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This is from an article in the magazine that reminds me of an idea I had a while back to reduce lag. Just wanted to share. The term "e-boost" may sound like dot.com hype. But in fact, it describes a tantalizing concept in automotive supercharging. Like a conventional supercharger, e-boost forces more air into the cumbustion chamber, to mix with commensurately more fuel for added power. Unlike a supercharger though, the eboost compressor isn't crankshaft-driven. It's electrically powered via the engine's alternator.
Quick response is one advantage. Visteon's Torque Enhancement System claims a transient response time of 330 milliseconds. Programmed boost on demand is another benefit. Engine-management software can recognize conditions and anticipate boost requirements. In fact, it can learn through experience to fine-tune these predictions. Packaging of e-boost offers benefit as well.
One limitation is the amount of boost consistently realizable from a 12-volt electrical system. Visteon says 2 kW of electrical power can translate to around 5.5 psi of boost. However, electrical systems management is required to stay within the limits of today's 12 volts
Even with proposed 42-volt system, it's e-boost can't match the efficiency of an exhaust-driven turbo. But the concept is seen as augmenting turbocharged or normally aspirated powerplants. BorgWarner, Garret and Visteon are major players, The Visteon system arriving in production cars by 2005.
Once again, the preceding was an article from a magazine, Road & Track p112 July 2003 Issue.
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