Re: thermoelectric cooler for the intercooler
Sorry, showing up late for the discussion.
Yes, years back I did a major effort on TEC coolers. To start, the comments already posted are spot on.
canadian
As for the Peltier coolers, it would take a metric ass ton of current to make a big enough difference on the I/C and the alternator isn't usually capable of providing enough juice to do it. The other issue is where to get rid of the heat on the hot side of it. It has to go somewhere and under the hood there's not much space to get rid of it.
sytyguy
Electrical draw
Heat dissipation
Inconsistent temp removal across the entire intercooler
Couldn't "take the heat" - The second biggest problem. The units took too long to remove the heat once it soaked in.
What I did:
Machined top of stock IC flat.Cut and machined a high density extruded heat sink on top. Had to clay model and contor the top of the heat sink to fit just under the hood. Made a clam shell surround for the upper IC to insulate and create a frame to press the heat sink to the 20 TEC cells. Made a duct system to pump huge amount of air from squirrel cage motor thru heat sink. Used massive alternator and biggest battery possible to support power.
How it operated:
I would run it on massive power supply in garage for half hour to pre cool. I had current of ~150 amps at 14 v powering it. I also ran the intercooler water pump to bring the entire system down in temp. At best I could bring everything down 40-50 deg below ambient. Then switch to truck power, go for a test ride. Able to maintain low IC temps until going for boost. In 10 seconds of boost,I would end up with IC temps over ambient.
Issue:
After preloading the IC cold, and doing 1 run, the best I could do is 20 degrees below ambient. The heat soak situation kept be from ever getting back to the starting point.
Conclude:
A lot of effort for small gains. Messed with it for ~2 years, and had several TEC cells quit. Fairly expensive, quite complicated, power hungry, learned new respect for heat soak. Removed TEC stuff.
Fast forward to now:
Using connelys upper IC, larger alum lower IC,15 amp water pump, lower scoop, fan on lower. Noticable better than stock.
On special occasions I do the following:
I installed two quality hose quick disconnects to break into the IC water system. I tap in an external ice chest and pump thru it.After some time, I disconnect the ice chest and go for a boost run. Not very elegant, but effective.
Future: Find a better way!
