This SAE Recommended Practice is intended to outline basic nomenclature and terminology in common use for engine charge air coolers, related charge air cooling system components, and charge air cooling system operational performance parameters.

Description

An engine charge air cooler is a heat exchanger used to cool the charge air of an internal combustion engine after it has been compressed by an exhaust gas driven turbocharger or a mechanically or electrically driven blower (supercharger). The use of a charge air cooler offers increased engine horsepower output, reduced exhaust emission levels, and improved fuel economy through a more complete combustion process due to increased intake air density. Typical cooling media include the engine's coolant, ambient air, or an external coolant source.