Comparison of simulation and experimental test results of the turbocharger temperature for two gasoline direct injection engines

Understanding heat delivery in a multifaceted and vital engine component, such as the turbocharger, is important for improving engine performance and efficiency, but it is challenging to determine. In this paper, the temperature distribution in a turbocharger body was measured experimentally using a thermal camera, and a one-dimensional simulation of a turbocharger was developed for the temperature distribution. As part of the work, an innovative method is used to determine the thermal radiation constant of the turbocharger housing. In this method, the complete turbocharger system was first installed in a laboratory furnace and, at each stage, the temperature of the furnace was carefully adjusted. After temperature stabilization, a thermal image was taken with a thermal camera, and the radiation coefficient was obtained. Finally, a measurement of the temperature distribution was performed on the engine's test cell for the turbochargers of two three-cylinder gasoline engines (i.e. engines 1200 cc and 999 cc). The experiments include steady-state and transient tests. The transient tests include hot and cold tests at various operating conditions. The results showed that the maximum temperature of the turbine housing varies linearly with inlet gas temperature. Also, the axial distribution of the temperature in the compressor volute shows that temperature increases from the inlet side to the bearing housing side. Based on the numerical results, the maximum turbine housing temperature for engine 1200 cc is 679 °C and for engine 999 cc is 523 °C.