Aeristech High-Pressure 48V Supercharger

This project will investigate the possibility of providing high levels of boost (2 bar target) to
small engines (2.0 litre or less) when they are idling and running at low speeds (less than 2000
RPM) with a compact, efficient turbocompressor. Historically, the requirement for high
pressure with low flow is met only by positive displacement compressors (roots and screw
types, for example). Aeristech’s background intellectual property in high-speed motors and
controllers raises the possibility of supercharging a small engine to high boost levels with a
compact and efficient turbocompressor, provided a turbocompressor could be designed with a
suitable surge margin. Aeristech has identified strong interest from the OEMs, provided the
system is powered by 48V input. To demonstrate the feasibility of this concept, the project
needs a unique compressor design for high boost and low flow and a new motor and controller
with 48V architecture, coping with higher current levels than Aeristech has previously dealt
with. If all this is achieved, the system will have applications as an add-on for small cars, and
as an integrated part of a multi-stage boosting concept for small cars. This supercharger or
component technologies therefrom could also have applications in Aeristech’s fullElectric
turbocharger concept, as demonstrated in a recent IDP6 study, funded by the TSB, in which
Imperial College developed a compressor recirculation concept to overcome the surge margin
in a heavily boosted 2.0 litre engine model.