New Mercedes-AMG electric exhaust gas turbocharger in final stages of development

AMG’s future looks forward on turning their compacts into electric, along with adding high efficiency with the use of more driving dynamics.

The developers in Affalterbach work with maximum production on innovative technologies as an implementation of the combination to its optimum effect, which gives an improved performance. 

"We have clearly defined our goals for an electrified future. In order to reach them, we are relying on discrete and highly innovative components as well as assemblies,” Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH said.

While Mercedes-AMG carries out on electrification with the leading- edge developments, this will also benefit from the motorsport know- how.

“With this move we are strategically supplementing our modular technology and tailoring it to our performance requirements. In a first step this includes the electrified turbocharger—an example of the transfer of Formula 1 technology to the road, something with which we will take turbocharged combustion engines to a previously unattainable level of agility," he added.

The electric exhaust gas turbocharger, which is the company’s latest achievement, is already on its final stages of development. This will be used in the near future pioneering in a series production model from Affalterbach.

This technology, evolved in collaboration with Garrett Motion, comes from Formula 1. It makes solution with the conflicting goals between a small, fast-reacting turbocharger that makes low peak performance and a large turbocharger that makes high peak performance.

Measuring about 4 centimeters, this slim electric motor makes a highlight from this new turbocharging system. This integrates mainly on the charger shaft between the compressor wheel on the fresh air side and the turbine wheel on the exhaust side.

The electric motor drives the compressor wheel before it accepts the flow from the exhaust gas.

The electrification of the turbocharger automatically improves quick response from idle speed and through the entire engine speed range. The turbo lag—the delayed response of a conventional turbocharger—is removed by the electric motor.

As a result to this solution, the combustion engine’s reaction is even more immediately to the accelerator pedal input, making the entire drive more agile and powerful.

Additionally, this technology allows higher torque at low engine speeds, which also optimizes acceleration capability and upgrades agility from a standstill. So even when the person behind the wheel takes their foot away from the accelerator or applies the brakes, with the electric turbocharger it will be able to remain the boost pressure all the time, making a guaranteed continuous direct response.

The turbocharger reaches speeds of up to 170,000 rpm, which allows a very high rate of air flow. It can be managed via a 48-volt on-board electrical system. The turbocharger, electric motor, and power electronics are linked to the combustion engine’s cooling circuit to make an optimum temperature environment all throughout.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

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