AVL proves promising electric supercharger can reduce fuel consumption

Offering both fuel economy and performance improvements for small car engines, AVL Powertrain UK Managing Director, Dr Matthias Wellers said: “AVL is committed to developing technologies that help reduce CO2 emissions. The combustion engine will remain the most common propulsion source for cars for the foreseeable future. Our development enables small engines, such as 1.4 litres or less, to achieve high torque at low speed.”

The UK government-funded Technology Strategy Board invested in the programme which is developing the new electric supercharger. Dynamic Boosting Systems and Turbocam Europe partnered AVL to undertake the concept validation phase.

The new supercharger runs at lower speed than existing turbochargers. AVL Senior Engineer Martin Wieltsch, who managed the project, said: “The cost of charging systems for small engines is a challenge. Running it at lower speed reduces complexity, bringing down the cost. Driving the supercharger by an electric motor, rather than from the engine, enhances flexibility and responsiveness, improving overall performance.”

As well as leading the project, AVL undertook the systems engineering, simulation and controls activities. Dynamic Boosting Systems designed and developed the new electric supercharger while Turbocam Europe was responsible for the manufacturing development. The partnership successfully proved that the new electric supercharger reduces the fuel consumption of small cars.

Mr Wieltsch added: “Since the market for smaller engine cars is growing rapidly, where the opportunity for a low cost supercharger is strong, this is a timely development.”

AVL, who are expanding in the UK, are now continuing further development with their partners towards taking the new electric supercharger into production in the near future.