Luonnonjäähdytys

Luonnonjäähdytys, often translated as natural cooling or free cooling, refers to methods of cooling buildings and other spaces using naturally occurring low temperatures, typically from the outdoor air or groundwater. This approach aims to reduce or eliminate the need for energy-intensive mechanical cooling systems like air conditioners. Natural cooling takes advantage of the Earth's thermal properties and the diurnal temperature cycle.

One common form of luonnonjäähdytys is passive cooling, which uses building design and materials to minimize heat gain and facilitate heat dissipation. This can include features like proper insulation, shading devices, reflective roofing, and natural ventilation strategies. Natural ventilation, for instance, relies on wind pressure and the stack effect to draw cool outdoor air into a building and expel warm indoor air.

Another significant method involves using cooler ambient air directly or indirectly. Direct free cooling occurs when cool outside air is circulated through the building's ventilation system, either mixed with recirculated air or on its own, when outdoor temperatures are sufficiently low. Indirect free cooling uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the building's indoor air to the cooler outdoor air without direct mixing. Geothermal cooling, utilizing the stable temperature of the earth or groundwater, is also a form of natural cooling, where heat is exchanged with the ground or water to cool the building. The primary benefit of luonnonjäähdytys is significant energy savings and a reduced environmental footprint compared to conventional cooling methods.