Running head: EFFECTS OF VARIABLE GEOMETRY TURBOCHARGERS 1

Review of Effect of Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) on Diesel Engine and

Turbocharging of Diesel Engine for Improving Performance and Exhaust Emissions: A Review

Grant Anderson

Wheeler High School

Abstract
REVIEW OF EFFECTS OF VARIABLE GEOMETRY TURBOCHARGERS 2

This paper analyzes two texts found online that discuss the benefits of Variable Geometry

Turbochargers (VGT). The sources considered are differing in that Jahad and Joglekar (2016)

conducted an experiment and communicated the results, while Muqueem, Ahmad and Sherwani

(2015) reported on data and research done by other researchers. The methods described in each

concerning VGT differ, so each source has its own data to communicate. Additionally, Jahad et

al. (2016) goes into great detail as to how the VGT works and is different from a traditional

turbocharger. It is different from a traditional turbocharger in that the VGT has an electrical

system to move certain parts, increasing and decreasing resistance as needed for performance

and efficiency gains. It is meant to increase engine performance and efficiency primarily in

diesel engines, but could potentially be applied to gasoline engines This paper explains the

nature and results of the research done, and if the papers are representative of the current state of

technology.

Keywords: Variable Geometry Turbocharger, vehicle efficiency and performance,

Review of Effect of Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) on Diesel Engine and

Turbocharging of Diesel Engine for Improving Performance and Exhaust Emissions: A Review

Introduction
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As the earth is depleted of its oil reserves, people must decrease the quantity of gasoline

and other petroleum products consumed. Volumetric efficiency boosting is one of the most

common methods of performing this task through use of turbochargers and superchargers,

frequently used in diesel engines and performance cars. Variable Geometry Turbochargers

(VGT) are discussed in great length in both the research done by Jahad and Joglekar (2016) in

their dedicated study on VGT, as well as the research by Muqeem, Ahmad, and Sherwani (2015)

in their documentation of various turbocharger research studies. Both documents give good

information as to the topic, but both have shortcomings as to whether this topic is likely to enter

the market on a large scale.

Claim

The Variable Geometry Turbocharger should be further researched with applications both

in diesel and gasoline engines. Research would provide an opportunity to increase efficiency and

power in vehicles.

Reason

VGT allows the engine the engine to remain boosted and output more power over a larger

range of engine speed by dynamically changing the effective area of the compression turbine, as

communicated by both Jahad et al. (2016) and Muqeem et al. (2015).

Evidence

Jahad et al. (2016) conducted a case study on the effects of a VGT on a diesel delivery

truck. They compared the performance of a conventional turbocharger to the performance of a

REVIEW OF EFFECTS OF VARIABLE GEOMETRY TURBOCHARGERS 4

VGT by measuring the engine speed in rotations per minute, fuel intake, vehicle speed, torque,

and boost pressure as functions of time as the vehicle accelerates from 0-60 mph. The VGT

outperformed the conventional turbocharger in every respect, leading to quicker response times

and improved efficiency. That study resulted in 3 main conclusions as to advantages of the VGT:

reduced boost pressure lag time at both high speeds and low speeds, an increase in fuel

efficiency at all ranges, and a considerable improvement in emissions as the fuel is burning

cleaner and more complete. The study also presented itself with some disadvantages to a variable

geometry turbocharger. The VGT is an extremely intricate device with a lot of moving parts that

move at extremely high speeds, so the cost and reliability of these parts. Additionally, this

method of turbocharging is not available for gasoline engines as of that study because of the high

temperatures in gasoline exhausts. These temperatures will degrade the parts and cause them to

malfunction. This experiment is a good example of a real world example of using a VGT.

Muqeem et al. (2015) reported a more generalized version test of the variable geometry

turbocharger. Instead of testing a VGT in an automobile, it was tested in on an engine removed

from a vehicle, and changes in air density, torque, and exhaust smoke were observed. This data

was compared to the same experiment done on an identical engine with a conventional

turbocharger. Air density increased by 10-20 percent, torque increased over 40 percent, and the

exhaust smoke was significantly reduced. This research also tested the engine at high speeds,

which led to a decrease in efficiency without changes with the fuel system, but the general result

was a 3-9 percent increase in efficiency. This experiment is analytic and can be applied to other

diesel engines.

Discussion
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These studies were very specialised and specific with their testing method, but Jahad et

al. (2016) gave the best description of a test method and communicated results with graphs. This

may not have been possible with Muqeem et al. (2015) because of their reporting on another

study previously conducted by another research group.

Data Limitations. While the the article published by Muqeem et al. was released in

2015, their data concerning VGT was from 2000, which is outdated in contrast to Jahad et al.

(2016) because their experiment was conducted over ten years after that data was collected.

Technology changes so quickly in this day and age, so the data shown in Muqeem et al. (2015) is

most likely outdated and not a good indicator of where the technology is right now, but still can

serve as evidence that VGT is more efficient than a traditional turbocharger. If that same

experiment was conducted with current technology in a similar setting, it would be much more

valid and representative.

These two studies provided an example of how significant the performance and

efficiency benefits from a Variable Geometry Turbocharger can be, but this only leaves more

research questions. Now that the concept is proven, the device itself needs to be improved upon,

such as using cheaper, stronger material. Extensive testing needs to be conducted, exploring the

effectiveness and ability to be used in a gasoline engine. Research could be accelerated if large

automobile manufacturers jump on this idea and begin funneling resources into this field.

Additional research could also be conducted with hybrid systems such as hybrid turbochargers,

which could bring different, for better or worse, results in efficiency and performance.
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References

Dahad, A., & Joglekar, A.S. (2016, March-April). Effect of variable geometry turbocharger

(VGT) on diesel engine. International Journal of Trend in Research and Development.

3(2). Retrieved from http://www.ijtrd.com/papers/IJTRD3688.pdf

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Muqueem, M., Ahmad M., & Sherwani, A.F. (2015, July-August) Turbocharging of diesel

engine for improving performance and exhaust emissions: A review. IOSR Journal of

Mechanical and Civil Engineering. 12(4) 22-29. Retrieved from the Science in Context

database.