I found this while looking for pics of the infamous ebay hairdryer electric turbo.

Could this thing really produce 3-8psi of boost? Now, i know at first glance, everyone says "yah, right! maybe you could use an aquarium air pump! hyuk-hyuk!" But think about this, if the motor is powerful enough, and it can actually produce compression, then it could actually work. I mean, that's all a real supercharger or turbo does, right?

no jokes or flames please, kiddies. i'm not looking to buy one of these, i'm just curious about whether it's possible or not.


here is another link to the 2200 series http://home.arcor.de/hildst/2200.html

and a link to the Dynacharger™ http://www.turbodyne.com/product2.html

this is far from an ebay scam, and it looks like they take their business very seriously.

 

They can work, but draw truly horrendous amounts of power. As a result, you only get about 10 seconds worth of fun out of them.

 

the reason these so called "E-boosting" systems don't work is that a typical 12 volt electrical system just can't support the current draw. Once cars start using 24, or 48 volt architecture (in the distant future), e-boosters will have a chance.

I could see maybe on a very small engine with very limited airflow capabilities this thing might produce a little bit of power, but for a very small burst, you can forget about any sustained power gains over a few seconds.

 

I can see it work, why not? If the electric motor can pump out enough RPM's then sure I can see it work.

 

a big IF....I'm telling you current draw is the limiting factor.

 

would a higher-amp alternator and 1-2 extra batteries help?

 

It's the voltage that's an issue, not amperage.

 

Most high output alternators won't produce HALF of the 275 amps you're going to need. Think about this: Even if you were to find such an alternator (or possibly run two, with the second on a custom bracket & belt), you're putting more load on the engine which will reduce horsepower. On top of that, you're talking about adding 2 premium deep cycle batteries at 50 lbs each. $400+ in alternator(s), $300+ in batteries. There's no such thing as a free lunch.

Could it be done? Eh, possibly, but I'd personally go with a proven power adder (traditional turbo, laughing gas, etc.)