Höyrypuristusjäähdytys

Höyrypuristusjäähdytys, also known as vapor-compression refrigeration in English, is the most common type of refrigeration system used in everyday applications like refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners. This thermodynamic cycle relies on the phase changes of a refrigerant to transfer heat. The fundamental principle involves compressing a refrigerant gas, which increases its temperature and pressure. This hot, high-pressure gas then flows through a condenser, typically a set of coils exposed to the surrounding air or water. Here, the refrigerant releases its heat and condenses into a high-pressure liquid.

The high-pressure liquid then passes through an expansion valve, which is a throttling device. This causes a significant drop in pressure and temperature, turning the refrigerant into a cold, low-pressure liquid-vapor mixture. This cold refrigerant then enters the evaporator, another set of coils located where cooling is desired. As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding environment (e.g., inside a refrigerator or a room), it evaporates back into a low-pressure gas. This cooling process is achieved because the refrigerant is absorbing heat to change from a liquid to a gas. The low-pressure gas is then drawn back into the compressor, and the cycle repeats continuously. The efficiency of the system depends on factors like the refrigerant used, the operating temperatures, and the design of the components.