Development of Friction Loss Measurement Device at Low Speed of Turbocharger in a Passenger Vehicle

Abstract

Turbocharging is widely used in diesel and gasoline engines as an effective way to reduce fuel consumption. But turbochargers have turbo-lag due to mechanical friction losses. Bearing friction losses are a major cause of mechanical friction losses and are particularly intensified in the lower speed range of the engine. Current turbochargers mostly use oil bearings (two journal bearings and one thrust bearing). In this study, we focus on the bearing friction in the lower speed range. Experimental equipment was made using a drive motor, load cell, magnetic coupling, and oil control system. We measured the friction losses of the turbocharger while considering the influence of the rotation speed, oil temperature, and pressure. The friction power losses increased exponentially when the turbocharger speed increased.