Lämmönvälitysaineiden

Lämmönvälitysaineet, also known as heat transfer fluids, are substances used to transport thermal energy from one location to another. They play a crucial role in numerous industrial, commercial, and residential applications, facilitating heating, cooling, and process temperature control. The selection of an appropriate heat transfer fluid depends on various factors, including the operating temperature range, pressure requirements, compatibility with materials, safety considerations, and cost.

Common types of heat transfer fluids include water, steam, oils, glycols, and molten salts. Water is widely used due to its excellent heat transfer properties, low cost, and non-toxicity, but its use is limited by its freezing and boiling points. Steam is effective at high temperatures and pressures. Organic oils offer a wider operating temperature range than water and are non-corrosive but can degrade at very high temperatures. Glycols, such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, are often used in closed-loop systems to prevent freezing and boiling, commonly found in automotive antifreeze and HVAC systems. Molten salts are employed in very high-temperature applications, such as concentrated solar power plants.

The efficiency of a heat transfer fluid is determined by its thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and viscosity. A fluid with high thermal conductivity can transfer heat more rapidly. High specific heat capacity allows the fluid to absorb and release large amounts of heat with minimal temperature change. Low viscosity is desirable for easier pumping and reduced energy consumption. Safety aspects, such as flammability and toxicity, are also critical considerations in fluid selection, especially in environments with human exposure.