If you only need boost for a few seconds why not run nitrous. Much easier to plumb and make work. A small bottle isn't even a big weight penalty. Ken runs it on the rotary powered Coot to get it on the step in the water and has had great success.
Hi John,
There has been several of these so-called Electrical turbo/super chargers. One that was the rage a year or two ago advertised 2psi and 350 cfm for around $69.99. The thing might could have produced 2psi with no flow or 350cfm with no pressure above ambient - but not both at the same time. Just did not have enough power.
I recently saw another one that was a bit more credible claiming 1.7psi at 300-400 cfm with a big current drawing DC motor. They clearly state that it was intended for only a short duration run. The price of this one was around $350, so might be the one you are referring to. If they can spin it to the 23,000 rpm they claim, it just might produce some results. At least this one does appear to have a centrifugal compressor (looks like a turbo compressor housing in the photo). Here's the URL:
However, you will now be required to haul the weight and complexity of a system that can apparently be used for only a few seconds. I also considered whether it would be worth it (to me) and could not convince myself that it would. I would certainly be interested in the results with a rotary if you try it..
Ed
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, August 04, 2006 9:11 AM
Subject: [FlyRotary] E-Turbo
Gentlemen; After I mentioned the electric water pump which set off the firestorm, I figured that I might as well throw this one out. In the new JC Whitney catalog that came yesterday, there is an electric turbo charger for on demand boost, all for $349.00. Rated at 803 cfm, that should ram in enough air for short field take offs, while getting away from the heat, by-pass and the continued cooling that is needed with the exhaust turbo. Every day there are more options to experiment with. I still have the two bushels of pistons with holes (auto related) in them to remind me that I'm not ready to try the turbo in the airplane. JohnD