Car refrigerator - What is a car refrigerator for?

Although the engines have advanced in terms of fuel efficiency, about ⅔ of the energy from the fuel is still being converted to unused heat. This heat is controlled by the engine cooling system, providing it with the optimum temperature in all conditions. The basis of the cooling system is the car refrigerator.

The picture shows the situation when the engine is cold.

A - motor; B - car refrigerator; C - engine cooling; D - cabin heater; E - thermostat; F - radiator fan; G - cabin fan

How the car fridge works

When the engine is cold, the thermostat does not release coolant into the radiator. When the engine is warmed up, the coolant also begins to circulate through the car radiator. Passing through the ducts in the block and the cylinder head, the coolant drains the heat. After that, she goes to the fridge where she transfers that heat to the environment. So cool, it goes into the engine again and the cycle evaporates.

The refrigerator consists of a thin tube system. These pipes allow us to have a large contact surface between the coolant in the pipes and the environment. Around the tube is a honeycomb, usually made of copper or aluminum. This honeycomb has the role of further increasing the contact surface between the refrigerator and the environment. The refrigerator is usually located in the front of the car, behind the front grille. Therefore, the air that snores while the car is moving takes heat away from the refrigerator. Behind the refrigerator there is also a fan, which creates additional airflow when the car is standing (driving in city traffic).

Other refrigerators in the car work on the same principle: air conditioning refrigerator, cabin refrigerator, intercooler…

Fridge malfunctions

The most common refrigerator failure is physical damage. Because the engine cooler is located at the front of the car, a little more impact will damage it. In this case, his replacement is necessary.

If you use clean water as a coolant, engine and radiator corrosion can occur. Over time, this damage will cause the coolant to leak out of the radiator. That is why it is recommended that you never use pure water, but a mixture antifreeze i water, best in 50:50 ratio.

With distillation, mix distilled water, not tap water. The faucet is full of limescale, which will clog the fridge. When the cooler is clogged, the water cannot circulate and the engine overheats. In this case, you can try to rinse the refrigerator. If that doesn't help, the only solution is to replace the refrigerator.

Over time, dirt and insects linger in the honeycomb of the refrigerator. This impedes airflow and normal cooling. Then it is necessary to clean or wash the refrigerator.

Source: www.auto-delovi.org