Jahutusvahend

Jahutusvahend is the Estonian word for refrigerant. Refrigerants are working fluids used in a refrigeration cycle, most commonly in vapor-compression refrigeration systems. Their primary function is to absorb heat from a low-temperature source and release it to a high-temperature sink. This heat transfer is achieved through a phase change, typically evaporation and condensation, within the refrigeration system.

Historically, early refrigerants included ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and methyl chloride. However, concerns about toxicity and flammability led to the development of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in the mid-20th century. These refrigerants were widely adopted due to their excellent thermodynamic properties and perceived safety.

However, it was later discovered that CFCs and HCFCs deplete the ozone layer, leading to international agreements like the Montreal Protocol to phase them out. This has driven the development and adoption of newer generations of refrigerants, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), and natural refrigerants such as CO2, ammonia, and hydrocarbons. The selection of a refrigerant depends on various factors, including the application, operating temperature, efficiency requirements, safety regulations, and environmental impact, particularly its global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP). Jahutusvahendid are crucial components in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, preserving food, and enabling various industrial processes.