Höyrykompressiota

Höyrykompressiota, known in English as steam compression, is a thermodynamic process used in refrigeration and heat pump cycles. It involves the compression of water vapor, which increases its temperature and pressure. This compressed, high-temperature steam is then used to transfer heat. The process typically begins with the evaporation of a refrigerant (in this case, water) at low pressure, absorbing heat from the space to be cooled. The resulting low-pressure steam is then drawn into a compressor. The compressor, often powered by electricity or mechanical energy, significantly increases the pressure and temperature of the steam. This hot, high-pressure steam is then passed through a condenser, where it releases its heat to a colder environment (e.g., the outside air or a water source). As the steam condenses back into liquid water, it releases a substantial amount of latent heat. The liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, where its pressure and temperature drop, preparing it to absorb heat again in the evaporator, thus completing the cycle. While water can be used as a refrigerant in steam compression systems, its high boiling point at atmospheric pressure and potential for high operating pressures limit its application, especially in standard refrigeration. However, it finds use in specific industrial applications, such as waste heat recovery or in systems designed for high-temperature heat pumping. The efficiency of a steam compression system is evaluated by its Coefficient of Performance (COP).