The Journal of Engine Research

The Journal of Engine Research

Simulation of the effect of using a turbocharger on XU7 engine performance with mechanical and electronic wastegate control mechanisms

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Meysam Mafakheri 1, 2
Hossein Rahimi Asiabaraki 1
Ali Qasemian 2
Nima Rahimi 1
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran
2 School of Automotive Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/er.2026.2077531.1117
Abstract
Given the importance of improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines, reducing fuel consumption, and mitigating emissions, boosting technology particularly the turbocharger has been introduced as an effective solution. Turbocharging enables the realization of the engine downsizing concept. In this study, the XU7JP4/L3 engine was first simulated in GT-Power software, and subsequently, a boosting circuit was integrated into the engine model. The performance of the boosting system was evaluated under two wastegate control strategies. In the first case, an internal wastegate with a mechanical control mechanism was employed, while in the second case, an electronic control mechanism was utilized. The results revealed that brake power under boosted conditions with mechanical wastegate control increased by an average of 33%, and with electronic wastegate control by 37%, compared to the naturally aspirated mode. The brake torque in the boosted mode with mechanical wastegate control also increased by 25%, 37%, and 41% at 1500 rpm (simulation start), 2500 rpm (maximum torque), and 6000 rpm (maximum power), respectively, compared to the naturally aspirated mode. The implementation of electronic wastegate control shifted the maximum torque to 3500 rpm and further increased it by 5% compared to the maximum torque achieved under mechanical control. Furthermore, the brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) decreased by an average of 2% at low-to-medium speeds and by 3% at medium-to-high speeds in both boosted modes compared to the naturally aspirated mode. In contrast, the instantaneous fuel consumption increased by an average of 32% across the entire engine operating range. Overall, the results of this study confirm the superiority of the electronic wastegate control mechanism in enhancing the impact of the boosting system on the performance of the XU7 engine.
Keywords
Internal Combustion Engines
Boosting System
Electronic Wastegate
GT-Power
Engine Downsizing
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The Journal of Engine Research
Volume 72, Issue 4 - Serial Number 81
English Paper
Winter 2026
Pages 21-35

  • Receive Date 15 November 2025
  • Revise Date 27 February 2026
  • Accept Date 28 April 2026