Air cooler (charge air)

The charge-air cooler is the heat exchanger between the turbocharger compressor outlet and the engine intake that cools compressed scavenge air before it reaches the cylinders. Compression heats the air to 150 to 200 degrees C; the cooler removes that heat with sea water or central cooling fresh water, bringing the charge to about 35 to 50 degrees C. Denser, cooler air carries more oxygen per cylinder charge, raising attainable power and cutting peak combustion temperature, which lowers NOx. A water mist catcher behind the cooler strips condensed water so liquid droplets stay out of the cylinder.