Based on the provided reference, an intercooler can significantly reduce the temperature of compressed air, with the exact reduction depending on its efficiency and the initial conditions.
According to the reference "Notes on intercooling":
- 100% Effectiveness Example: If an intercooler receives compressed air at 270 degrees and cools it down to the ambient cooling air temperature of 70 degrees, it achieves a 200-degree drop. This scenario represents a 100% effective intercooler in that specific instance.
- 50% Effectiveness Example: If the same intercooler takes compressed air at 270 degrees but only manages to cool it down to 170 degrees, the temperature reduction is 100 degrees. In this case, it is considered 50% effective because it achieved half of the potential 200-degree drop possible in that scenario.
The amount of temperature reduction is directly tied to the intercooler's effectiveness, which is defined by how close it brings the compressed air temperature to the cooling air temperature.
Understanding Temperature Reduction & Effectiveness
The effectiveness of an intercooler is a measure of its ability to transfer heat from the hot, compressed air to the cooler ambient air passing through it. The reference illustrates this concept clearly:
| Effectiveness | Starting Temperature | Cooling Air Temperature | Final Temperature | Temperature Reduction | Calculation (from ref) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 270 degrees | 70 degrees | 70 degrees | 200 degrees | 270 - 70 = 200 |
| 50% | 270 degrees | 70 degrees | 170 degrees | 100 degrees | 270 - 170 = 100 |
As shown in the table, a higher effectiveness means a greater temperature drop. The ultimate goal is to get the compressed air temperature as close as possible to the temperature of the cooling air.
Why Temperature Reduction Matters
Reducing the temperature of compressed intake air is crucial for engine performance, particularly in turbocharged or supercharged applications. Cooler air is denser, meaning it carries more oxygen into the cylinders. This allows for more fuel to be burned efficiently, resulting in increased power output and reduced risk of engine knock (detonation).
Based on the examples provided in the reference, an intercooler can reduce intake air temperature by 100 degrees (at 50% effectiveness) or 200 degrees (at 100% effectiveness) under the specified conditions (starting from 270 degrees and cooling with 70-degree air). Actual temperature reductions will vary based on intercooler design, size, ambient conditions, and boost pressure.
