Turbos

Car turbos are devices that increase the power and efficiency of internal combustion engines. They consist of a turbine and a compressor that harness the energy of the exhaust gases to compress the intake air. There are different types of turbos depending on their design, operation and application. Some of the most common are:

- Single turbo: This is the simplest and cheapest, and consists of a single turbocharger that is adapted to the size and characteristics of the engine. It has the advantage of being easy to install and allowing the use of smaller engines with the same power as naturally aspirated engines. However, it has the disadvantage of having a fairly narrow effective RPM range, which means choosing between good torque at low revs or better power at high revs. In addition, the turbo response can be slow compared to other configurations.

- Twin-Turbo: This is a configuration that uses two turbochargers, either in parallel or in sequence. In the case of V engines, one turbo is usually used for each bank of cylinders, which improves the balance and distribution of airflow. In the case of inline engines, a small turbo may be used for low RPM and a larger one for high RPM, or two turbos of the same size operating at different pressures. The advantage of this configuration is that it allows for a broader and flatter torque curve, with better performance at low and high rpm. The disadvantage is that it increases the cost and complexity of the system, as well as the weight and space required.

- Twin-scroll turbo: This is a configuration that combines the advantages of single and twin-turbochargers, using a single turbocharger with two inlets and two outlets. One inlet and outlet are used for low RPM and the other for high RPM, allowing the effective size of the turbo to be varied according to the needs of the engine. This results in a fast turbo response at any speed, as well as greater efficiency and power. The disadvantage is that it is a more complex and expensive technology than the previous ones.

- Variable geometry turbo: This is a configuration that allows the angle of the turbine blades to be modified according to the engine's operating conditions, which affects the flow and speed of the exhaust gases. In this way, the turbo's performance can be adapted to different RPMs, achieving a fast response and an optimal torque curve. The advantage is that it improves engine efficiency and power, as well as reducing polluting emissions. The disadvantage is that it requires a sophisticated electronic system to control the movement of the blades, and that it is more prone to wear and dirt.

- Variable Twin Scroll Turbo: This is a configuration that combines the advantages of twin-scroll and variable geometry turbos, using a single turbocharger with two variable inlets and two outlets. In this way, both the size and angle of the turbo can be varied according to the needs of the engine, achieving an optimal response at any speed. The advantage is that it maximizes the efficiency and power of the engine, as well as reducing polluting emissions. The disadvantage is that it is a very complex and expensive technology, which requires an advanced electronic system to control the movement of the inlets and outlets.

- Electric turbo: This is a configuration that uses an electric motor to drive the turbo compressor, instead of relying on exhaust gases.