Description / Abstract:
This SAE Recommended Practice is intended to outline basic
nomenclature and terminology in common use for engine charge air
coolers, related charge air cooling system components, and charge
air cooling system operational performance parameters.
Description
An engine charge air cooler is a heat exchanger used to cool the
charge air of an internal combustion engine after it has been
compressed by an exhaust gas driven turbocharger or a mechanically
or electrically driven blower (supercharger). The use of a charge
air cooler offers increased engine horsepower output, reduced
exhaust emission levels, and improved fuel economy through a more
complete combustion process due to increased intake air density.
Typical cooling media include the engine's coolant, ambient air, or
an external coolant source.