Höyrykompressiojäähdytyssykli

Höyrykompressi, also known as steam compression, is a thermodynamic process used in refrigeration and heat pump systems. It involves the mechanical compression of a refrigerant vapor, which raises its temperature and pressure. This hot, high-pressure vapor then passes through a condenser, where it releases heat to the surrounding environment, typically cooling a space or heating water. As the refrigerant loses heat, it condenses into a liquid.

The liquid refrigerant then flows through an expansion valve, where its pressure and temperature are significantly reduced. This cold, low-pressure liquid then enters the evaporator. In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the source it is intended to cool, such as the interior of a refrigerator or the air in a building. This absorption of heat causes the refrigerant to vaporize.

The vaporized refrigerant then returns to the compressor, and the cycle repeats. The primary energy input for a steam compression system is typically electrical energy used to power the compressor. The efficiency of a steam compression system is measured by its Coefficient of Performance (COP), which is the ratio of the desired heat transfer (cooling or heating) to the energy input. This technology is widely used in air conditioning units, refrigerators, and industrial cooling processes.