A system, which controls the engine temperature, is known as a cooling system. Purpose of Cooling System: To remove the excessive heat from the engine to avoid damaged of the engine components. Too much cooling is also not desirable because it reduces the thermal efficiency. The engine will perform best in the desired operating temperature. Cooling System
Types of cooling system Air cooling system Water cooling system
Air-cooling System Air cooled system is generally used in small engines such as 15-20 kW and in aero plane engines . In this system fins or extended surfaces are provided on the cylinder walls, cylinder head, etc. Heat generated due to combustion in the engine cylinder will be conducted to the fins and when the air flows over the fins, heat will be dissipated to air.
Factors affect cooling efficiency The amount of heat dissipated to air depends upon : Velocity and amount of air flowing through the fins. Fin surface area. Thermal conductivity of metal used for fins The temperature of the fins and the cooling air.
Advantages of Air Cooling System is light because radiator/pump is absent. There are no leakages. Coolant and antifreeze solutions are not required. Can be used in cold climates, where if water is used it may freeze. It is cheaper to manufacture. It needs less care and maintenance.
Disadvantages of Air Cooling Comparatively it is less efficient. It is used in aero planes and motorcycle engines where the engines are exposed to air directly.
Water-cooling System In this method, cooling water jackets are provided around the cylinder, cylinder head, valve seats etc. The water when circulated through the jackets, it absorbs heat of combustion. This hot water will then be cooling in the radiator partially by a fan and partially by the flow developed by the forward motion of the vehicle. The cooled water is again recirculated through the water jackets.
Types of water-cooling system 1. Direct or non-return water-cooling system 2. Open Hopper water-cooling system 3. Thermo-siphon water-cooling system 4. Pump or forced circulation water-cooling system
This is suitable for large installations and where plenty of water is available. The water from a storage tank is directly supplied to the engine cylinder. The hot water is not cooled for reuse but simply discharges. The low H.P. engine, coupled with the irrigation pump is an example. Direct or Non-Return Water Cooling System
This system works on the principle that hot water being lighter rises up and the cold water being heavier goes down . In this system the radiator is placed at a higher level than the engine for the easy flow of water towards the engine. Heat is conducted to the water jackets from where it is taken away due to convection by the circulating water. As the water jacket becomes hot, it rises to the top of the radiator. Cold water from the radiator takes the place of the rising hot water and in this way a circulation of water is set up the system. This helps in keeping the engine at working temperature . Thermo Siphon water cooling System
Thermo Siphon System
Thermo Siphon water cooling System
Advantages of Thermo Siphon water cooling System Construction is comparatively cheap because no water pump is required. Reliable as there are no moving parts. Circulation of water depends on engine temperature. Dis-Advantages Rate of circulation is too slow. Circulation commences only when there is a marked difference in temperature. Circulation stops as the level of water falls below the top of the delivery pipe of the radiator. For these reasons this system has become obsolete and is no more in use.
This also works on the same principle as the thermo- siphone system. In this there is a hopper on a jacket containing water, which surrounds the engine cylinder. In this system, as soon as water starts boiling, it is replaced by cold water. An engine fitted with this system cannot run for several hours without it being refilled with water. Hopper Water Cooling S ystem
This system is similar in construction to the thermo- siphone system except that it makes use of a centrifugal pump to circulate the water throughout the water jackets and radiator . The water flows from the lower portion of the radiator to the water jacket of the engine through the centrifugal pump . After the circulation water comes back to the radiator, it loses its heat by the process of radiation. This system is employed in cars, trucks, tractors, etc. Pump or forced Circulation water cooling System
Pump or forced Circulation System
Working principle of Pump or forced Circulation water cooling system.
Components of water cooling system Radiator Water pump Thermostat Radiator pressure cap Expansion tank Radiator fan Water temperature indicator
Radiator The radiator is basically a heat exchanger, transferring heat from the engine to the air passing through it . The radiator itself is a series of tubes and fins (collectively called the core) that expose the coolant’s heat to as much surface area as possible.
Water Pump The heart of the cooling system is the water pump. Its job is to move the coolant through the system. Typically the water pump is driven by the crankshaft through pulleys and a drive belt.
The pumps are centrifugal-type pumps with a rotating impeller to move the coolant. The shaft is mounted in the water pump housing and rotates on bearings. The pump has a seal to keep the coolant from passing through it. The inlet of the pump connects to the lower radiator hose, and its outlet connects to the engine block.
Thermostat A thermostat is a temperature-responsive coolant flow control valve. It controls the temperature and amount of coolant entering the radiator. Most thermostats are located on the top and front of an engine.
How it works? While the engine is cold, the thermostat remains closed, allowing coolant to only circulate in the engine. This allows the engine to uniformly warm up . When the coolant reaches a specified temperature, the thermostat begins to open and allows coolant to flow to the radiator. The hotter the coolant gets, the more the thermostat opens, sending more coolant to the radiator.
Radiator Fan The efficiency of the cooling system depends on the amount of heat that can be removed from the system and transferred to the air. At high speeds, the ram air through the radiator should be sufficient/enough to maintain proper cooling. At low speeds and idle, the system needs additional air. This air is delivered by a fan.
The fan may be driven by the engine, via a belt, or driven by an electric motor. A belt-driven fan is bolted to a pulley on the water pump and turns constantly with the engine . Thus, belt-driven fans always draw air through the radiator from the rear.
Advantages of Water-Cooled System Uniform cooling of cylinder, cylinder head and valves. Specific fuel consumption of engine improves by using water cooling system. If we employ water cooling system, then engine need not be provided at the front end of moving vehicle .
Disadvantages of Water-Cooled System It depends upon the supply of water. The water pump which circulates water absorbs considerable power. If the water cooling system fails then it will result in severe damage of engine. The water cooling system is high cost as it has more number of parts. Also it requires more maintenance and care for its parts.