Volvo PowerPulse technology is currently used in 2.0-litre diesel engine; keeps turbo spinning even during off-throttle conditions
Volvo is notorious in introducing a number of new safety features in the global market. So much that, the newly launched XC60 SUV is one of the safest cars out there with a myriad of driver assistance and intelligent technologies to prevent accidents. The India-bound entry-level XC40 luxury SUV is no slouch either and it has been well-received internationally so far.
The Swedish brand’s might in safety department is always complemented by its fuel-efficient turbo powertrains and although they are not as much engaging to drive as their German rivals, Volvo has its unique attributes to lure in customers. Recently Volvo has claimed that it has found a method to completely eliminate turbo lag.
It has been made possible with a new system called PowerPulse. This simple technology is not a world-beater by the looks of things but it is clever enough to hamper the annoying turbo lag. Owners of most or every turbocharged car will face the issue at one point or another and in majority of cases, the lag is just persistent.
When the throttle is wide open barring the boost zone, you would not simply have enough power. Several auto brands have looked into solution with different ideas to reduce the turbo lag but none seems to have mastered it. The delay is mainly caused at the turbo wheel which does not respond swiftly to the driver’s throttle input.
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It always has to return back to its maximum speed to continue sending pressurized air back into the engine. Volvo seriously thought about this problem and found a solution by keeping the turbocharger spinning even during off-throttle conditions. It has been explained in this video and the technology is termed as PowerPulse by Volvo.
A compressor draws air from the air filter and sends into a tank of two litre capacity. It pushes the air into exhaust manifold to continuously spin the turbocharger and thereby eliminating the turbo lag. This technology is only available in Volvo’s 2.0-litre diesel engine currently.
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