Blower vs. Supercharger — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 28, 2023
A blower moves air or gas from one place to another, while a supercharger is a device that forces extra air into an engine to increase performance. The term "blower" can also colloquially refer to a supercharger in automotive contexts.
Difference Between Blower and Supercharger
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Key Differences
The term "Blower" is quite broad, referring to any device that propels or moves air or gas, often using a fan or impeller. Blowers can be used in various contexts, from household appliances to industrial machines. Their main purpose is simply to move air, without necessarily changing its pressure significantly.
Conversely, a "Supercharger" has a more specific application. It's a component used mainly in automotive engines to force more air into the combustion chamber. By doing so, it allows the engine to burn more fuel, thereby increasing power and efficiency. Superchargers are mechanically driven, often by a belt connected to the engine's crankshaft.
It's important to understand that while all superchargers can be considered blowers (since they move air), not all blowers are superchargers. The differentiation comes in the purpose of the device: is it merely moving air or is it designed to enhance engine performance?
However, in automotive jargon, the term "Blower" is sometimes used as a colloquialism for "Supercharger." This can create some confusion, as outside of this context, a blower's primary function isn't necessarily related to engine performance.
In essence, while both Blower and Supercharger deal with the movement of air, their core purposes and applications can differ. A blower can be found in a variety of contexts, moving air or gas, while a supercharger is specialized for enhancing engine power.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Moves air or gas
Forces extra air into an engine
Application
Various, from household to industrial
Mainly automotive engines
Drive Mechanism
Can be electric, manual, or other
Typically mechanically driven by the engine's crankshaft
Colloquial Meaning
Just a device to move air
Often synonymous with "blower" in automotive contexts
Pressure Alteration
Doesn't significantly change air pressure
Increases air pressure to enhance combustion
Compare with Definitions
Blower
A device that propels air or gas.
The blower in the furnace circulates warm air throughout the house.
Supercharger
A tool for increasing an engine's air intake.
Many racing cars are equipped with superchargers for better performance.
Blower
A machine or fan used for ventilation.
We installed a new blower in the factory to improve air circulation.
Supercharger
A component that enhances engine power by increasing air density.
Adding a supercharger is a popular modification for performance enthusiasts.
Blower
A device used in certain industries to provide a flow of air or gas.
The chemical plant utilizes several blowers to maintain proper ventilation.
Supercharger
A device that forces extra air into an engine's combustion chamber.
The supercharger on his car gives it a significant boost in horsepower.
Blower
Colloquial term for a supercharger in automotive contexts.
That car's got a big blower on it, making it very fast.
Supercharger
Mechanically driven device improving engine efficiency.
The vehicle's improved acceleration is due to its supercharger.
Blower
One that blows, especially a mechanical device, such as a fan, that produces a current of air.
Supercharger
A device that augments an engine's oxygen supply for combustion.
The mechanic suggested installing a supercharger for more torque.
Blower
(Slang) A braggart.
Supercharger
A supercharger is an air compressor that increases the pressure or density of air supplied to an internal combustion engine. This gives each intake cycle of the engine more oxygen, letting it burn more fuel and do more work, thus increasing the power output.
Blower
Chiefly British Slang A telephone.
Supercharger
A blower or compressor, usually driven by the engine, for supplying air under high pressure to the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine.
Blower
A person who blows.
Supercharger
An inlet air compressor for an internal combustion engine (either Otto or Diesel cycle).
Blower
Any device that blows.
Supercharger
(most commonly) Such a compressor which is specifically powered from the crankshaft.
Blower
Telephone.
Get on the blower and call headquarters right away!
Supercharger
A device that can rapidly recharge a battery cell/pack.
Blower
A telephone service providing betting odds and commentary, relayed to customers in a bookmaker's shop via loudspeaker.
Supercharger
Compressor that forces increased oxygen into the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine
Blower
A ducted fan, usually part of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning system.
Blower
(dated) A braggart, or loud talker.
Blower
The whale; so called by seamen, from its habit of spouting up a column of water.
Blower
A small fish of the Atlantic coast, Sphoeroides maculatus; the puffer.
Blower
One who, or that which, blows.
Blower
A device for producing a current of air; as: (a) A metal plate temporarily placed before the upper part of a grate or open fire. (b) A machine for producing an artificial blast or current of air by pressure, as for increasing the draft of a furnace, ventilating a building or shaft, cleansing gram, etc.
Blower
A blowing out or excessive discharge of gas from a hole or fissure in a mine.
Blower
The whale; - so called by seamen, from the circumstance of its spouting up a column of water.
Blower
A small fish of the Atlantic coast (Tetrodon turgidus); the puffer.
Blower
A braggart, or loud talker.
Blower
A device that produces a current of air
Blower
A fan run by an electric motor
Blower
A mechanical device that blows air onto a fire to make it burn more fiercely
Blower
Large aquatic carnivorous mammal with fin-like forelimbs no hind limbs, including: whales; dolphins; porpoises; narwhals
Blower
An electrically driven tool that removes dust or debris.
He used a blower to clear the leaves from his driveway.
Common Curiosities
Can any device moving air be termed a blower?
Generally, yes. A blower is a device designed to move air or gas.
Does adding a supercharger always enhance car performance?
Typically, a supercharger increases engine power, but it's essential to match it appropriately with the engine.
Is a supercharger the same as a turbocharger?
No, a supercharger is mechanically driven, while a turbocharger is driven by exhaust gases.
Can a blower be used in cars?
Yes, "blower" is often a colloquial term for a supercharger in automotive contexts.
Why would someone add a supercharger to their vehicle?
To increase horsepower, torque, and overall engine performance.
Is a blower always electrically driven?
No, blowers can be driven by various means, including electric motors or manual mechanisms.
Is the term "blower" specific to any industry?
No, blowers are used in various industries, from HVAC to automotive.
Are all superchargers blowers?
In a broad sense, yes, since they move air. But not all blowers are superchargers.
Can a blower increase air pressure?
While blowers move air, they don't significantly alter its pressure like superchargers do.
Are blowers used in household appliances?
Yes, devices like hairdryers and vacuum cleaners often contain blowers.
Can a car have both a supercharger and a turbocharger?
Yes, this setup is known as "twin-charging" and combines both methods for forced induction.
Is "blower" a technical term in the automotive industry?
It's more of a colloquial term for a supercharger.
Do superchargers reduce engine lifespan?
While they increase performance, improper installation or misuse can strain the engine, potentially reducing its lifespan.
Is a supercharger always visible outside the car?
Not always. Some are mounted inside the engine bay, while others might protrude through the hood.
How does a blower differ from a fan?
Both move air, but a blower typically directs air in a specific direction or path, while a fan disperses it.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
