Turbochargers and superchargers compress air to increase its density before it is pushed into the engine cylinders. This process significantly increases the engine’s power output. When air is compressed by the turbo- or superchargers, the temperature will go up, which has a negative effect on the amount of oxygen in the charge air. To ensure optimum cylinder charge, the charge air has to be cooled. This is the function that intercoolers perform.
By cooling the air leaving the turbocharger, intercoolers ensure enough oxygen gets to the cylinders for maximum combustion efficiency. With lowering the temperature of the charge air, the thermal load of the engine will also reduce, resulting in enhanced engine life.
