Intercooler: Description and Operation

Inter-cooler (MINI COOPER S only)
Heat exchangers, now more commonly known as intercoolers, were originally used on large diesel engines in conjunction with a blower (supercharger). the intercooler construction is similar to that of the engine radiator.









Advantages of an intercooler.
- Increases mass/density of air change entering the cylinders.
- Helps keep cylinder head temperature lower.
- Reduces oxides of nitrogen.

There are two types of intercooler.
- Air to liquid intercooler.
- Air to air intercooler.

MINI COOPER S uses an air to air intercooler. the major advantage of the air to air intercooler over the air to liquid intercooler is its capacity to reduce the temperature of the compressed air charge to around 40-50°C.

Operation
When the compressed air mass leaves the outlet of the supercharger, the molecules of air are tightly packed together which generates heat. the air is forced into the inlet of the intercooler and is passed through many elongated tubes.

the ram air effect takes place as the vehicle moves forward and outside air passes externally over the elongated tubes cooling the compressed charge sufficiently before leaving the intercooler.

Location
the intercooler is located directly on top of the supercharger. It is mounted by 2 top hat brackets at the front, with the rear of the intercooler solidly mounted.