Radiators are heat exchangers used to transfer thermal energy from one medium to another for the purpose of cooling and heating. The majority of radiators are constructed to function in cars, buildings, and electronics.
A radiator is always a source of heat to its environment, although this may be for either the purpose of heating this environment or for cooling the fluid or coolant supplied to it, as for automotive engine cooling and HVAC dry cooling towers. Despite the name, most radiators transfer the bulk of their heat via convection instead of thermal radiation.
Radiator working principle:
The radiator is a pretty simple device. Nowadays most modern cars use aluminum radiators. Radiators usually have a tank on each side, and inside the tank is a transmission cooler.
In this type of radiator, you’re going to have an aluminum mesh. In this aluminum device, It consists of two ports inlet and an outlet. Inside the radiator, there are tubes that are mounted in a parallel arrangement. And the aluminum fins are attached to all of the tubes.
The Radiator working is very simple. In the radiator, the coolant flows from the inlet to the outlet through many tubes mounted in a parallel arrangement.
The hot water enters the radiator through the inlet port. And a fan is attached behind the radiator to cool down the hot water in the tubes. The fan blows the air and cools down the water. So the water is going to come out cooler than it entered before and then go back to the engine.
What You Need to Know About Engine Oil Coolers
If you drive a large truck or a high-performance vehicle, then your cooling system should consist of more than a radiator. Chances are, your vehicle has an oil cooler. If it doesn't, then you may need to install one. Oil coolers keep your engine oil within an optimum temperature to ensure it can handle extreme conditions like when you tow or race.
What Are Oil Coolers?
An oil cooler is a radiator-like component specifically designed to keep your oil cool. It consists of tubes and fins that allow for good airflow to pass through. Usually, they are placed where they can receive maximum airflows such as in front of or behind the radiator or fans.
Oil coolers attach to an adapter near the oil filter to ensure adequate pressure through the system. Oil is air-cooled as it circulates through the cooler before it returns to the engine.
Which Vehicles Need Oil Coolers?
While any vehicle can have an oil cooler, vehicles frequently involved in heavy-duty or high-performance situations usually require one. Coolers are most often in semi-trucks, heavy-duty pickup trucks that haul trailers, and sports vehicles. However, if you tow a great deal with your regular passenger car, then you would also benefit from an oil cooler.
Oil coolers extend the life of your vehicle's engine and reduce the chance of overheating under extreme conditions. For example, if you haul a trailer uphill for long distances, then chances are that your engine works at maximum capacity for a long time. This creates a lot of heat that needs a way to dissipate. If the heat cannot be released, then it builds up and raises the engine's temperature. An oil cooler provides an extra surface for that heat to dissipate.
Do Oil Coolers Need Special Attention?
If installed correctly, your engine oil cooler should not need much maintenance. Like radiators, make sure to keep your cooler clean of debris, and check for leaks. On top of that, make sure you keep your engine oil in good condition. Change your oil at the recommended intervals. This helps to reduce the chance that your cooler will plug internally.