What is the automotive low-temperature radiator assembly?
The automotive low-temperature radiator is the core component of the cooling system in new energy vehicles (especially electric vehicles), mainly responsible for cooling the low-temperature circuits of the drive motor, electronic control system, and battery pack, rather than the engine. It is usually integrated on the cooling fan in the front compartment of the vehicle, using the heat exchange between coolant and air to remove heat and ensure that the three-electric systems operate at an appropriate temperature.
Main components
Inlet chamber/Outlet chamber (water chamber): Located on both sides of the radiator, usually made of all-aluminum material, responsible for the inflow and outflow of coolant, connected to the cooling circuit through quick-connect pipes.
Radiator core: The main heat exchange component, adopting a transverse single-flow structure, consisting of cooling flat tubes and fins. The coolant flows in the flat tubes, and air passes through the flat tubes and fins to remove heat.
Cooling fan: Located in the front compartment of the vehicle, providing the required airflow for the low-temperature radiator and the outdoor heat exchanger, adjusting the speed through the vehicle's PWM signal.
Adjustment mechanism (for some new products): As shown in the patent of Nanchang Yinzhu, it uses fixed tubes, intermediate tubes, compensation tubes, outlet pipes, and expansion mechanisms to achieve the dynamic adjustment of the cooling water flow path within the heat dissipation plate, enabling flexible changes in the cooling water speed and adjusting the heat dissipation efficiency of specific areas.
Additional Explanation
Difference from traditional radiators: Traditional fuel vehicle radiators (commonly known as water tanks) mainly cool the engine, while the low-temperature radiator serves the power battery system of electric vehicles. The two have different functional positioning and cooling circuit designs.
Related standards: In July 2025, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers has released the project announcement for the "Automobile Low-Temperature Radiator" and other group standards. Jiangsu Chao Li Radiator Co., Ltd. is the lead organization for its formulation, indicating that this component is moving towards standardization.
The core function of the automotive low-temperature radiator is to cool the engine coolant to prevent the engine from overheating.
Its working principle is straightforward: The engine generates a lot of heat, and the coolant absorbs the heat in the engine and flows to the radiator at the front of the vehicle. The radiator uses the oncoming airflow and fans to carry away the heat, and the cooled coolant then circulates back to the engine to form a cooling loop. In simple terms, it is a heat exchanger that "carries" the engine's heat to the air.
The main responsibilities of the low-temperature radiator (water tank)
Core heat dissipation: It divides the high-temperature coolant flowing out of the engine into multiple small streams to increase the heat dissipation area, allowing the heat to quickly transfer to the passing air. The coolant temperature can typically drop by 10-15°C.
Store coolant: The radiator is commonly known as a "water tank" and is responsible for storing coolant and working with the fan to ensure the cooling effect.
Maintain engine operating conditions: By cooling the engine, it keeps it working within the appropriate temperature range of 80-95°C, avoiding overheating and component damage, and also preventing insufficient combustion due to excessive cooling.
The "companion" working with it
The radiator does not operate alone; it works in coordination with several components to be effective:
Thermostat: When the engine is cold and starts, the thermostat will close the valve leading to the radiator to allow the coolant to circulate only within the engine (small circulation), quickly warming up; when the temperature rises, it will open the valve to allow the coolant to enter the radiator for cooling (large circulation).
Cooling fan: When the vehicle is at low speed or idling, natural wind is insufficient, and the fan will actively draw in air to ensure the radiator has sufficient airflow.
Water pump: It is responsible for pressurizing the coolant and pushing it to continuously circulate between the engine and the radiator.
Note the distinction: There is often more than one radiator at the vehicle's front. Besides the "water tank" that cools the engine coolant, there are also the intercooler that cools the intake air, and the condenser that cools the refrigerant of the air conditioning system. They have different functions and should not be confused.
Daily maintenance tips
Clean the surface promptly: The surface of the radiator is prone to adsorb lint, dust, and debris, which can block the radiator fins and affect cooling. It is recommended to clean it regularly.
Use special coolant: Do not use ordinary tap water instead; use antifreeze coolant. It can prevent freezing, boiling, and rusting and corrosion, protecting the entire cooling system.
Pay attention to the radiator cap: It is not a regular cap; it is a component with a pressure valve that can increase the boiling point of the coolant. When the pressure is too high, it will discharge the excess coolant into the reservoir and then suck it back. Do not randomly open the radiator cap of the water tank in a high-temperature state as there is a risk of burns.
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