Thanks for the renewed interest in my post, zonkie. I recently caught up on 60+ messages on this thread since your reply. I'd really like to promote some further (objective?) discussion here on the technical merits of TRBD products vs. comparable technologies. A bit like some of the engineers that took particular interest in the AENG thread. Don't even bother to visit now though, the AENG thread has since become quite polluted with petty bickering (Auric had tried to make some good points but Trav just drowns anybody else out by making noise).
Understand thy product, and understand thy competition's products! I have provided some links below, it turns out that CHRYSLER was using Garrett VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbo) in the early 90's for limited production in some high-performance models. Check them out for yourself, I have included the links below. And the VW TDI-R racing cars have a 5-cylinder, electronically-controlled, direct-injected turbodiesel engine which uses.... the Garrett VNT.
I subscribe to the belief that "What looks right generally is right" (Speedvision program, Monday 10:30PM MST). Also found in:
(Introduction - The Design and Tuning of Competition Engines)
rb.com
Hopefully this conveys some of the passion I have for automotive engine technology. Not a degree or anything but a good understanding and some hands-on experience in working with engines. I consider myself well-read and fairly current on the subject.
I would like to see some product performance numbers - say, some performance curves pitting TRBD products against a conventional turbo and a Garrett VNT. Reliability test data would be nice also.
Some real-world comparative data would help as long as it is reasonably objective and meaningful, and not tarted-up and glossed-over third-hand heresay. Does anyone have comparable price, performance, or reliability data available for TRBD products versus others??? I haven't seen any meaningful comparisons thusfar, but would certainly like to.
IMHO, the hydraulic supercharger (ALD?) might have been an interesting prototype project. But eh, a little high in the "cheese" factor and very unlikely as a feasible product.
Let's look at some other implementations, and try to view sophistication vs. complexity.
One of the TRBD products uses an electrical motor to assist the turbocharger. If I recall correctly, TRBD claims the device is able to limit boost by switching modes to generate electricity instead i.e. essentially assisting the alternator in electrical charging duties. I am assuming that therefore a turbo wastegate (which regulates boost pressure) is no longer required. While the wastegate may be eliminated, the fact remains that having two devices which may simultaneously generate electricity is quite redundant and probably even wasteful from an efficiency standpoint. And undoubtedly increases turbocharger wear, instead of venting off the excess pressure like a wastegate.
As far as I understand, the Garrett VNT does not require a wastegate in its operation.
I heard mention of BMW and VW on this thread (rumors mostly, nothing hugely confirmed that I could tell). Here's an interesting tidbit, an integrated starter / alternator. Combine that with a VNT and it is a MOST elegant solution IMHO.
For your reading pleasure:
#reply-8381182
Here are the some interesting links to follow for those willing to further compare the merits of TRBD products vs. other technologies.
Information about Chrysler's VNT-equipped cars:
idt.net
geocities.com
xmission.com
xmission.com
Other VNT applications:
TURBO TECHNICS LIMITED Hill Climb Car specs
demon.co.uk
VW TDI-R (turbo diesel racecar) is using a 5-cylinder direct injected diesel engine and a Garrett VNT turbocharger:
vwvortex.com
(the site was being modified last time I checked).
Recent turbocharger developments (VERY INTERESTING AND ALSO POTENTIALLY QUITE RELEVANT TO DISCUSS IMHO):
theautochannel.com
IMHO, TRBD might be able to fill a potential niche short-term (if its products are indeed proven both viable and cost-effective). But I feel that its long-term prospects will be eclipsed by refinement and implementation of other technologies. I feel that at best TRBD might be considered a stop-gap measure in automotive innovation until more sophisticated technologies become prominent.
I have never held a position in TRBD stock. |
