Eaton Is Supercharged
Courtesy Eaton
Cleveland-based power-management company Eaton Corp. (ETN) is moving toward better fuel economy with its supercharger introduction. Eaton reports that its supercharger technology will debut in China on three vehicle models from independent automaker Chery Automobile Co. Ltd.
Eaton says the supercharger allows vehicle manufacturers to replace large engines with smaller, more efficient ones. According to Darryl Niven, general manager of Eaton’s supercharger business, the new design achieves unprecedented levels of efficiency, reliability and noise reduction. “We pay close attention to key market drivers and understand that consumers and governments are demanding reductions in fuel consumption and emissions without any drop-off in performance,” Niven says.
The supercharger’s twin three-lobe rotors intermesh at high speeds and pump air directly into the engine’s intake system. When mixed with fuel, that air creates more power, Niven explains, noting that the supercharger is scalable for use on engines of virtually any size or make for vehicle manufacturers that want the option of using a smaller engine. Niven says that, by providing this option, “we’re continually refining our proven strategy to meet not only current demands but future demands as well.”
