Intercoolers cool compressed air in engines, with air-to-air and air-to-water varieties. They compensate for excess heat caused by supercharging or turbocharging, increasing engine power output. Intercoolers are found in many modern cars, airplanes, and other high-powered engines. Front mount systems are the most effective, while top-mounted systems are less effective and require a hood scoop. Air-to-water intercoolers transfer heat from the air to water, which then transfers heat to the outside air.
An intercooler is a device used to cool compressed air in a combustion engine. Often used in turbocharged or supercharged engines. There are two basic varieties of intercoolers. Air-to-air intercoolers use outside air to transfer heat from the engine, while air-to-water intercoolers use water to do the same job.
When air warms, it becomes less dense and loses oxygen. In an engine, this can cause various problems. The most common problem is a loss of efficiency. Other problems can include wear and heat damage to the engine block and engine knocking caused by air pockets in the air being fed for combustion.
In an engine, an intercooler compensates for excess heat caused by supercharging or turbocharging an engine. When the air cools, it becomes denser. This increased density allows more air and fuel to be burned per engine cycle, ultimately increasing engine power output.
Technically, an intercooler is a device used between stages of supercharging or turbo charging to cool air for use in the next stage. If the device is used at the end of the boost cycle, it is called an aftercooler. Despite this distinction, the two names are often used interchangeably.
The size and design depend on the engine in which the intercooler is installed. Many modern cars have intercoolers or aftercoolers. They are also found in airplanes and other high-powered engines.
An air-to-air intercooler works by drawing hot air from the engine through the tubes. This air is cooled by heat transfer, as the cooler air passes out of the tubes. Where the intercooler is mounted on the engine determines the efficiency of the cooling system.
Front mount systems are the most effective. They sit at the front of the car, where the car’s forward motion can force air through the system. This results in a constant supply of cool air.
Top-mounted systems are slightly less effective. They sit on top of the engine, allowing more engine heat to affect the intercooler system, as heat rises. Also, this configuration does not provide a built-in source of cold air. Many mechanics solve this problem by installing a hood scoop, a raised opening in the hood that allows air to pass into the engine space.
An air-to-water intercooler works by transferring heat from the air in the engine to the water. Once the water heats up, it moves away from the hot parts of the engine. It then transfers heat to the outside air.
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