Heat Transfers Characterisations in a Turbocharger: Experiments and Correlations

Unfortunately, the most turbocharger models included in a whole engine simulation rely typically on the direct use of the manufacturers’ maps and on the assumption of adiabaticity of the compressor and the turbine. However, experiments on a turbocharger test bench show that, contrary to general opinions, the heat transfers can influence the turbocharger performances. It seems essential to determine and correlate the different heat transfers occurring in a turbocharger. Furthermore one method is proposed to obtain compressor and turbine isentropic efficiencies, actual mechanical powers and outlet temperatures starting from the manufacturers’ performance maps. This method coupled with the heat transfers correlations obtained experimentally give results in relative good agreement with experimental measures in comparison to their easiness of use.