Aspects of the Components and Systems of Modern Day Vehicles
Aspects of the components and systems of modern day vehicles.
As we progress through the decades with advancements in electronics, science and technology we must not forget the basis of our modern day sources of transportation. I would like to explicate a system in which I am fairly familiar with and have been the highlights of my interests. This is the recent power developments and characteristics of a four-cycle engine. Also known as the Otto cycle engine, the four-stroke engine works of off many mechanical components that simply derive power on the basic mixture of air and fuel. Hence the name “four cycle” such an engine consists of four complete strokes or cycles to consume and make power. With the completion of four cycles, intake, compression, power and exhaust, such a machine can thoroughly and consistently make power.
Today, manufacturers are concerned with meeting emissions standards, which is why many changes have been made to the four-cycle engine. Some changes may consist of variable valve timing (VVT); programmable fuel injection (Pgm-Fi) with electronically controlled fuel mapping, and turbochargers. Those all can increase power output, and some, efficiency.
Many parts and components have taken over such standards and exclusively expresses the advantages, due to more intake and less fuel. One device is called a turbocharger system. Most cars with engines are naturally aspirated, which means the engine sucks air through the intake manifold and completes the intake stroke through means of normal atmospheric pressures. Optimum barometric pressure readings of NA engines are about 1.0. The NA engine is restricted to produce it’s maximum power output due to the loss of volumetric efficiency (air forced into the cylinders with a mixture of gasoline). The ratio of air to fuel is very important in determining horsepower. The turbocharger can do all this and much more. Here is a brief background.
The turbocharger is a device mounted to the intake manifold. It is a circular air pump operated by exhaust gases. It consists of a compressor on the intake side, shaft in the middle and turbine on the exhaust side. It is used to improve engine performance through means of a higher air compression status and the same or less amount of fuel to the cylinders. The turbocharger’s compressor can spin up to 100,000 revolutions per minute. One disadvantage of such a turbo-charged engine application is the stress of mechanical parts due to heat. I may suggest an...