engine/turbo theory question

[Robert Deis]

On Thu, 12 Oct 2000, Ameer Antar wrote:
>
> turbo is the best type of forced induction b/c it has the lowest power 
> losses, but there is a loss. Nature and engines follow the laws of physics, 
> and physics says you can't get something from nothing.

True- but if no one else cares about the thing you're using, isn't that
the same as getting it for nothing?

The thermodynamic model of a turbo is very simple:

1: Cold air is compressed by a compressor
2: Energy is added to the system in the form of heat.
3: the hot mass exits through a turbine
4: Energy extracted by the turbine turns the compressor.

In our case the heat is added by burning gasoline, which we're going to do
*anyway,* and we're not going to make any other use of this heat, so we
don't care.

The turbo powers itself.

-- 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Rob Deis   
  MiB3346
  rdeis at io.com