töövedelikud

Töövedelikud, meaning working fluids in Estonian, are substances that absorb and transfer heat or work within a thermodynamic system. They are crucial components in various engineering applications, facilitating processes like power generation, refrigeration, and transportation. The primary function of a working fluid is to undergo phase changes or temperature and pressure variations to perform useful work.

Common examples of working fluids include water and steam, which are widely used in steam turbines for electricity generation. In refrigeration and air conditioning systems, refrigerants like Freon or ammonia are employed. These fluids absorb heat from a cold space and release it into a warmer environment, thus enabling cooling. Internal combustion engines utilize a mixture of fuel and air as their working fluid, which undergoes combustion to produce mechanical energy.

The selection of a working fluid depends on the specific application and its operating conditions. Factors such as boiling point, specific heat, thermal conductivity, viscosity, and chemical stability are critical considerations. The fluid must be able to withstand the temperatures and pressures involved in the system without degrading or causing corrosion. Environmental impact and safety are also increasingly important criteria in choosing working fluids. The efficiency and effectiveness of many thermodynamic cycles are directly tied to the properties of the chosen working fluid.