This electronic flyer highlights our capabilities and activities in the area of turbocharger testing. Please sign our guestbook. For additional information, e-mail Terrence F. Alger II, Ph.D. Southwest Research Institute.

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.

SwRI's turbocharger test facility

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°C. (2,000 cfm, 200 psi, and 1100°F)
Throttles on the turbine inlet and compressor outlet control turbo speed and pressure ratios.
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.


Compressor performance map	Schematic of the turbocharger test facility

This flyer was published in August 2002. For more information about the turbocharger test facility, contact Terrence F. Alger II, Ph.D., Phone (210) 522-5521, Fax (210) 522-4581, Engine, Emissions, and Vehicle Research Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510.

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