What is the primary purpose of a supercharger?

The primary purpose of a supercharger is to increase the mass of the charge entering the cylinder. A supercharger compresses the intake air or air-fuel mixture before it enters the engine's combustion chamber. By doing so, it enables more air to be packed into the cylinder, which allows for a greater volume of fuel to be burned. This process increases the overall power output of the engine, as the combustion of a larger mixture leads to more energy being released.

Increasing the mass flow of the charge improves the engine's efficiency and performance, particularly in terms of horsepower and torque. This is crucial in applications where high performance is desired, such as in racing or powerful vehicles. The increase in air density allows the engine to take advantage of the fuel more effectively, maximizing combustion efficiency and output power.

While raising the temperature of the charge or improving exhaust scavenging may have some benefits, these are not the primary objectives of a supercharger. Moreover, while high octane fuel might be beneficial for engine performance, it is not directly related to the supercharging process. Thus, the choice highlighting the increase of the charge mass directly relates to the functionality and intent of a supercharger in enhancing engine performance.