An intercooler is an apparatus found in vehicles with forced induction systems. Intercoolers can be equipped in some vehicles, such as SUBARU WRX or Ford Mustang. Its function is to cool the compressed air from the turbo/supercharger, making the air denser and richer in oxygen. That improves the overall efficiency.
The two types of intercoolers are air-to-air and liquid-to-air heat exchangers. Liquid-to-air or water-to-air intercoolers are present in small, high-power engines because of their small size. These are usually put before radiators to compliment them. But how does it work?
Hot air from the turbocharger goes into the intercooler and moves to the fins, which absorb heat from the hot air and radiate it. Cool air currents over the fins aid heat dissipation. The cooler air after going through the intercooler goes to the engine’s manifold.
Air-to-water intercoolers also use the same principle. The only difference is the introduction of water. Water is pumped through the unit to absorb heat from it. Hot water from the intercooler goes to the radiator for cooling, and the cycle repeats. This type of intercooler has a better performance. However, it is not common in most vehicles because it is relatively big.
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