A Reconnaissance of Supercharging Technology 1902—1980

The very sophistication of modern turbo-charging techniques seems to overshadow other forms of supercharging and their excellent potential for tailoring engine performance characteristics more in line with actual requirements, that is, enhanced performance, fuel economy and/or more acceptable emission levels. Indeed certain turbocharging practices follow a self defeating path thus encouraging a re-examination of supercharging by other means: exploitation of pressure waves, induction tuning and, most recently, recourse to positive displacement supercharging with and without exhaust reheat and comparative performance evaluation at vehicle level.