SwRI: 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.

Features of the Turbocharger Test Facility

The SwRI Turbocharger Test Facility offers the following features:

	Compressor performance map

• 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 1,100 degrees 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.

Click for larger image.

Schematic of the turbocharger test facility

 

Please view the news release about our turbocharger facility.

For more information on the SwRI turbocharger test rig or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Terry Alger at talger@swri.org or (210) 522-5505.