I have been contemplating a different cooling system for my CRX.
I like the radiator in tank idea, but it looks like a lot of work.
How about something like this?
http://www.altheatsupply.com/index.php/shop-by-needs/outdoor-wood-furnace-parts/plate-heat-exchangers.htmlMy car is about 225hp at the crank. I was thinking of using an about 15 gallon water tank.
I was thinking of a 100 plate model for about $400: Rated at about 250,000 btu/hr. Or about 4000 btu/minute. My quick calculation: My 225 hp motor sends about 75hp of heat to cooling system - so 75hp * 42 btu/min per hp means about 3200 btu/min my motor would send to the cooling system.
Smaller, ready to go compared to building something.
I was thinking of just warming up the engine to about 180-200 degrees to start run, thermostat beginning to open, water circulating through one side of the heat exchanger, and then when leaving the line, turning on an about 20 gpm pump to circulate the water from the 15 gallon tank through the heat exchanger, and then back into the tank. In the end, it would have the capability to absorb the energy needed to heat 15 gallons water from 100 degrees to perhaps 200 degrees. Of course I could increase heat absorbtion capacity by starting with more like 50 degree water.
Engine side of heat exchanger would be pressurized to 20-30 psi based on radiator cap, and water tank side would be open to atmosphere.
These heat exchangers I believe are used for solar heaters and for boilers for houses, meaning they can handle more than enough pressure for our application.
Will something like this exchange the heat fast enought?
Thanks,
Jeff