Difference Between Turbocharger and Supercharger

In this article we will learn about the difference between turbocharger and supercharger. They both are force induction system i.e. they compressed the air from the atmosphere and sends it to the engine cylinder. The compressed air allows double amount of fuel to enter into the cylinder for combustion. This doubles the power of engine. Turbocharger and supercharger perform the same operation, so most of us are unable to find 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 gases energy to compress the air form 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.

Also Read: How Turbocharger Works – Explained?

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

The schematic diagram of 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 engine. They are simple in design and installation. They can work on low rpm and its spin speed is upto 50,000 rpm. It more reliable and has negligible lag.

Also Read: Types of Supercharger in Automobile

The schematic diagram of supercharger is shown below.

Image source

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.	Super charger 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 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 their boost better at high rpm.	Supercharger 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 lag problem due to discontinuous supply of energy.	It has negligible lag problem because of 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.