Yahoo Autos - Electric Turbochargers Forecast
 

We've seen this with the Phantom SC kit. Looks like auto makers are starting to embrace this technology aswell.


Electric Turbochargers Forecast To Boom For Gas-Mileage Gains

https://autos.yahoo.com/news/electri...150005366.html

Carmakers are increasingly turning to downsized turbocharged engines as a way to increase fuel efficiency without compromising power output.

Now, a new technology promises to increase their efficiency even further.

Electric turbochargers offer added flexibility because they can produce more power at lower engine speeds--and they're receiving considerable attention.

RELATED: Efficiency, Performance From Audi's Electric Turbo Prototype

According to a recent Navigant Research blog post, electric turbochargers could be the "next big thing" in fuel efficiency.

Traditional turbochargers use exhaust gases to spin a turbine that drives more air into an engine's combustion chambers, but the exhaust has to reach a certain pressure for them to work effectively.

Audi RS 5 TDI concept

Audi RS 5 TDI concept
Waiting for a turbocharger to spool up produces a sensation of "turbo lag" that engineers have worked to eliminate since turbos entered widespread use.

The electric turbocharger cures this problem by using an electric motor to drive the turbine, allowing the turbo to spool up far more quickly.

This not only results in more responsive power delivery, but also allows for increased operation at lower engine speeds--increasing fuel efficiency.

DON'T MISS: Volvo's Triple-Turbo Four-Cylinder Engine: 450 HP From 2.0 Liters

Valeo--which says it will supply an electric turbo to an unnamed automaker beginning in 2016--says these devices can also be more precisely controlled, allowing for shorter bursts of extra power when needed, and potentially improving efficiency by 10 percent.

Since electric turbos doesn't require the plumbing normally needed to route exhaust gases to the turbine, they could also free up some space in the quite-cramped engine bays of modern cars.

Audi RS 5 TDI concept

Audi RS 5 TDI concept
This list of perks has attracted the interest of several carmakers.

Audi demonstrated an electric turbocharger on a diesel-powered version of its RS 5 coupe earlier this year, and is expected to launch the technology on the SQ7--a sporty version of the next-generation Q7 SUV--in 2016.

Volvo demonstrated a triple-turbocharged four-cylinder engine--with one electric and two conventional turbos--but hasn't discussed any production plans for the technology.

Even Ferrari has suggested it may augment a future supercharged engine with an electric turbocharger for added responsiveness.

who uses yahoo anymore?!
I love the electric SC idea but that full-throttle-only stuff doesn't fly with me.

The Phantom ESC works great for me and has for 8 months now. I've given several rides and not left a single rider disappointed. Instead people are consistently impressed with the power, torque, price and simplicity. For those who haven't either rode or driven a ESC equipped '86 or Miata, try to have an open mind, find someone in your area and give it a shot.

So just speculative talk here, so if there's no plumbing coming from the exhaust gases then the concept of recycling waste exhaust to produce new power would be gone. There would be no turbochargers/supercharger just an electric air compressor. I know this isn't the exact case, but i associate supercharger as belt driven and turbochargers as exhaust driven. No point to my post, just adding to the discussion. I dont know if this is good or bad for us but i think its similar to the electric/combustion powered super cars.. they're great on paper and on the road but there's this certain "eehh" to the idea to us purists.. oh well the future is here.

Yup, just like I'm all "eehh" about electric cars replacing internal combustion engines, but it's going that way all the same! :)

Agree, damn it.. i know they have instant torque and what not.. but NO, still no! I dont know maybe with a bit more age on me i'll accept it.