Functions of Engine Cooling System

The Engine Cooling System: Definition
The cooling system is made up of a number of parts that allow liquid coolant to flow into the engine block and head’s channels and absorb combustion heat. The heated fluid will then be sent to the radiator for cooling via a rubber tube. An air stream cools the heated fluid (hot water) as it enters the radiator through the little tubes. Modern internal combustion engines use both liquid and air cooling, but some engines also use one or the other to remove waste heat. The system is lightweight and very simple because air from the atmosphere is used to cool special purpose or small engines. While in some engines the cooling is accomplished by transferring heat from a closed water loop to the radiator.

Compared to air, water is better able to transfer heat away from the engine fast. The engine becomes heavier, more expensive, and more complex due to the water cooling system’s components. The technique works well with increasingly powerful engines that can move more weight but also produce more waste heat.

Functions of Engine Cooling System

Below are the functions of a cooling system in internal combustion engines:

Since the temperature of the combustion gases (burning gases) in the engine cylinder can reach up to 1500–2000 degrees Celsius, the cooling system in IC engines is essential. This is above the point at which the engine’s cylinder head and body material will melt. Therefore, major issues and failure of the cylinder material result if the heat is not removed.

Reducing the temperature of the lubricating oil that lubricates and cools the moving parts is another task performed by the cooling system of an automotive engine. The layer and lubricating oil become oxidized at very high temperatures, which results in surface carbonization. Piston seizures are a frequent effect of this.

because an engine’s thermal efficiency decreases when too much heat is removed. At least 30% of the heat produced by the combustion chamber is intended to be removed by the system.

When the engine is heated, a functioning cooling system should be able to quickly remove heat. Engines are chilly when they are starting, thus little cooling is required for the working parts to quickly attain their operating temperature.

Higher temperatures lower the volumetric efficiency of the engine. And because of overheating, larger temperature differences will result in distortion of the engine components due to the thermal stresses set up. For this, a functional cooling system is required to keep the temperature variation normal.

READ OUR NEXT ARTICLE ON THE COMPONENTS OF COOLING SYSTEM.