FL5 Track Cooling Experiment: Portable Water Misting the Condenser/Radiator & Intercooler (Data from 99°F Texas HPDE)

[AZCWTypeR]

Rain water is soft BTW. If using hard tap water, you'll eventually deposit a thin calcium layer on the cooling fins. The buildup may not happen quickly, but something to consider.
I've removed calcium on aluminum humidifier cores with vinegar, but you erode the aluminum too.
Also, distilled water tends to be corrosive. De-ionized water is a better bet.

Sponsored

 

[johnloov]

Thank you for feedback - I’ll just use tap water for track days - I’ll update if I see any issues

 

[dwag88]

Definitely use distilled water. People ruin their outdoor AC units trying to spray them with hoses during heat waves. It works until calcium carbonate deposits accumulate on the fins of the radiator. Once that happens it’s trash and needs to be replaced.

 

[Ph8ed4life]

My experience isn't racing related, but definitely supports what you're seeing:

A friend and I used mister systems on our cars to help our AC systems 'feel' better during the hottest of the hot summer days here in southern AZ. 20 years ago, His EK civic started with one system under hood that he could control via wired switch. At first, it was only on the AC condenser and it made noticeable improvement in the cabin while driving. He expanded it to the engine cooling radiator and used it on long, sustained uphill stretches he commuted in the afternoon.

I do think your use of the heater to reject more heat is smart. Thank you for sharing all with the community!

 

[nttran98]

Definitely use distilled water. People ruin their outdoor AC units trying to spray them with hoses during heat waves. It works until calcium carbonate deposits accumulate on the fins of the radiator. Once that happens it’s trash and needs to be replaced.

This is what I was trying to convey, but me no EnGrisk

 

[kjechel]

Definitely use distilled water. People ruin their outdoor AC units trying to spray them with hoses during heat waves. It works until calcium carbonate deposits accumulate on the fins of the radiator. Once that happens it’s trash and needs to be replaced.

If using tap water, shutting off the spray on the cool down lap should allow the calcium-rich water to be blown off the fins and may help minimize potential buildup.

 

[CG13]

Where is the coolant temperature reading taken? Is there any risk it’s being influenced by the spray but the actual temp is higher away from the sensor?

Example would be in a home if the thermostat is in a closed room, temps can be regulated in that room but not the rest of the home without some built in offset.

I ask because the temp difference you’re showing is higher than I would expect.

Sponsored