H
Hofmeister
Everyone knows the main disadvantage of forced induction engines is their lack of response in relation to their naturally aspirated counterparts. However Torotrak believes they have the answer with their " V-Charge Variable Supercharger".
Heres how it works:
1. Infinite speed variation
The V-Charge combines Torotaks unique infinitely variable transmission in combination with a Rotrex supercharger. The tiny Torotrak transmission infinitely varies the speed of the belt driven supercharger to provide plenty of boost at low revs for near instantaneous response. At high revs, where theres typically a surplus of boost, it backs of the speed of the supercharger to save energy and cut fuel consumption further.
2. Two transmissions in one.
There are twon transnmissions in the supercharger, the Torotak unit, and a tiny traction-drive epicyclic transmission ( sun and planet ) which steps up the revs to 12.5:1. The Torotrak unit comprises discs and rollers which interact to provide varible speed.
3. Its oh so quiet...
The epicyclic transmission also consists of rollers rather than teeth so its uber quiet. The two devices enable the impeller speed up to 95,000 rpm, providing exactly the right amount of boost at any given moment, even at low revs. The time taken for boost to build up is greatly reduced so the driver feels no lag.
4. On your car by 2017
Torotrak is running a prototype on a 1.2 litre Clio as "proof of concept". Supressing the whine of Roots-type superchargers is costly and car manufacturers evaluating the V-Charge have been particularly impressed by its whisper-quiet operating. Torotrak expects first production cars by 2017 and be well-established by 2020.
Who is Torotak??
Torotraks roots can be traced back to 1960 when the British Tecnology Group started work on a toroidal CVT's. Licensees included Lucas Aerospace and the Harrier Jump Jet was equipped with them. Torotrak was established as a subsiduary in 1988 and has since researched in use of its transmissions in everything from trucks to F1 cars.
Copied from the September 2012 edition of Car Magazine.
Heres how it works:
1. Infinite speed variation
The V-Charge combines Torotaks unique infinitely variable transmission in combination with a Rotrex supercharger. The tiny Torotrak transmission infinitely varies the speed of the belt driven supercharger to provide plenty of boost at low revs for near instantaneous response. At high revs, where theres typically a surplus of boost, it backs of the speed of the supercharger to save energy and cut fuel consumption further.
2. Two transmissions in one.
There are twon transnmissions in the supercharger, the Torotak unit, and a tiny traction-drive epicyclic transmission ( sun and planet ) which steps up the revs to 12.5:1. The Torotrak unit comprises discs and rollers which interact to provide varible speed.
3. Its oh so quiet...
The epicyclic transmission also consists of rollers rather than teeth so its uber quiet. The two devices enable the impeller speed up to 95,000 rpm, providing exactly the right amount of boost at any given moment, even at low revs. The time taken for boost to build up is greatly reduced so the driver feels no lag.
4. On your car by 2017
Torotrak is running a prototype on a 1.2 litre Clio as "proof of concept". Supressing the whine of Roots-type superchargers is costly and car manufacturers evaluating the V-Charge have been particularly impressed by its whisper-quiet operating. Torotrak expects first production cars by 2017 and be well-established by 2020.
Who is Torotak??
Torotraks roots can be traced back to 1960 when the British Tecnology Group started work on a toroidal CVT's. Licensees included Lucas Aerospace and the Harrier Jump Jet was equipped with them. Torotrak was established as a subsiduary in 1988 and has since researched in use of its transmissions in everything from trucks to F1 cars.
Copied from the September 2012 edition of Car Magazine.
