Koelfunctie

Koelfunctie is a Dutch term used in engineering to describe the capacity of a system to remove heat from a component, device, or process. It is commonly expressed as a rate, Q̇, in watts, corresponding to the amount of heat removed per unit time. In practical applications it is closely linked to the cooling capacity and to efficiency metrics such as the coefficient of performance (COP).

In HVAC and refrigeration contexts, koelfunctie refers to how much heat the evaporator can remove from a space, given operating conditions. In electronics cooling and automotive thermal management, it characterizes the ability of a cooler, heat sink, or radiator to keep components within safe temperatures.

Measurement and factors: koelfunctie depends on inlet temperatures, flow rates, and refrigerant properties; it is often modeled with Q̇ = ṁ c_p ΔT for simple sensible cooling, though the analysis becomes nuanced with phase changes in refrigeration cycles.

Design considerations: systems must meet the required koelfunctie across load ranges; this influences the selection of compressor, condenser, evaporator, and fans, as well as control strategies and overall energy efficiency.

See also: heat transfer, heat capacity, COP, refrigeration cycle, cooling curve, thermal management.