Interesting. I know Porsche has a version of this in one of their cars. The new M3 is also said to have 3 turbos. Two of which would be your typical exhaust turbos and one electronic. There must be some benefit to it!?!?!
using the current heat from the exhaust of a car > some gizmo to create energy from that > to run an electric turbo? interesting....
^It's basically a turbine/generator connected to an air compressor. So less/no lag, better form factor (the compressor and the turbine don't need to be physically mated together), more efficient, potential to eliminate alternator, etc... The big downside at first will be the aftermarket support. It'll take a while for the aftermarket to catch up (and be reasonably priced) to the point where you can easily get a more powerful generator, a bigger compressor, or both. edit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_turbocharger http://green.autoblog.com/2010/08/3...ustries-develops-hybrid-turbocharger-to-gene/ Nater, I think this is what you're describing: http://www.3k-warner.de/products/eBooster.aspx
I tried boosting my old civic with a turbine from an electric RC airplane. It didn't work, then the plastic prop fell off and went through the engine. I was young and dumb at the time. It would be cool to see fhi do something electric though, you would actually be able to use boost in an Autocross or rallyx then.
Combine it with a regenerative braking system, and that could add a fun little boost coming out of a corner
