What is the main function of the heat exchanger or intercooler in the turbocharging system of a heavy vehicle?

Question

DentroTest · Accepted Answer

The intercooler is a heat exchanger (air-to-air or air-to-water radiator) whose essential job is to cool the air that has previously been compressed by the turbocharger before it is fed into the combustion chambers. When air is compressed, it naturally heats up, losing density and containing fewer oxygen molecules per unit of volume. As it passes through the intercooler and cools down, the air regains density and its oxygen concentration increases, which makes it possible to inject more fuel and achieve more efficient combustion, increasing the power and performance of the engine without dangerously raising internal temperatures. Raising the intake air temperature is not its function, because heating it would reduce the available oxygen and worsen cylinder filling. Improving the lubrication of the turbocharger is not either, because that depends on the engine oil circuit and not on the intercooler.

What is the main function of the heat exchanger or intercooler in the turbocharging system of a heavy vehicle?

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