I'm considering making some changes to my cooling
system as it is not adequate when flying low & slow, as on
recent flights on a few hot days. I'm still using a set of evap
cores as they fit the limited space on either side of the PSRU
in an RV cowl.
Bill Jepson made mention of a curved radiator earlier
this summer, which as been simmering on a hot spot way back in
my brain ever since. I've spent the last few days looking real
hard at the idea.
The size and shape of the curve looks like it would conform
quite nicely to the bottom of the RV cowl. so that the top of
the rad would be perpendicular to the airflow while the bottom
will curve away. This would require a new ducts to be glassed
to take advantage of this, but that would allow for more time
and room to slow down the airflow for greater efficiency. It
would also almost double the square inches of cooling area
than I currently have, however as it is thinner it would
provide half of the cubic inches of volume as I currently
have.
The small thick rads I currently use were chosen more with
high speeds in mind (well, and of course ease of
installation), but now I'm thinking that I'd rather have a
thinner rad that would perform better on the ground and in
slow flight. These curved rads seem like they could offer some
advantages.
I've just found them listed on Amazon.ca for $148CAD with
free shipping (x2)which seems pretty resonable, so for $300,
it might offer a significant cooling upgrade.... or maybe not.
I wish I could find an old one to cut open to inspect, test
weld, check for fit, etc.
Does anybody have any thoughts on the idea? I'm on the edge
so it wouldn't take much to push me over, or pull me back....