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The supercharger, also known as a blower or supercompressor, appeared even before the invention of the 4-stroke engine, initially created to blow furnaces and boilers. However, some time later, its ability to increase engine power was discovered!
The supercharger, also known as a blower or supercompressor, is one of the most fascinating inventions in the automotive world. Although it may seem like modern technology, its origins date back to the 19th century, even before the creation of the four-stroke combustion engine. Surprisingly, this device, initially designed to blow air into furnaces, ended up being the key to increasing engine power in vehicles and other machines. But how exactly does this system work and why is it not as popular as the famous turbocharger? Let's understand this history full of innovations and achievements.
How was the supercharger born?
A The history of supercharging began in the small town of Connersville, Indiana, in the United States.. Two brothers, Philander and Francis Roots, faced a challenge: Their water-wheel powered machines were not as efficient as they had hoped.
In search of a solution, they created a wooden device with two rollers that, when turned, blew wind so hard that it blew hats off anyone nearby! This system became so well-known that it was patented in 1860, more than a decade before the invention of the four-stroke internal combustion engine.
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The supercharger in the automotive world
Moving forward in time, the supercharger began to be used in car engines, especially to improve performance on the track. The supercharger works by forcing air into the cylinders, increasing the oxygen concentration, which improves combustion and, as a consequence, engine power.. In the 1920s, Mercedes-Benz vehicles, for example, already used this system to create supercharged engines, which made them faster and more powerful.
Mechanical expert Marcos Vinícius, interviewed by CPG, explains that the supercharger has become crucial for motorsport competitions in Europe. “In the 30s, brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union began to dominate racing with blower-equipped cars. The Bentley Blower car, for example, was one of the most iconic of the era.“, reported Marcos.
The difference between supercharger and turbocharger
A common question among engine enthusiasts is the difference between a supercharger and a turbocharger. Both serve to increase engine power, but the supercharger has a specific advantage: it delivers power instantly. This is because it is driven directly by the engine, unlike the turbocharger, which needs exhaust gases to start working. This feature avoids the famous “turbo lag”, that delay between acceleration and power gain.
On the other hand, the supercharger consumes part of the engine's own energy to operate, which can reduce its efficiency somewhat. “Parasitic loss is one of the negative points of the supercharger, but it is still very popular in drag racing, where immediate power delivery is essential,” adds Marcos Vinícius.
Beyond the tracks
In addition to racetracks, superchargers also found their way onto airplanes, especially during World War II. In order for aircraft to fly at higher altitudes, it was necessary to increase the amount of oxygen in the engines. The supercharger was the perfect solution, ensuring that fighter planes were faster and more efficient. This advancement was so significant that the technology continues to be used in some aviation engines to this day.
Currently
Today, although turbocharging is more common in mass-production vehicles, supercharging is still used in high-performance models. Brands like Ford, Dodge and Jaguar continue to equip their engines with this system to satisfy power enthusiasts.. The Ford Mustang Shelby, for example, can reach over 800 horsepower with the help of this device. The question remains: with all these advances, will the supercharger still have more space in the future of engines?
What is your opinion? Do you prefer supercharging or turbocharging to increase engine power?
