A simple system for levelling the combustion-air temperature of supercharged internal combustion engines

For engines with rather fast changing load-cycles a simple system is proposed to cool the combustion air in the upper load-range and heat it in the lower range. This “levelling system” is self contained and works without any connection to the ambient air or to the cooling circuit of the engine. It relies basically on means, which enhance the thermal inertia of the inlet manifold in combination with an efficient heat exchange with the combustion air.

Examples are given for different applications. Test results prove the advantages of the system and are compared with results of ordinary aftercooling systems.

Furthermore it is shown that even aftercooled engines may benefit from a higher thermal inertia.

The paper demonstrates that a levelling system is an economical and usefull means to improve the behaviour of ail types of supercharged engines.