Patent No. 204630, filed on November 6, 1905, with the Imperial Patent Office of the German Reich, initiated the modern era of turbocharging. Created by Alfred Büchi, the design proposed an axial compressor, a radial piston engine, and an axial turbine situated on a common shaft to reclaim heat loss from internal combustion engines.
Early Career and Theoretical Foundations
Born in Winterthur in 1879, Alfred Büchi was the son of Johann Büchi, a chief executive at the industrial firm Sulzer. He studied machine engineering at the Federal Polytechnic Institute in Zürich, graduating in 1903. His early professional years involved engineering practice in Belgium and England, where he began investigating the challenge of improving combustion engine efficiency through the capture of exhaust gas heat.
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After returning to Wetzikon in 1908, he joined Sulzer in 1909. While researching diesel engines, he developed his first turbocharger prototype in 1915, intending to assist aircraft engines at high altitudes. Although this initial iteration failed to maintain consistent boost pressure, he continued pursuing the concept. He entered into a collaborative dialogue with Brown, Boveri & Cie in 1915, eventually finalizing a cooperation agreement in 1923.
Industrial Implementation and the Büchi Syndicate
The technology achieved success in 1923 when the German Ministry of Transport utilized turbochargers on the passenger liners Preussen and Hansestadt Danzig. In 1925, Büchi increased engine efficiency by over 40% and filed a patent for the Büchi-Duplex system. He left Sulzer in 1926 to form the Büchi Syndicate, partnering with Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works for engine testing and Brown Boveri for manufacturing. This syndicate operated until 1941.
Public Life and Later Years
Beyond his engineering contributions, Büchi engaged in political service as a member of the Swiss National Council from 1939 to 1943. His academic recognition included an honorary doctorate from ETH Zürich in 1938. Following his career, he died in his birthplace of Winterthur in 1959 and was interred at the Rosenberg cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1879, Winterthur
- Died: 1959, Winterthur
- Education: Federal Polytechnic Institute (ETH) Zürich
- Political Office: Member of the Swiss National Council (1939-1943)
- Notable Patent: 1905, German Reich Patent No. 204630
- Professional Roles: Mechanical engineer, inventor, politician
- Awards: Honorary doctor of ETH Zürich
- Burial Site: Rosenberg cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was the primary innovation of the 1905 patent?
It described a highly supercharged compound engine designed to capture exhaust heat using a turbine, compressor, and piston engine on a single shaft.
When did turbochargers reach commercial vehicles?
After successful implementation in marine engines during the 1920s, the technology reached truck engines via Saurer in 1938 and commercial automobiles later that decade.
Achievements
- Worked as inventor, politician and mechanical engineer
