When it comes to turbochargers, more isn’t always better – it’s about optimal conditions. As engines rev up or down the velocity and pressure of the gases produced will vary greatly. While turbochargers rely on the power generated from these gases, excess pressures can cause damage to turbocharger units.
Wastegates are necessary to maintain optimal pressures needed for turbochargers to function properly. If the pressures are too high the turbocharger might get damaged; too low and the compressor will not work effectively.
Turbo Kits for Sale – contact APT-Turbo, the best Turbo Supplier in Malaysia.
What are Turbocharger Wastegates?
Wastegates are a type of negative feedback control mechanism that controls the level of pressure within a turbocharger system. It works by opening or closing an outlet that allows high exhaust gases to disperse into the atmosphere.
Essentially, a wastegate consists of a “flap” outlet valve, a spring and diaphragm actuator, and a vacuum tube. As gases are flow from the engine into the pipe connecting the engine to the turbo’s turbine, the gases enter the the vacuum tube (located upstream of the turbocharger turbine) which reaches the actuator.
If the pressure is high enough, the diaphragm will be forced upwards, which in turn opens up the wastegate “flap” valve, dispersing the excess gases into the exhaust pipe or directly into the atmosphere.
Depending on the stiffness of the spring that controls the actuator, the pressure from the gases will compress the spring/actuator, which then opens the outlet valve and releases any excess gas.
Differences between Internal and External Wastegates.
There are a few differences between internal and external wastegates, with external wastegates giving performance benefits while space savings and affordability are the former’s main benefits.
External wastegates benefit from not being spatially restricted by the turbo housing and allows for better subsystems, like being able to reintroduce bypassed gases further downstream of the turbine. For race cars, allowing exhaust gases to vent straight into the atmosphere is helpful.
A turbocharger with external wastegate.
Internal designs, on the other hand, are cheaper yet effective, and don’t compromise much efficiency. They also have fewer exposed hot metal parts which is a safety bonus. Automative turbochargers also often come OEM so it’s not necessary to have one manually installed.
Turbo Kits for Sale – contact APT-Turbo, the best Turbo Supplier in Malaysia.
A turbocharger with internal wastegate. Picture courtesy of Freonr2.
To better understand how wastegates work as well as the differences between an internal and external go ahead and watch this video by Engineering Explained.
Looking for a high-quality Korean turbo for sale in Malaysia?
