Vedeljahutus

Vedeljahutus, or liquid cooling, is a method of removing heat from a system by circulating a liquid coolant. In most implementations, heat is absorbed by the liquid at the heat source and carried to a heat exchanger where it is released to another medium, such as air or another coolant. The approach is typically used in closed-loop configurations with a pump driving circulation.

Coolants used in vedeljahutus vary depending on the application. Common fluids include water, water–glycol mixtures, dielectric liquids, and mineral oils. The choice balances thermal performance, electrical safety, chemical compatibility, freezing risk, toxicity, and environmental impact. Glycol blends, for example, reduce freezing risk and provide corrosion protection; dielectric liquids allow operation near or on active electronics without short circuits.

A typical vedeljahutus system comprises a pump, reservoir, tubing, a heat source (such as electronics, engines, or industrial equipment), a cold plate or heat exchanger, and a radiator or other heat-dissipation device, often with fans. Sensors and a control system regulate temperature, flow, and pressure. Some systems also employ multiple loops or direct-to-chip cooling for higher heat flux.

Advantages of liquid cooling include higher heat transfer efficiency and the ability to achieve greater power density and quieter operation compared with air cooling. Disadvantages include increased complexity, potential for leaks, ongoing maintenance, and concerns about coolant handling, toxicity, and environmental impact.

Applications span automotive engine and powertrain cooling, data centers and high-performance computing, industrial machinery, and high-end electronics. Ongoing developments aim to reduce pump power, improve coolant stability and compatibility, and enable immersive or direct-to-chip cooling methods.