This paper reports a review study of different
paper that was made to determine whether the mechanical
action of a high-speed supercharger improves engine
performance. Most passenger automobiles are overpowered
and probably 80 per cent of such vehicles operate at less than
55 km.p.h. for 90 per cent of the time. Passenger-car requires
from 12 to 15 hp., but the engine carried is capable of
developing from 50 to 55 hp. The result is that the car is
operated for the greater part of the time at one-third to onequarter
throttle opening. Full power is needed only for
accelerating and hill-climbing; during the remainder of the
time the excess weight of the engine and other parts must be
carried at a loss of efficiency. That smaller engines can be
used advantageously when equipped with superchargers, the
supercharger being used only when excess power is required.
Curves and a table are given to show the results of
comparative tests with and without a supercharger.