Elctric superchargers ARE theoretically feasible, and VW actually was contracting Mitsubishi to develop one years ago, using torpedo motor technology. It appears to have fizzled, but was to be a turbo (no, turbos do NOT have to be exhaust-driven... check out Paxton's awful belt-driven turbos, with all of their false claims). Basically, ANY device which can pump sufficient air into a running engine to increase its performance is a supercharger, and can be driven by belt, gears, shaft, exhaust, electricity... and the pump itself can drive the air by using gears, vanes, interlocking screws (Lysholm chargers, the best), turbines, centrifugal fan, heck, even a diaphragm or piston. Hmmm... have to train up my hamster and gear its exercisewheel up... -- Andrew Grebneff Dunedin New Zealand Fossil preparator <andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz> Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut |
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