An intercooler is a heat exchanger that reduces the temperature of compressed intake air between stages of compression.

When air is compressed by a turbocharger, its:

• Pressure increases.
• Temperature increases.
• Density does not increase as much as it could because heat reduces density.

This follows basic thermodynamics:

For a gas, as temperature increases, density decreases at a given pressure. Hot compressed air is less dense than cool compressed air at the same pressure. That means less oxygen per unit volume.

An intercooler increases the density of compressed intake air by removing thermal energy, thereby improving combustion efficiency, power output, and engine durability.

Find out more...