Ansaugsystems

Ansaugsystem, or intake system, refers to the set of components that deliver air to an engine or to other pneumatic systems. In automotive engineering it extends from the air intake opening to the combustion chambers and typically includes the air intake ducting, the air filter housing with its element, the throttle body or throttle valve, and the intake manifold that distributes air to the cylinders. In turbocharged or supercharged engines, the system also contains the compressor (turbocharger or supercharger) and an intercooler to increase air density, as well as associated piping. Modern systems incorporate sensors such as a mass air flow sensor and manifold pressure sensor to regulate air metering and engine control.

The primary functions are to supply sufficient, clean air at the correct pressure and temperature, while minimizing pressure losses and protecting the engine from contaminants. Design considerations include filtration efficiency, pressure drop, heat transfer from nearby components (heat soak), noise reduction through resonators, and packaging constraints. The intake system can influence throttle response, power output, fuel efficiency, and emissions. In naturally aspirated engines the path is relatively short, whereas forced-induction engines add components to compress and cool the intake air, with performance depending on compressor efficiency and intercooling.

Variants and related concepts include cold-air intakes that draw from cooler ambient air, ram-air setups that use vehicle motion to increase air pressure, and variable-length intake runners that optimize torque across RPM ranges. Applications extend beyond passenger cars to motorcycles, marine engines, and stationary machinery, where efficient air delivery remains a key factor in performance and reliability.