CONTACT:
Charlie Roberts
Turbocharger Test 
   Facility
(210) 522-5521
E-mail: Charlie Roberts

KEY TERMS:
turbocharger
power input
emissions
reduction
component tests
durability tests
turbine flow
pressure ratio
turbine inlet
compressor outlet

Turbocharger Test Facility

SwRI turbocharger test facility

To meet engine requirements for power output, efficiency, and emissions reduction, turbochargers must be optimized for efficiency and matched to the specific engine. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) maintains a state-of-the-art test facility in which turbochargers can be tested without the added complexity of an engine test cell setup.

SwRI is able to test turbochargers in ways not possible on an engine, including component and durability tests. Tests are conducted to SAE J1826, “Turbocharger Gas Stand Test Code,” standards.

Compressor performance map

The SwRI Turbocharger Test Facility offers the following features:

• Turbochargers can be fully mapped, generating compressor and turbine flow, pressure ratio, and efficiency maps. 

• An air factory produces pressurized and heated air to the turbine inlet at up to 1.0 kg/s, 1,400 kPa, and 600 degrees C (2,000 cfm, 200 psi, and 1,100 degrees F). 

• Throttles on the turbine inlet and compressor outlet control turbo speed and pressure ratios. 

  Click for larger image.

  Schematic of the turbocharger  test facility

• A lubrication system supplies heated and pressurized oil to the turbocharger.

• A PC-based data acquisition system records speeds, airflows, temperatures, and pressures.

• Turbocharger parameters are calculated in real time and recorded with measured data.

Please view the news release about our turbocharger facility.

 
Combustion and Emissions
 Engine, Emissions & Vehicle Research Division SwRI Home