Mercedes-AMG is accelerating electrification through innovative developments, and, as part of this transformation, it is also benefiting from the knowledge acquired in motorsport, namely in Formula 1. The latest achievement, already in the final stages of development, is the electric exhaust gas turbocharger, which will be used in the future for the first time in a series-production model from Affalterbach brand.
Developed by Mercedes in collaboration with Garret Motion, the system is based on the technology used in Formula 1 engine. According to the sports division of the Stuttgart brand, the new system resolves the conflicting goals of a small, fast-reacting turbocharger, with relatively low peak performance, with a large turbocharger capable of high peak performance, while effectively eliminating the presence of turbo lag.
For this purpose, in this new supercharging system, there is a small electric motor, about 4 centimeters, directly integrated into the shaft between the turbine on the exhaust side and the compressor turbine on the air intake side.
Credits: Mercedes-Benz
The aforementioned electronically controlled electric mini-motor drives the compressor shaft before the turbocharger receives the exhaust gases in the turbine. The electrification of the turbocharger significantly improves the response speed from idle to maximum engine speed. The so-called turbo delay – delay in the response of a conventional turbocharger – is eliminated by the electric motor.
As a result, the combustion engine responds even more spontaneously to requests from the accelerator pedal, while all driving character is significantly more dynamic and agile.
By electrifying the turbocharger, Mercedes achieved higher torque at low speeds. The new turbocharger reaches the speed of 170,000 rpm and can be operated via a 48 V on-board electrical system, which is commonly used today by mild hybrids. Mercedes will use the new turbo in its AMG models, specifically in the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the 4.0-liter V8 engine.
The turbocharger, the electric motor, and the power electronics are connected to the combustion engine’s cooling circuit to permanently control the optimum operating temperature in the various regimes.
It is still unknown which Mercedes-AMG model will be responsible for the debut of the electrically driven exhaust gas turbocharger technology. Four- and six-cylinder engines are ideal candidates.
