Analysis of the Influence of Coolants on Engine Performance

Purpose: Cooling systems in Automobile engines are one of the major units that maintain conducive engine operating temperature. For quite some time now, water has been the common coolant in use. This work aims at comparing water and air conditioning condensate on automobile engines. Design/Methodology/Approach: Samples of 1.5 L each of coolant (water and air conditioning condensate) were collected and their pH values were measured. Engine performance analysis was done using a hydraulic dynamometer mounted on four-stroke spark ignition Ford Engine. Findings: The pH values of all the samples indicated basic i.e. (7.23 and 7.23) for water and condensate respectively. Using air conditioning condensate, engine torque was improved by 35.8% as against using water as a coolant. Again, there was a percentage increase of 36.4 in engine brake power for air conditioning condensate compared with that of water as coolant. Using air conditioning condensate, the fuel consumption was reduced by 40% as compared to water. Additionally, the exhaust emission (CO) was decreased by 8.4% when air conditioning condensate is being used against water. Practical Implications: The study concluded that air conditioning condensate could be a better alternative to engine coolant. Originality/Value: The study uniquely addresses the potential influence of coolants on emissions. Engine cooling impacts combustion temperature, which can in turn affect emissions levels. Understanding this relationship contributes to more environmentally friendly engine operations.