Developments of Variable Area Radial Turbines for Small Turbochargers

MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD. (MHI) has been developing variable area radial turbine systems over the past several years for small turbochargers used in the passenger car and small truck markets.

Several variable area concepts have been tested and evaluated by MHI on the engine dynamometer and in the vehicle.

As a result of this research effort, a new variable area turbine coined “VARIABLE INLET” (VI) was developed. The VI turbocharger is characterized by its response improvement, good turbine efficiency, high reliability, and cost effectiveness.