Charge Air Cooler Effectiveness
ε = (T1 − T2) / (T1 − T_cw) - CAC effectiveness. Modern marine CAC typically 0.70–0.85.
CAC effectiveness ε
0.906 -
Formula, assumptions, and limits
Shell-and-tube marine CACs 0.70–0.80; plate-fin higher 0.80–0.88. Falling ε with unchanged inlet conditions = fouling on the air-side (sootballs) or water-side (salt-scale) - clean or chemical-treat.
Symbol legend
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air after compressor | °C | turbocharger | |
| Air after CAC | °C | CAC outlet | |
| CW inlet to CAC | °C | CW pump outlet |