Difference Between Turbocharger and Supercharger

In this article, we will learn about the difference between turbocharger and supercharger. They both are forced induction system i.e. they compressed the air from the atmosphere and sends it to the engine cylinder. The compressed air allows a double amount of fuel to enter into the cylinder for combustion. This doubles the power of the engine. Turbocharger and supercharger perform the same operation, so most of us are unable to find a difference between them. Here in this article, I will try to clear all your doubts about turbocharger and supercharger.

What is Turbocharger?

It is a forced induction system that uses exhaust gas energy to compress the air from the atmosphere and sends it to the engine cylinder. The compressed air is rich in oxygen and so the quantity of the fuel entering into the cylinder is doubled. Now the fuel burnt into the cylinder produces double power as it was producing without the turbocharger.

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The turbocharger is not directly connected to the engine. It works more efficiently on high speed and spins up to 150000 rpm. Its installation is not easy and has complex design as compared with the supercharger. It experiences a lag problem due to discontinuous energy supply from the exhaust.

The schematic diagram of a turbocharger is shown below.

What is Supercharger?

It is also a forced induction system that compresses the air and sends it to the engine cylinder. it is generally placed on the top of the engine and directly connected to the engine crankshaft for its working. It doubles the power of the engine. They are simple in design and installation. They can work on low rpm and it’s spin speed is up to 50,000 rpm. It more reliable and has negligible lag.

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The schematic diagram of the supercharger is shown below.

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Difference between Turbocharger and Supercharger in Tabular Form

S.no	Turbocharger	Supercharger
1.	Turbocharger is a forced induction system that compresses the atmospheric gases and sends it to the engine cylinder.	Supercharger is also a forced induction system. It compresses the atmospheric air and sends it to the engine cylinder.
2.	It uses exhaust gases for its energy.	It is connected to the crankshaft of the engine for its energy.
3.	It is not directly connected to the engine.	It is directly connected to the engine through belt.
4.	It has smog altering equipment which helps in lowering the carbon emission.	It doesn’t have a wastegate, so the smog emits from the supercharger.
5.	It spins with a speed upto 150000 rpm.	It spins with a speed upto 50000 rpm.
6.	It is much quieter than supercharger.	It is not so quieter.
7.	It is less reliable.	It is more reliable.
8.	Maintenance is not easy.	Maintenance is easy.
9.	Turbocharger delivers its boost better at high rpm.	Superchargers can deliver their boost at lower rpm.
10.	It is more efficient.	It is less efficient.
11.	The compressed air in turbocharger has high temperature.	The compressed air in supercharger has less temperature.
12.	It requires inter-cooler for the compressed air to lower its temperature.	It may or may not require inter-cooler. But in some types, it requires inter-cooler.
13.	It is more complex.	It is less complex.
14.	It has a lag problem due to a discontinuous supply of energy.	It has a negligible lag problem because of the continuous supply of energy by crankshaft.
15.	The compressor is rotated by the turbine.	The compressor is rotated by the engine crankshaft through a belt.