Which component in the cooling system transfers heat from oil to air?

Which component in the cooling system transfers heat from oil to air?

• A. Air/Oil heat exchanger
• B. Water/air radiator
• C. Vapor cycle cooler
• D. No cooling system installed

Answer: (A)

Heat is removed from hot oil most efficiently with an air/oil heat exchanger, commonly called an oil cooler. In this component, oil flows through a core with fins while air is blown across it; heat moves from the oil to the air by conduction and convection, keeping the oil temperature within safe limits for proper lubrication and viscosity. The other options don’t serve this direct oil-to-air cooling role: a water/air radiator cools liquid coolant (not the oil) by transferring its heat to air, a vapor cycle cooler uses a refrigeration cycle to remove heat, and having no cooling system would leave the oil to overheat.

Heat is removed from hot oil most efficiently with an air/oil heat exchanger, commonly called an oil cooler. In this component, oil flows through a core with fins while air is blown across it; heat moves from the oil to the air by conduction and convection, keeping the oil temperature within safe limits for proper lubrication and viscosity. The other options don’t serve this direct oil-to-air cooling role: a water/air radiator cools liquid coolant (not the oil) by transferring its heat to air, a vapor cycle cooler uses a refrigeration cycle to remove heat, and having no cooling system would leave the oil to overheat.