Why Turbocharger Is Less Used In Petrol Engine?

When discussing turbochargers and petrol engines, we must note that these are more used in diesel engines and not in petrol variants. Yet, they might be common in performance and efficiency-focused vehicles.

Working Principle and Combustion Characteristics

Diesel engine: Diesel has a higher ignition point than petrol. It uses compression ignition. A higher compression ratio is needed for full air compression in the cylinder. Turbocharger can increase intake volume and air density for better diesel combustion. It adapts well to intake pressure under high compression ratio and can burn stably with turbocharging.

Petrol engine: Petrol has a low ignition point and burns by spark plug ignition. High intake pressure may cause knocking, affecting engine operation. Early control tech couldn’t avoid abnormal combustion after turbocharging, so turbochargers were seldom used.

Power Requirements and Working Conditions

Diesel engines: Mostly used in commercial vehicles, heavy machinery needing high torque at low speed for heavy work, like trucks, marines and some other heavy-duty applications. Turbochargers boost intake volume, power and torque, meeting their power needs.

Petrol engine: Traditionally used in small passenger cars. The need for low-speed high-torque isn’t extreme. Naturally aspirated engines often meet daily driving power needs, so early turbocharger use was low.

Engine Durability and Life

Diesel engines: Its structure is stronger. Components can bear high loads. With turbocharging, it still has good reliability and long life, suitable for long-term high-load operation.

Petrol engine: Early petrol engine components were designed for natural aspiration. Using a turbocharger increases stress on parts, causing wear and seal failure, limiting turbocharger application in petrol engines.

When offering a comprehensive overview of the role of turbocharger in petrol engines, it’s important to highlight that this type of enhancement is more common in diesel engines than in petrol. So, if you need high-quality aftermarket turbochargers or turbo parts for diesel engines, Shanghai SHOUYUAN Power Technology Co,. Ltd has what you require. As one of leading China turbocharger suppliers, we are working with our global business partners, including Caterpillar, Cummins, Komatsu, Volvo, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Isuzu, etc, to offer advanced technology and develop best turbochargers.