Which device uses exhaust gas velocity to drive a turbine that powers an impeller to compress intake air?

Which device uses exhaust gas velocity to drive a turbine that powers an impeller to compress intake air?

• A. Augmentor.
• B. Supercharger.
• C. Turbocharger.
• D. Radiator.

Answer: (C)

A turbocharger uses exhaust gas velocity to drive a turbine that powers a compressor to push more air into the engine. Hot exhaust flow spins a turbine connected on the same shaft as a compressor. When the turbine turns, it drives the compressor, which forces a greater amount of air into the cylinders. Denser intake air means more oxygen for combustion, so more fuel can be burned and power increases, especially as the engine climbs in altitude where air is less dense. This setup often includes a wastegate to regulate boost and an intercooler to cool the compressed air for even better performance. The other devices don’t fit this principle. An augmentor is aimed at increasing thrust in the exhaust stream, not at compressing intake air. A supercharger is driven by the engine’s crankshaft, not by exhaust energy. A radiator is a cooling device, not a compressor or turbine.

A turbocharger uses exhaust gas velocity to drive a turbine that powers a compressor to push more air into the engine. Hot exhaust flow spins a turbine connected on the same shaft as a compressor. When the turbine turns, it drives the compressor, which forces a greater amount of air into the cylinders. Denser intake air means more oxygen for combustion, so more fuel can be burned and power increases, especially as the engine climbs in altitude where air is less dense. This setup often includes a wastegate to regulate boost and an intercooler to cool the compressed air for even better performance.

The other devices don’t fit this principle. An augmentor is aimed at increasing thrust in the exhaust stream, not at compressing intake air. A supercharger is driven by the engine’s crankshaft, not by exhaust energy. A radiator is a cooling device, not a compressor or turbine.