THE BASICS – What is a Turbo?
The simplest way to understand turbos is to consider that an engine needs to mix fuel and air to run. Turbos force more air into the cylinder, which can be mixed with more fuel to create morepower. Turbos use the energy of the engine’s exhaust gasses to compress air into the engine.
Turbos are formed of two main parts – a turbine and a compressor. These are linked so, when the one spins, the other spins with it. As fuel in the engine is burnt, exhaust gasses are forced out of the engine at high pressure, down a snail-shaped tube to spin the turbine. This turbine spins at incredibly high speeds (up to 250,000rpm) and causes the compressor (effectively a reversed turbine) to spin. This sucks significantly more air into the engine than a normally-aspirated (non-turbo) unit, making more power.
Right, now that’s explained, lets get talking about the market.
THE INDUSTRY – Where Is It Heading?
Turbochargers are useful in helping the automotive industryto meet the norms and standards regarding the emission of exhaust gasses such as CO2, nitrous oxide, and particulate materials from the automobile. Augmentation of the engine with a turbocharger helps in addressing the increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles from consumers.
The global turbocharger market is expected to grow approximately twofold from 2016 to 2020. The global market for turbochargers is growing at a CAGR of around 10-12%. The European market commands nearly half of the turbocharger market, followed by Asia and North America. The penetration rate of turbochargers in the North American vehicular fleet is comparatively less than in other regions. The global market has been witnessing an increase in demand from Asia Pacific.
The global turbocharger market can be segmented on the basis of vehicle types such as light commercial vehicles (Lorries, Vans, Buses), heavy commercial vehicles (Marine, Industrial & Agricultural) and passenger vehicles (Automotive & Marine). Turbo Dynamics is on the forefront of the latest technology and always keeping ahead to it’s competitors from design to custom made turbochargers.
Here’s a case study from Honeywell (makers of commerical & consumer products) on what the future looks like for turbochargers:
