Category: Powertrain
Intercooler
A heat exchanger that cools compressed air before it enters the engine.
When air is compressed by a turbo or supercharger, it heats up significantly. Hot air is less dense and contains less oxygen. An intercooler cools this air, increasing its density and allowing more fuel to be burned safely. Intercoolers can be air-to-air (cooled by ambient air) or air-to-water (cooled by a water circuit).
Related Concepts
TurbochargerSuperchargerCharge Air