Radiator
A radiator is common term for a heat exchanger of some sort. The term normally applies to one of two uses:
- in automobiles with an internal combustion engine: a radiator is connected to channels running through the engine and cylinder head, through which is pumped a liquid, typically a water with ethylene glycol (antifreeze) mixture. The fluid is heated by the engine and then flows back to the radiator through a thermostat, where it is cooled again. This process cools the entire engine.
- buildings: a radiator is a heating device, which is warmed by hot water being pumped into it from a water heater.
In electronics, a radiator is any device that emits radiation. It is also known as a radiating element. Radiating elements are a basic subdivision of an antenna. Radiating elements are capable of transcieving electromagnetic energy.
