I was just wondering why there are no supercharged diesel engines? Almost all new diesel engines have turbo's, but none I can think of has a sexy looking blower sitting on top.. any technical reasons why it could not be done?

I never thought of that. The only reason i can think it might be is something to do with cost (i have no idea how much they would cost). If so, someone with some spare 'post locost build' money should have a go.

[Edited on 11-4-07 by speedyxjs]

I've found that there are some commercial applications where they put superchargers on diesel engines. Since one of te benefits of a diesel engine over a petrol engine is its high torque at low rpm's, I guess it only makes sense to use a supercharger instead of a turbocharger, as there is no turbo-lag, and you don't need to wait for higher rpm's until the charger starts working...

Anyone care to donate a VW N/A diesel engine and one of those Mini superchargers that float around fleabay all the time?

The big difference between petrol and diesel engines is the diesels aren't controlled by throttling the air supply, this makes fitting a turbo much more advantageous.

Essentially fiting a turbo to a diesel is a free ride as well as the power gain fuel efficiency will improve by a noticeable margin.

Diesels used blowers and scavenged pumps of various designs for decades before the turbo became popular.

[Edited on 11/4/07 by britishtrident]

I'll bet the engine in that 'British Trident' has got a turbo, and a supercharger, and they'd be big enough to fit a Locost into.

At least the big ship engines I've worked with have.

Cheers,
Nev.

quote:

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Originally posted by Neville Jones
I'll bet the engine in that 'British Trident' has got a turbo, and a supercharger, and they'd be big enough to fit a Locost into.

At least the big ship engines I've worked with have.

Cheers,
Nev.

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