Fuel-efficient turbochargers with low emission levels are in demand as environment safety is a growing concern.
Environment awareness and price of fossil fuels will play an important role in development of next generation engines. Organizations are expected to maintain low levels of CO2 emissions so as to reduce fuel consumption. Thus, R&D activities are in full swing to develop environment friendly engines and turbochargers. Multiple organizations worldwide are coming together to come up with a product, which is fuel efficient as well as reliable in its functionality. Companies are investing time and resources to assure the production of top quality turbochargers. The volume of vehicle production has grown exponentially in the last decade, which has boosted the demand for turbochargers worldwide. Allied Market Research has recently published a report which gives useful information related to the industry such as market size, share, and growth. Customers are making a conscious effort to purchase vehicles and engines that comply with environment safety regulations.
Turbocharger technology developed to increase efficiency of 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines
It has become important for organizations to address environmental issues and assure that harmful emissions are kept at minimum levels. Development activities now focus on efficient fuel consumption values along with reduction of harmful emissions without excess fuel consumption.
In August 2016, MAN D&T Business Unit Turbocharger discussed the present development activities in the field of combustion of air supply. The company introduced its advanced turbocharger technology that enhances efficiency of huge 2-stroke and 4-stroke gas and diesel engines. The technology does not only concentrate on efficiency but also helps to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Daniel Albrecht , Project Manager quoted, “The combination of a MAN TCR20, for the low-pressure stage, and an MAN TCX17, for the high-pressure stage, offers significant potential for today’s demand for more economical and environmentally-friendly engine operation.”
The new MAN ECOCHARGE Two-Stage Turbocharging System offers huge benefits to customers and engine builders. Compared to single-stage turbochargers, the new technology increases turbocharging efficiency. This is due to the position of the intercooler that is placed between low pressure-stage and high pressure-stage turbochargers. This reduces the energy that is required to restrict the intake air to high pressure. The tests depict that as much as 8% fuel can be saved. The ECOCHARGE system has been designed for gas as well as HFO-burning engines.
Turbocharger firm acquired to expand product category
The demand for new technology and products are pushing organizations to join hands and offer a wide range of services and products.
In August 2016, Motorcar Parts of America announced the acquisition of ZOR Industries. With this move, the company is set to expand its product line with the introduction of in-house developed brake power boosters and turbochargers. Selwyn Joffe, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Motorcar America said, “The launch of brake power boosters follows a similar strategic approach to our previous product line introductions, namely working with an existing customer that is committed to our program and supportive of the wide-range of value-added services that enhance the product category." The move will also provide Motorcar Parts of America a customer base along with present technology.
New patent for a two-stage turbocharger
Engineers are putting in a lot of effort to improve the performance of turbochargers. Although the modern turbochargers are developed using advanced technology, there is a wide scope for improvement. A traditional two-stage turbocharger is designed to enable turbines to operate concurrently at low and mid-engine speeds. Low-pressure turbines function at high speeds. The setup can’t accommodate low or high pressure side that results in low-end performance.
The new two-stage turbocharger setup introduced by General Motor will address the issues mentioned above by connecting the high-pressure turbo to the exhaust via a high pressure inlet duct. Depending on the engine load and speed, ECU pilots the actuator to isolate one of the two turbos. This setup increases the performance and reduces lag. It is still unknown when the technology will feature in the vehicles manufactured by General Motors, but the company hopes to use it in premium vehicles before using it in all other vehicles.
Turbocharger market to expand in Asia
The turbocharger market is set to expand in Asia. China is dominating the market in the region as demand for vehicles has increased. The number of turbochargers installed in the country are also growing every year. The business environment and the general infrastructure to manufacture turbochargers in China is favorable compared to some of other countries in the region.
