Ferrari patents new turbocharger cooling technology

Ferrari has filed a new patent for a sophisticated turbocharger cooling system designed to improve engine performance and efficiency. The proposed technology utilizes Peltier cells—small electrical devices that transfer heat from one side to another—positioned around the turbocharger intake.

By using these cells to cool the air before it enters the compressor, the system aims to increase air density, allowing for more oxygen and fuel to be burned for greater power. A significant advantage of this pre-compression cooling is the potential to reduce the size and weight of traditional intercoolers, as the thermal load on them would be decreased. While Peltier technology is commonly used in portable refrigerators and computer cooling, its application in automotive turbocharging represents a novel approach to managing engine heat and preventing premature combustion.