On Thu, 17 Oct 2002, Kim Brennan wrote:

> Not knowing the details, I'd say it is theoretically possible.
> Superchargers are normally powered from the main crank (which means
> that they add more air in proportion to the engine speed.) However,
> with modern electronics, yah, I guess it is possible to add them and
> control them via electronics (and electric motors) instead. I can see
> certain advantages to that too, like no additional friction added to
> the crank...
>
> Nothing's free though, so you might need to put a bigger capacity
> alternator on the vehicle to accommodate the increased electrical load.

Locomotives use electric turbos, basically just person-high squirrelcage
fans.  And I know of a friend-of-a-friend who supercharged his Vespa
motorscooter with a hairdryer...

Still.  Forced induction seems like a bad idea on an already-overstressed
high-compression engine.

ian Butler / ian@hplx.net
'88 Scirocco 16v, '87 Syncro GL