Lähdejähdejärjestelmät

Lähdejähdejärjestelmät, often translated as "source refrigeration systems" or "ground source refrigeration systems," refer to technologies that utilize the stable temperature of the earth's crust for cooling purposes. These systems are a type of geothermal energy application, specifically focused on heat removal rather than heat generation. They work by transferring heat from a building or process to the ground, effectively using the earth as a heat sink.

The core component of a lähdejähdejärjestelmä is a ground loop, which is a network of pipes buried underground. A fluid, typically a mixture of water and antifreeze, circulates through these pipes. During the cooling season, the fluid absorbs heat from the building's interior. This warmed fluid then flows through the ground loop, where the cooler surrounding earth absorbs the heat. The cooled fluid then returns to the building to repeat the cycle.

These systems can be implemented in various configurations, including open-loop systems that draw water from a well or aquifer and discharge it back, or closed-loop systems where the same fluid continuously circulates through the buried pipes. The efficiency of a lähdejähdejärjestelmä depends on factors such as the depth and length of the ground loop, the soil type, and the local climate. They offer an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional air conditioning, as they significantly reduce electricity consumption by avoiding the need for energy-intensive compressors and fans.