Kuldegenvinding

Kuldegenvinding is a term used in Scandinavian energy and HVAC contexts to describe the recovery and reuse of cold energy that would otherwise be wasted during cooling processes. The concept focuses on capturing low-temperature energy from sources such as exhaust air, process cooling loops, or latent heat in phase-change materials, and delivering it to other processes that require cooling. By reusing cold energy rather than generating new cooling, kuldegenvinding can reduce overall energy demand and operating costs while lowering peak electrical load.

The term combines kulde (cold) and genvinding (recovery).

Technologies employed in kuldegenvinding include heat exchangers such as plate and counterflow units, precooling using cold air streams or chilled water loops, and thermal storage with ice or phase-change materials. Systems may be integrated with absorption or mechanical chillers to maximize efficiency. Effective implementations balance temperature, humidity, and energy losses, and often require advanced control strategies to adapt to varying demand and ambient conditions.

Applications span data centers seeking free cooling, commercial and residential buildings using precooling of ventilation air, district cooling networks, and certain industrial processes where waste cold energy can substitute for conventional chillers. The approach contributes to lowered energy consumption and reduced environmental impact, particularly in climates with significant cooling needs.

Challenges include climate dependence, control system complexity, potential condensation and frost risks, initial capital costs, and ensuring reliability and safety of storage media. Kuldegenvinding is often part of broader energy-efficiency and demand-response strategies.