Literature Review

Literature Review

   Turbocharged engines typically have better fuel economy that naturally aspirated engines and also produce less emissions. Therefore, The pieces of literature I am looking for are pieces that talk about the threat of  high fuel economy and emissions. By finding literature including these it will prove that it is a recognized problem and that there is a purpose and need for turbocharged engines. 

   The first piece I found was from a website called "The Conversation" and pointed out that fuel economy standards have doubled since 1975 (Sallee, 2018). This shows that governments want the vehicles on their roads to be using less gas and in turn creating less emissions. This urges vehicle manufacturers to come up with new ways of improving the fuel economy of their vehicles.

   I also found a piece in the NZ herald stating that New Zealander spend on average 2.56% of their annual income on petrol (NZ Herald, 2018). Though this may not seem like a lot, it is the 7th highest when compared with other countries. This shows the relevance the research project has in New Zealand. The big rise in hybrid and full electric vehicle purchases because of the rising fuel prices also pushed for petrol vehicles to become more fuel economic in order to compete. New Zealand fuel prices hit an all time high in 2018 (Rutherford, 2018). They're only going to stay high or rise even more, so unless the fuel economy of petrol vehicles increases to combat the rise, the amount of hybrid and electric vehicle sales will also continue to rise.

   Another piece stated that global carbon emissions also hit an all time high in 2018 (Carrington, 2018). By making vehicles burn less fuel they will in turn make less emissions. Therefore, this piece of literature contributes to proving the need for more fuel efficient vehicles.

   Finally, ford has a range of engines called the "EcoBoost" engines that all use turbos to improve fuel economy and power while reducing emissions. On average they achieve 20% better gas mileage and 15% less emissions (Mainland Ford, 2016). This proves that manufacturers are using turbos as a viable way to improve fuel economy while also giving power benefits. A lot of my research will be on Fords EcoBoost engines trying to understand what goes on inside the cylinders to provide these benefits.

References:

Carrington, D. (2018, December 5). 'Brutal news': global carbon emissions jump to all-time high in 2018. Retrieved from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/05/brutal-news-global-carbon-emissions-jump-to-all-time-high-in-2018

Mainland Ford. (2016, January 28). What Is EcoBoost? Retrieved from Mainland Ford: https://www.mainlandford.com/blog/what-is-ecoboost/

NZ Herald. (2018, October 10). Taken for a ride: How NZ fuel prices compare globally. Retrieved from Driven: https://www.driven.co.nz/news/news/taken-for-a-ride-how-nz-fuel-prices-compare-globally/?ref=nzhhome

Rutherford, H. (2018, August 27). Petrol prices hit new record as another tax increase approaches. Retrieved from Stuff: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/106609092/petrol-prices-hit-new-record-as-another-tax-increase-approaches

Sallee, J. M. (2018, April 6). Government fuel economy standards for cars and trucks have worked. Retrieved from The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/government-fuel-economy-standards-for-cars-and-trucks-have-worked-94529