Aluminum vs Copper Radiator – Difference and Comparison

What is Aluminum Radiator?

Aluminum is a versatile metal that may be used in a variety of applications. Aluminum radiators may be found in both houses and automobiles. To make aluminium more malleable, it must be combined with other metals. Aluminum is a good heat conductor. As a result, it’s employed in the production of radiators. The temperature of the aluminium radiators may be increased or decreased in a short period of time.

People like to utilize aluminum radiators in their homes. People who live in cold climates use radiators to keep their homes warm. Aluminum radiators heat up rapidly and effectively modify the temperature of a space. Aluminum radiators only need a little quantity of water or coolant to function properly. Because a tiny volume of water may heat very quickly, aluminum radiators can be used.

Aluminum radiators are resistant to corrosion and consequently long-lasting. It also uses less electricity, which contributes to energy conservation. It will last a long time and is difficult to fix. Aluminum metal may be recycled and reused. As a result, this is an ecologically sound alternative to consider. These Aluminum radiators are especially popular among those who desire a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Aluminum automotive radiators have broad tubes. The coolant is present in this tube. Which is so large, there is very little danger of it becoming clogged. The tubes have a diameter of one inch. Welding is used to join the tubes to the tank. This type of welding provides for more efficient and rapid heat transmission. Aluminum is a light metal that is used in cars.

What is Copper Radiator?

Copper is also used to make radiators. Copper tubes and fins are used in copper radiators. Copper radiators have a high heat transfer efficiency. Alloys are made by combining copper with other metals. Alloys are occasionally utilised in the production of radiators. Copper radiators are capable of absorbing a lot of heat.

The heat gathered is then turned into cooler air and dissipated when the coolants move through the tubes to the fins. Copper radiators feature thin tubes that are more prone to clogging and need to be cleaned more frequently. The engine‘s copper radiator tubes are connected to it. Copper is a heavy metal, and copper radiators are no exception.

Copper was first used to make automotive radiators in the nineteenth century. The melting point of copper is quite high. It melts at a temperature of 1,085 degrees Celsius. In comparison to many other metals, this is an extremely high value. Copper radiators can withstand the high temperatures produced by automotive engines because of this.

Copper radiators are also resistant to high temperatures and pressures. They are able to endure the harsh conditions that are frequent in a vehicle’s engine. Copper radiators are also less expensive than steel radiators. Copper radiators are a classic design that has been around for a long time.

Difference Between Aluminum and Copper Radiator

  1. Aluminum radiators do not clog readily because of their broader tubes, unlike Copper radiators can.
  2. Aluminum radiator coolant tubes are 1 inch wide, whereas copper radiator coolant tubes are half-inch wide.
  3. The aluminum radiator is durable and non-corrosive, but the copper radiator is susceptible to harm.
  4. In comparison to the hefty copper radiators, automobiles with Aluminum radiators are lighter.
  5. Welding is used to connecting aluminum radiator tubes to engines, whereas soldering is used to attach copper radiator tubes.
  6. Copper radiators have high efficiency and are excellent heat conductors. Aluminum radiators are also effective heat conductors, however, they are inefficient in comparison to copper radiators.

Comparison Between Aluminum and Copper Radiator

Parameters of ComparisonAluminum RadiatorCopper Radiator
ConductivityAluminum is an excellent heat conductor, although not as good as copper.Copper is far more effective than aluminum in transferring heat.
Tube sizeTubes are 1 inch in diameter and 1 inch wide.Tubes with a diameter of 0.5 inches.
Corrosion resistanceAluminum radiators are resistant to corrosion and are not readily damaged.Copper radiators are readily rusted and damaged.
WeightRadiators made of aluminum are low in weight.When compared to aluminum radiators, copper radiators are heavier.
Price rangeWhen compared to copper radiators, they are more expensive.In comparison to Aluminum radiators, it is reasonably priced.

References

  1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1081/SS-100100645
  2. https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/850043/