Introduction and short history of supercharging

Very likely, the future of the internal combustion engine can be described within the energysociopolitic environment as follows: For the foreseeable future, crude oil will still be the main energy source for internal combustion engines in automotive and other mobile applications; natural gas and, to a limited extent synthetic fuels (methanol and similar fuels), as well as, in the very long run, hydrogen, will additionally gain in importance. Internal combustion engines for these fuels are reciprocating or rotational piston combustion engines and gas and steam turbines. These engines are employed, under consideration of the particular requirements and according to their development status, in aircraft, locomotives, ships, stationary powerplants, and in road vehicles.