jäähdytysvetenä

Jäähdytysvetenä, often translated as cooling water, refers to water used specifically for dissipating heat in various industrial and technical processes. Its primary function is to absorb excess heat generated by machinery, engines, or chemical reactions and transport it away, thereby preventing overheating and ensuring optimal operating temperatures.

The quality of cooling water is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of the systems it serves. Impurities such as minerals, salts, and microorganisms can lead to scaling, corrosion, and biofouling, which reduce heat transfer efficiency and can cause significant damage. Therefore, cooling water is often treated to remove these contaminants and to inhibit the growth of unwanted organisms. Common treatment methods include filtration, chemical addition, and demineralization.

In power plants, cooling water is used to condense steam after it has passed through turbines, a critical step in the Rankine cycle. Large bodies of water like rivers, lakes, or oceans are frequently used as the ultimate heat sink. In internal combustion engines, a closed-loop system circulates coolant, typically a mixture of water and antifreeze, to absorb and dissipate engine heat. Industrial processes such as chemical manufacturing, smelting, and data centers also rely heavily on cooling water systems to maintain stable operating conditions. The selection of a cooling water source and the methods of its treatment depend on factors such as water availability, cost, environmental regulations, and the specific requirements of the application.