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Like most things regarding our hobby - it all depends on
objectives and compromises. Efficiency at the component level does
not necessarily equate to system effectiveness. As an example, You
could have a 100% efficient (ok 99% - since nothings perfect) radiator but if it
is too small for the heat load its required to dissipate, then the system
will not be effective. On the other hand you can have a radiator that
is only 40% efficient but if its large enough it will still dissipate the
heat load - enabling flight.
I think its clear that the cooling system needs to be
designed for its intended operating environment as well as the engine
installation. If I were hauling heavy loads out of mountain valleys at
high density altitudes I would certainly design a system to deal with high
power, high heat dissipation with low airflow and air density conditions.
If I were designing a system for a 250+ MPH cruise aircraft I would not use the
same design as for the "bush" plane. For the first, I would want the
utmost heat dissipation - screw the drag (I'm not going fast anyhow). In
the second, drag would be of much higher concern in my opinion.
Trying to make an inadequate cooling system functional by
using a different coolant is simply not going to work, but people keep
trying. If pure water is not doing the job, then using liquids with a
lower heat specific is only going to make it worst. Just my
opinion.
Ed
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