Microsupercharger and/or Turbocharger for Small, Heavy Fuel Engines

Proposed is the preliminary design of an extremely small turbocharger sized for an 8 to 12 hp class engine. The entire unit will weigh roughly 240 grams. Design will incorporate pre-existing compressor and turbine designs for which hardware currently exists for Phase II test. Phase I will include design, fab and test of a 450,000 rpm, high durability, low-cost bearing system. Risk is medium to low since shaft speed, compressor performance and turbine performance have been demonstrated in test. A preliminary turbocharger design for PHase II fabrication and test will be generated. M-DOT will collaborate with UAV and engine makers in the design of the Phase II turbocharging system such that Phase II will culminate in the fabrication and test of a turbocharger and wastgate on an engine and potentially in a vehicle.