Teknikmobil.com – The cooling system is as important as the lubrication system . These two systems work together to stabilize the temperature of the internal combustion engine which is known to produce heat from explosions in the combustion chamber. A hot engine is necessary for this type of engine but too hot it is impossible for it to work properly. Therefore, the heat stability of the engine really must be maintained. But how does a car radiator work in such a way that it can maintain the engine’s hot temperature?
What are Radiators? And what are the components
The radiator is a device that is the starting point for all radiator water or coolant after it flows into the water jacket to take heat from the engine. The radiator is the most important component of the cooling system in an internal combustion system vehicle. After the fluid returns to the radiator, this is where the radiator water will be cooled before returning to the engine to take the heat back. With the radiator’s ability to cool the hot fluid, the engine can avoid engine overheating .
The image shows the parts of a radiator.
Heat transfer by convection is the basis of the work of radiators, including car radiators. In carrying out its role, the radiator is assisted by the main components of the radiator as shown in the picture above.
The first component is the inlet tank. This part is located on the side of the radiator pointing vertically. Its main function is to accommodate high temperature fluid that has just spread from the engine. The tank inlet is connected to the output hose from the engine direction (see picture below).
The next component is the connecting channel. There are dozens of connecting channels in one radiator. This section will connect the tank inlet and outlet. The large number of connecting channels aims to make it easier for the radiator water to cool more quickly.
The third component is the air fin. The fins have the role of releasing heat into the free air. The fin will be between the connecting channels.
And the final component is the tank outlet. This section will accommodate fluid that has been cooled by connecting channels and assisted by air fins. The fluid from this section is the fluid that is ready to go back into the engine to take heat from inside the engine.
How a Car Radiator Works
Look at the image above before continuing to read this article.
The car radiator works when high temperature fluid comes out of the engine and enters the inlet tank. The radiator water is then routed to the connecting channel closest to the inlet tank. Conductors as materials for making connecting channels will immediately transfer the heat in the fluid into the material that forms it. So the temperature will decrease quickly.
Note that the connecting ducts also connect directly to the air fins along the sides. The heat from the heat absorbed by the connecting duct walls, therefore, is also immediately channeled to the air fins. Air fins are also made of conductor material so they absorb heat easily. Well, the heat in the air fins can then be ‘thrown’ directly into the air with the help of a radiator fan.
Air from the front of the vehicle, including when the vehicle is moving, will be attracted by the radiator fan. This air will carry heat from the air fins. The radiator water temperature will continue to decrease as it moves to the tank outlet. The radiator water at the tank outlet is now completely ready to return to the engine through the water jacket to take heat from the engine again.
This kind of process will continue as long as the car engine is running. Of course, except at the start when the engine is not yet at normal working temperature.