What type of compressor is a roots blower?

A roots blower is classified as a type of engine-driven compressor. It operates using a positive displacement mechanism, where two rotating lobes (or rotors) move air from the inlet to the outlet of the device. This design allows the roots blower to effectively compress air while maintaining a relatively constant output pressure. Engine-driven compressors are typically connected to the engine's power system, being driven by the engine itself and used in various applications like forced induction for improving engine performance.

It's important to understand that other types of compressors, such as turbine-driven, propeller-driven, and electric compressors, operate on different principles. Turbine-driven compressors use kinetic energy from a rotating turbine to compress air, while propeller-driven compressors utilize the propeller’s motion. Electric compressors, on the other hand, rely on electrical energy for operation, which is distinct from the mechanical power source of an engine-driven blower. Thus, the function and design of a roots blower align specifically with the characteristics of engine-driven compressors.