Air cooling is a method of removing heat from a system, without the use of liquid coolant. It involves using a pump to draw air in at the center of the system, then forcing it over fins to the hot metal at the edges. For a good result, the surface area of the metal in contact with the air should be at least 100 times larger than the air’s surface area. The temperature difference between the two mediums is also important.
An air cooling system contains valves, supports, and filters. The valves control the amount of air that is directed to the fan. Fans can be installed in series or parallel. A single fan can provide more free air flow than two fans in parallel. However, a series installation would double the free air flow rate.
An air cooling system is used in many types of engines. It can be found in cars, motorcycles, and aircraft. In most cases, air is forced over the fins of the cylinders to remove heat. While water-cooled engines convert their heat into hot air, air-cooled engines can harness heat from the exhaust system.
Air-cooled engines often use a baffling system. In these engines, a set of ducts is formed around the engine to draw the heat outside. When the engine is running, the ducts redistribute the air to the various units of the station. To ensure that the engine is at a proper temperature, a thermostat controls the amount of air that reaches the fan.
Some engines may have ducts surrounding the cylinder, and a flywheel may function as a cooling fan. These systems are relatively inexpensive and simple. They are effective for small air-cooled engines, but may be impractical for large engines.
One common way to use an air cooling system is to install a blower-type fan. This type of fan works well for small air-cooled engines. Generally, this type of fan can be placed on the main shaft. As a result, the fan should be enclosed in a metal casing. Also, a damper door should be provided to prevent debris from entering the cooling air system.
Air is then passed over a heat transfer system that includes the radiator, cooling fins, and oil cooler. Each component is cooled to a specific temperature, depending on its load. Liquid coolant is not used with air-cooled equipment because it can cause boiling. If the cooling air system is located on a heat-sensitive electronic component, water may drip onto the component. Therefore, it is crucial to protect the device from heat radiation.
Many computer components are designed to generate as little heat as possible. They will have heatsinks attached to them. Depending on the type of processor, the heatsinks can be passive or integrated. Passive heatsinks are commonly found on older CPUs. The heatsinks are often attached to a larger radiator heatsink.
When comparing an air-cooled system to a water-cooled system, it’s worth remembering that liquid coolant is generally more costly and requires more maintenance. Additionally, the vapor gives up latent heat.
