Variable Geometry and Waste-Gated Automotive Turbochargers: Measurements and Comparison of Turbine Performance

In turbocharging automotive Diesel engines, an effective method to extend the turbine flow range and control the boost level is the use of a variable geometry turbine (VGT): This technique can be very helpful to improve the transient response of the engine and reduce exhaust emissions. In order to compare the performance of variable geometry and conventional waste-gated turbines, a thorough experimental investigation was developed on a test facility at the Department of Energetic Engineering of the University of Genoa (DINE). Two VG turbines were considered: a variable area turbine (VAT) and a variable nozzle turbine (VNT). The VG turbines were compared with a fixed geometry waste-gated turbine in both steady and unsteady flow conditions, referring to mass flow and efficiency characteristics.