Just about every automaker is looking to do everything they can to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. One of the ways this is commonly happening in cars today is by ditching larger displacement engines and going with smaller turbocharged engines. This introduces more efficiency and power to a smaller engine, but also brings with it some other issues.
The Problem of Turbo Lag
One of the biggest complaints with a turbo engine is called lag. From the time the driver steps on the throttle until the turbo is spinning fast enough to help the engine along takes a bit of time, meaning the car doesn’t react as soon as you step on the pedal. This delay, known as turbo lag, can be frustrating for drivers who expect immediate acceleration. Turbo lag occurs because the turbocharger relies on exhaust gases to spin the turbine, which in turn compresses the intake air. When the driver suddenly accelerates, it takes a moment for the exhaust gases to increase and spin the turbine at the necessary speed.
GM’s Innovative Two-Stage Turbo System
GM has a new patent application that shows a new two-stage turbo system that would specifically be aimed at reducing or eliminating lag in turbo cars. The two-stage system has a low and high-pressure turbine in a series. The design allows the isolation of the low or high-end side of the turbo. The goal is to allow the engine computer to optimize the car for performance in both the low-end range and the high-end range, making the car perform better all around.
The low-pressure turbine is designed to operate at lower engine speeds, providing immediate boost and reducing lag. As the engine speed increases, the high-pressure turbine takes over, ensuring that the engine continues to receive the necessary boost for optimal performance. This seamless transition between the two turbines ensures that the engine operates efficiently across a wide range of speeds.
Benefits of the Two-Stage Turbo System
The two-stage turbo system offers several benefits beyond just reducing turbo lag. By optimizing the boost pressure across different engine speeds, the system can improve overall fuel efficiency. This is because the engine can operate more efficiently at lower speeds, reducing the need for excessive fuel consumption. Additionally, the improved performance at higher speeds means that the engine can deliver more power without sacrificing efficiency.
Another advantage of the two-stage turbo system is its potential to reduce emissions. By ensuring that the engine operates efficiently across a wide range of speeds, the system can help to minimize the production of harmful pollutants. This is particularly important as automakers face increasingly stringent emissions regulations.
Real-World Applications and Future Prospects
While the two-stage turbo system is still in the patent application stage, its potential impact on the automotive industry is significant. If successfully implemented, this technology could become a standard feature in future vehicles, offering drivers a more responsive and efficient driving experience. Automakers are constantly seeking ways to improve their vehicles’ performance and efficiency, and the two-stage turbo system represents a promising solution.
In addition to GM, other automakers are also exploring similar technologies to address the issue of turbo lag. For example, some manufacturers are experimenting with electric turbochargers, which use an electric motor to spin the turbine independently of the exhaust gases. This approach can provide immediate boost without the delay associated with traditional turbochargers.
In conclusion, GM’s new patent application for a two-stage turbo system represents a significant advancement in automotive technology. By addressing the issue of turbo lag and optimizing performance across a wide range of engine speeds, this system has the potential to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance the overall driving experience. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, innovations like the two-stage turbo system will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation.
via GM Authority
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