factors. The release of cars with the SkyActive system has shown that it can consume less fuel than a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine.

These parameters are achieved using a high degree of compression of gasoline atmospheric installations of vehicles. The disadvantage compared to turbocharged units is the low dynamic qualities, but in modern times this is not so relevant.

Why does a diesel turbine practically last forever?

If you compare a turbine on a gasoline engine and take the average mileage of 90,000-120,000 km. and a conventional turbine from a diesel engine with a mileage of 250,000 km, or even more. The operation of a turbine on gasoline and diesel is almost identical. The turbine has a hot part and a cold part. The hot part runs on the energy of the exhaust gases that come from the exhaust manifold and spins this part of the turbine. It is connected by a shaft to a cold compressor wheel which spins up to high speeds and forces air into the engine cylinders. Takes air from the environment. Due to this, we have more air-fuel mixture and the engine power increases.

So why do diesel turbines last longer?

This is the exhaust temperature.
For gasoline it is 800-900 degrees Celsius, and for diesel it is 500-600 degrees Celsius. (This is on average.) Because the efficiency of a diesel engine is much greater and the energy from the burnt mixture goes into work, while in a gasoline engine it goes into heating. The higher the temperature of the exhaust gases, the more the turbine heats up and the oil that lubricates the bearings (bushings) can burn both in the channels and in the bearings. Therefore, lubrication of the turbine will be much worse and the turbine may completely coke and the oil will stop flowing. Oil not only lubricates but also removes excess heat. Since the exhaust temperature of a gasoline engine is higher, the turbine fails prematurely. But on a diesel engine, the exhaust temperature is lower and the turbine feels better.
Engine speed.
For gasoline, the engine runs at an average of 4000-6000 rpm. min. And diesel is on average 1500-2000 rpm. min. Accordingly, when a gasoline engine exhausts, more exhaust gases pass through the turbine and the turbine spins up faster. A diesel engine has lower revs, the exhaust is not as intense, and the turbine does not spin up as quickly as with gasoline. Fewer revolutions increase the life of the turbine. In a gasoline unit, the turbine develops 100,000-150,000 rpm. min. And diesel performance is much lower. On gasoline, valves are installed to relieve pressure so that the turbine does not rupture. Diesel engines also have them, but diesel engines operate at lower speeds.
Oil.
The base of gasoline and diesel oil is almost the same. But diesel runs on heavy fuel and produces a lot of sulfur during combustion. Sulfur is a solid substance and, when deposited on parts, acts as an abrasive. Therefore, appropriate powerful additives are added to diesel oil to remove sulfur and prevent it from settling on rubbing parts. But gasoline oil does not have such additives. This means that diesel oil lubricates the turbine better, removes oxidation and sulfur, does not burn, and removes heat.
Oil change intervals.
Diesel engines need to change oil more often. Approximately 5000-7000 km. On gasoline 8000-10000 km. This means that the oil on a diesel engine is cleaner and lubricates the turbine much better, and therefore the turbine runs longer on a diesel engine.

Tuning carburetor and injection engines

Gasoline injection engines are designed by the manufacturer for a working turbine at the stage of calculating the crankshaft force and cylinder volume. The turbocharged aspirated engine includes enhanced parameters for all engine parts, from additional chrome plating of the exhaust pipe to sealed rings.

This is not the case with diesel engines - almost 95% of all diesel engines are designed either with a turbocharger, or taking into account the installation of a turbine, if not in the basic kit, then during tuning.

When tuning an injection engine, the first thing that needs to be altered is the crankshaft - it will need to be strengthened by at least 30%. The exhaust and intake system will also require modification and installation of flanges for the turbine ; an additional oil supply system must be firmly attached. In this case, technical holes in the crankcase are used, which are clogged with plugs.

The turbine for carburetor engines has never been designed under the conditions of the manufacturer's gearbox. There were limited series of carburetor turbocharged cars, but not for the civilian population. But it is quite possible to tune a carburetor engine by increasing its performance with a turbine. When converting a carburetor engine to a turbine, the main features should be taken into account:

The intercooler (radiator) must optimally cool the compressed air before entering the cylinders to prevent the possibility of detonation. 2. Difficulty in replacing jets with similar ones of larger diameter. 3. It is necessary to increase the volume of the combustion chamber and install additional gaskets to avoid detonation.

Advantages and disadvantages of turbocharging

1
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The turbocharger is widely used due to its simple design and good performance parameters. Turbocharging allows you to increase engine power by 20-35%. The engine, producing increased torque at medium and high speeds, increases the speed and efficiency of the car. 2
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In most cases, a turbocharger cannot be the cause of engine malfunctions, since its operation depends on the performance of the gas distribution, air and fuel systems. 3
.
An engine with a turbocharger has lower emissions of harmful gases into the atmosphere, as additional exhaust gases are produced into the engine. Burned fuel produces less waste. 4
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Fuel savings occur by 5-20%. In small engines, the energy of burned fuel is used more efficiently and efficiency increases. 5
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On high mountain roads, such engines operate more stably and with less power loss than their naturally aspirated counterparts. 6
. The turbocharger itself is a noise suppressor in the exhaust system.