An automotive engine charge-air intake conditioner system: thermodynamic analysis of performance characteristics

A first law thermodynamic model has been developed and used to characterize the performance of an automotive engine charge-air intake conditioner system. This system employs a compressor, intercooler, and expander to provide increased charge density with the possibility of reducing, the charge-air temperature below the sink temperature. The model was validated against experimental measurements. The variation of system effectiveness with compressor, intercooler, and expander efficiency was quantified and system operating limits were identified. While the expander was found to have a greater effect than the compressor, the performance of the system was shown to be most dependent upon intercooler effectiveness.