A new concept for low inertia electric turbocompounding in racing spark ignition engines

Electric turbocompounding in racing spark ignition engine is focused on transient operation. Classical compressor and turbine maps should be adapted for this particular condition. Electric turbocompounding has limited torque and power available on the electric side. For this reason, an ad hoc solution should be devised. A low inertia solution is proposed in this paper with the advantage of minor modifications on existing commercial highly optimized turbochargers. A large advantage over the current solution may be achieved. In this solution, a very low inertia electric/motor generator is magnetically coupled to the turbocharger on the compressor side of the shaft. The electromagnetic coupling acts also as a torque limiter allowing extremely large slips between turbocharger and generator shafts.