lämmönkeruu

Lämmönkeruu refers to the process of collecting thermal energy from a source for heating or cooling purposes. This concept is central to various heating and cooling technologies, most notably heat pumps. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from a lower-temperature source to a higher-temperature destination. The "lämmönkeruu" phase is where the heat pump extracts thermal energy from its surroundings.

There are several primary sources for lämmönkeruu. These include ambient air, ground (geothermal), and water bodies like lakes or the sea. Air-source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air, even at low temperatures. Ground-source heat pumps utilize the stable temperature of the earth, typically through buried pipes (ground loops), to collect heat. Water-source heat pumps extract heat from nearby bodies of water.

The efficiency and effectiveness of lämmönkeruu depend heavily on the chosen source, the climate conditions, and the design of the heat pump system. Different methods of lämmönkeruu have varying installation costs, operational expenses, and suitability for different geographical locations and building types. The collected heat is then typically amplified by the heat pump and used for space heating, water heating, or in some cases, cooling. Understanding the principles of lämmönkeruu is crucial for designing and implementing energy-efficient building climate control systems.