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Originally Posted by SloS13
Ok, what about this. There is unused energy in the heat/pressure/volume aspect in exhaust (which turbochargers use). How about using that energy (via turbine) to generate electricity which can be stored for later use in another electric turbine (for teh boost).
Without a doubt, this will be less efficient (that's a given) than a traditional turbocharger but...it makes sense.
Basically taking the axle that joins the 2 blades and replacing them with 2 motors and some batteries/caps/supercaps.
Battery tech is bound to change in the near future. Hell, look at Lithium vs. NiCD in the past decade. Graphene sp? could be the next big thing.
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This is basically the system BMW filed patents on. They separate the turbocharger into an exhaust turbine connected to a generator, and a centrifugal supercharger powered by an electric motor. The benefit of this is although you lose mechanical efficiency, you can change the characteristics of boost delivery separately from engine rpm.
And who says it has to run off the 12v automotive system? Hybrids already use separate high voltage circuits for the hybrid power system, and I know Subaru and Honda (and probably everyone else) use a separate high voltage system to drive the direct injection system.
I think the technology is almost there for commercial use of this type of system. I wouldn't be surprised to see it on a high performance BMW in a few years.