Kølervæske

Kølervæske, also known as refrigerant, is a substance used in the cooling system of refrigeration equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units. It is a critical component that helps to transfer heat from the interior of the equipment to the exterior, thus cooling the space.

The most commonly used kølervæske is a hydrocarbon called R-12, also known as dichlorodifluoromethane. However, due to environmental concerns and the potential for ozone depletion, many countries have phased out the use of R-12 and replaced it with new kølervæske such as R-134a and R-410A.

Kølervæske is a manufactured liquid that is designed to withstand the high pressures and temperatures that occur within the refrigeration system. It is typically a mixture of various hydrocarbons and fluorocarbons that have been engineered to provide optimal cooling performance while minimizing the risk of leakage and environmental damage.

In the kølervæske circuit, the liquid is pumped through a heat exchanger called a condenser, where it absorbs heat from the surrounding environment. The heated kølervæske then passes through an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and allows it to expand, thus becoming a gas. The gas then enters the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the interior of the equipment, causing the kølervæske to evaporate. This cycling process allows the kølervæske to effectively cool the space within the equipment.

Leakage of kølervæske into the atmosphere can contribute to climate change due to its high global warming potential. However, modern kølervæske such as R-134a and R-410A have been engineered to minimize their environmental impact.