From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Limitations of the water cooling system in Phantom models and considering alternative methods.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 24\5\ Scan124 | |
| Date | 24th August 1926 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 4766 RECEIVED 24 AUG 1926 PN{Mr Northey}1/DN24.8.26. TO Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. FROM P.N. ENGINE COOLING - PHANTOMS. In reviewing our present position in respect of the degree of effectiveness we have so far achieved with cooling adequately the water system, one is chiefly struck by two points:- (1) Although we produce and sell a powerful motor-car capable of developing a high degree of horse-power and a good performance when we have not to consider over-heating primarily, directly such a car is required to tour in mountainous country in hot weather we have to recognise that the engine power available will probably have to be looked upon as being 33% down, because in order to keep the water within boiling limits, we have to fall off on to a lower gear and run with the throttle perhaps only two-thirds open; in this way we succeed, when climbing, in demonstrating a very poor performance. We can doubtless climb any given Pass in the summer quite effectively, but nowhere near as dramatically or as usefully as we could do had we not to consider the contingent loss of water. (2) We appear to have reached a limit of suitable cooling arrangements with our engine with the system of cooling we still adopt and which is generally adopted, chiefly from the point of view of appearance; for instance, the latest proposed radiator for Phantoms which encloses the shutters, looks hopelessly massive and ugly. You have doubtless taken considerable interest in other methods of cooling and especially perhaps the "steam method" of cooling, which I believe originated in U.S.A., whereby there is no water circulation, but instead the relatively small amount of water being heated by the cylinder heads would almost immediately turn into steam, which passing through the top of the radiator is condensed, the water collecting at the bottom of the system which comprises a small tank from which the water is -P.T.O.- | ||