Charge Air Cooler

The charge air cooler (air to air type) is used to increase the density of air as it flows from the turbocharger compressor to the intake manifold. Compression of the charge air by the turbocharger raises the temperature of the air. This generation of heat further decreases the charge air density, and consequently less oxygen is able to enter the cylinders, reducing the engines power. To overcome this, the air is routed through the charge air cooler before it enters the engine; the temperature is reduced by transferring the heat to atmosphere. Cooling of the intake air also helps to reduce engine emissions by limiting nitrogen oxides (NOx) production.