How do turbochargers make the engine quieter?

Turbochargers are devices that increase the power and efficiency of an engine by compressing the air that enters the cylinders. By doing so, they also reduce the amount of noise that the engine produces. How does this work?

One of the main sources of engine noise is the intake system, which draws air into the engine. The air passes through various components, such as the air filter, the throttle body, and the intake manifold, before reaching the cylinders. These components create turbulence and friction, which generate sound waves that travel through the air and reach our ears.

A turbocharger reduces the intake noise by using the exhaust gases from the engine to spin a turbine, which in turn drives a compressor. The compressor pressurizes the air and sends it to the cylinders, bypassing some of the intake components. This means that there is less turbulence and friction in the intake system, and therefore less noise.

Another source of engine noise is the exhaust system, which releases the burnt gases from the cylinders. The exhaust gases contain pressure pulses that create sound waves as they exit the engine. The sound of the exhaust depends on many factors, such as the size and shape of the exhaust pipes, the number and type of mufflers, and the design of the catalytic converter.

A turbocharger also reduces the exhaust noise by using some of the exhaust gases to power the turbine. This means that there is less pressure and volume of exhaust gases that go through the exhaust system, and therefore less noise. The turbocharger itself also acts as a muffler, absorbing some of the sound energy from the exhaust gases.

So, by compressing the intake air and using the exhaust gases, a turbocharger makes the engine quieter. But that’s not all. A turbocharger also provides an engine with more power and torque, which means that the engine can operate at lower speeds and still deliver the same performance. Lower engine speeds mean lower engine noise, as well as lower fuel consumption and emissions.