What is the main function of the aftercooler?

What is the main function of the aftercooler?

• A. To cool compressed air
• B. To heat intake air
• C. To increase air pressure
• D. To filter the air

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that an aftercooler removes heat from air after it has been compressed. When air is compressed it gets very hot, and hot air is less dense. By cooling that air, you increase its density so more oxygen can fit into the cylinders for a given volume, which improves engine breathing, torque, and overall efficiency. Cooling also helps reduce moisture in the charge, since cooler air holds less water vapor and any condensate can be separated out before it reaches the engine. Additionally, cooler intake temperatures lessen the tendency for pre-ignition or knocking, protecting the engine and allowing better performance. This device doesn’t heat the air, doesn’t raise the pressure, and doesn’t filter the air—that’s handled by other components of the induction and cooling system.

The main idea here is that an aftercooler removes heat from air after it has been compressed. When air is compressed it gets very hot, and hot air is less dense. By cooling that air, you increase its density so more oxygen can fit into the cylinders for a given volume, which improves engine breathing, torque, and overall efficiency. Cooling also helps reduce moisture in the charge, since cooler air holds less water vapor and any condensate can be separated out before it reaches the engine. Additionally, cooler intake temperatures lessen the tendency for pre-ignition or knocking, protecting the engine and allowing better performance.

This device doesn’t heat the air, doesn’t raise the pressure, and doesn’t filter the air—that’s handled by other components of the induction and cooling system.