Lauhdutusjärjestelmä

A lauhdutusjärjestelmä, or condenser system, is a crucial component in many thermodynamic cycles, most notably in refrigeration and power generation. Its primary function is to convert a working fluid from a gaseous state back into a liquid state. This phase change is achieved by removing heat from the working fluid and transferring it to a cooling medium.

In a refrigeration system, the condenser receives hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas from the compressor. This gas then flows through a series of tubes or plates, where it is cooled by air or water. As the refrigerant loses heat, it condenses into a high-pressure liquid. This liquid then proceeds to the expansion valve and evaporator, where it absorbs heat and begins the cooling cycle anew.

In power plants, particularly steam power plants, the condenser receives low-pressure steam exhausted from the turbine. This steam is condensed back into water, which is then pumped back to the boiler to be heated and turned into steam again. This condensation process is vital for creating a pressure differential across the turbine, maximizing the efficiency of energy conversion. Common cooling mediums for power plant condensers include river water, lake water, or cooling towers. The efficiency of a lauhdutusjärjestelmä directly impacts the overall performance and energy output of the system it serves.