What is the difference between an intercooler and a charge air cooler?

In general, they are both referred to as charge air coolers which are often used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines. Although, they basically serve the same purpose, an intercooler cools the air that has been compressed by either a supercharger or a turbocharger.

How is intercooler efficiency measured?

A basic intercooler efficiency calculation is the change in the charge air temperature going through the intercooler divided by the difference in the temperature of the hot charge air and ambient air temperature: efficiency = (‘charge air into IC’ – ‘charge air out IC’)/(‘charge air into IC’ – ‘ambient air’).

How much pressure is in a intercooler?

For good solid performance, the pressure loss across the intercooler ought to be kept to less than 1.0 to 1.5 psi. If any pressure in excess of 4 psi is measured, then the intercooler is not suited for the job and certainly harming the performance.

What is an aftercooler?

What Is an Aftercooler? An aftercooler is a mechanical cooling unit that operates on the principles of heat exchange between two mediums usually water and air. Aftercooler units can be used to attain temperatures between 5-20°F immediately after compressed air is released from the compression unit.

What is aftercooler function?

An aftercooler is a mechanical heat exhanger that is designed to remove the heat-of-compression from the compressed air flow and to prep the air so it can then enter a dryer and/or be used in air-operated equipment. Reduces threat to safety – Hot compressed air hoses/pipes can be a source of fire ignition.

What is a chargecharge cooler?

Charge coolers also offer a shorter path from turbo to engine as the cooler is situated in the engine bay as close to the TB as possible. The radiator is located in the cool air stream up front, and an electric motor keeps the water flowing.

How does a Chargecooler work?

The chargecooler is flexibly mounted to the engine, and uses flexible high temperature hoses to connect the intake and outlet to the compressor and plenum respectively. Air passing through the chargecooler flows past a matrix of tubes through which water is circulated in a closed system by an engine driven pump.

Are charge coolers better than intercoolers?

Charge coolers are more efficant than intercoolers in general. The dont tend to need alo of space, and water is a far better conducter of heat than air is. Charge coolers also offer a shorter path from turbo to engine as the cooler is situated in the engine bay as close to the TB as possible.

Are all charge air coolers created equal?

Not all charge air coolers are created equal. Take no chances on this integral part of your engine’s performance. Our in-house, professionally certified (by APEGA) engineers design each Evolution®charge air cooler (CAC) using the most advanced engineering software, tools, and technologies.