Theoretical thermodynamic cycles of the supercharged engine
Application of supercharging to engines

In thermodynamic terms, the supercharged engine takes the form of a juxtaposition of cycles - the engine cycle and associated cycles (supercharging components) - which must respect compatible relationships: continuity, energetic or calorimetric relationships.

As far as the engine cycle itself is concerned, the same thermodynamic principles can be applied as for the atmospheric cycle. We can also consider an engine cycle with perfect supercharging. This provides us with two limiting cases that allow us to situate the arrangements under study.