Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine is provided having a common exhaust manifold and a common combustion air manifold for all engine cylinders. The engine has a plurality of exhaust-driven superchargers that are staggered as a function of the engine output. Each supercharger is engageable or disengageable with the exhaust manifold via its exhaust-driven turbine. Each supercharger, at an input side of its compressor, has a line connection, via a respective valve mechanism, to the output of a charging fan disposed upstream and in series with the compressor. For an oppositely directed changeover between supply air compressed by the charging fan, and ambient air, all of the valve mechanisms are adjusted as a function of the speed of an associated supercharger and a combustion air operating pressure. A processor having a stored requirements profile is provided for the sole release of the valve mechanism of a given supercharger.

Abstract: A turbocharging device for an internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas manifold receiving exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and a first charge air distributor distributing charge air to the internal combustion engine. A first set of exhaust gas turbochargers each has a turbine and a compressor, wherein the turbines of the exhaust gas turbochargers of the first set are connected in parallel to the exhaust gas manifold and the respective compressors are connected serially to the first charge air distributor. A second set of exhaust gas turbochargers with a turbine and a compressor is provided wherein the turbines of the exhaust gas turbochargers of the second set are connected in parallel to the exhaust gas manifold and the respective compressors are connected serially to the first charge air distributor.