Radiator Heat Dissipation

[sVperbeast2k5]

Hello,

 

Here's a question for those in the know (and anyone else that wants to take a stab at it ).

 

Given that the radiator in a watercooled system functions by using air from the surrounding environment to dissipate heat from the water, will having a higher water temperature increase the efficiency of the heat transfer from the radiator? In terms of efficiency, I mean would the radiator (with the attached fan, of course) be able to remove the heat faster if the difference between the ambient air temperature and the water temperature is greater?

 

Just wondering about this, because I'm considering adding another waterblock (graphics card) to the system and was evaluating the overall results.

 

Thanx!

[docmodgod]

yes, you are correct.....which is why on most superbikes there is no fan or if there is then the fan only kicks in while below a curtain speed. Obvoiusly this only works to an extent.....as far as aircooling a radiator goes....assuming your ambient temp is 70 degrees then you accelerate that by either causeing a vacuum within the fins of the radiator or a blowing through the radiator. No matter what though you will always have a point where more doesnt neccessarliy mean better. That is why more people either lean towards commercial chillers for their resevoirs or phase exchange coolers like the prometeia. You could chill the air running through the radiator but then that would be so inefficient that its not even worth thinking about. :-)

[sVperbeast2k5]

Ah... That makes sense!

 

Thanks for the help!

[justinal]

someone listened in class