How Turbochargers Work
A turbocharger is an exhaust-driven air compressor. It becomes an air compressor by utilizing expanded exhaust gases from the engine. The exhaust gas pressure and the heat energy extracted from the gas causes the turbine wheel to rotate, thus driving the compressor wheel through a common shaft. Exhaust temperature and pressure drop as they pass through the turbine housing and into the atmosphere. The rotating compressor wheel draws air in and the blades accelerate and expel the air into the compressor housing. Once into the compressor housing, the air is compressed and flowed toward the intake manifold, pressurizing the intake in a measurable form we call Boost Pressure.(Image courtesy of Garrett)
