vapaajäähdytyksessä

Vapaajäähdytys, known in English as free cooling, is an energy-efficient method of cooling buildings and other spaces. It utilizes naturally cool ambient air or water to reduce the need for mechanical refrigeration. This process is typically employed when the outside temperature is sufficiently lower than the desired inside temperature.

There are two main types of free cooling systems: air-side and water-side. Air-side free cooling directly uses cool outdoor air to cool the building's interior. This can be achieved by simply bringing in outside air through ventilation systems, either partially or entirely bypassing mechanical cooling equipment. When outdoor air is too humid or contains pollutants, it may be filtered before being introduced. Water-side free cooling, on the other hand, uses a cool water source, such as a cooling tower or a nearby body of water, to cool the building's circulating water loop. This chilled water is then circulated through heat exchangers to cool the indoor air.

The primary benefit of free cooling is significant energy savings. By reducing or eliminating the reliance on energy-intensive chillers and compressors, operational costs are lowered, and the environmental impact is minimized. The effectiveness of free cooling depends heavily on the climate and the specific design of the building's HVAC system. It is most advantageous in regions with a significant number of hours where outdoor temperatures are favorable for cooling.