warmtedoorgang

Warmtedoorgang is a term used in building physics and engineering to describe a pathway through which thermal energy passes from a warm region to a cooler region. The term is a compound word likely derived from Dutch or Germanic roots, combining warmth with a doorway or passage. In practice, warmtedoorgang can refer to deliberate design features that permit heat transfer, such as a heated corridor, as well as unintended conductors such as thermal bridges where structural elements connect interior and exterior spaces.

The primary mechanisms are conduction through solids, convection in air gaps or ducts, and radiation from hot surfaces. The magnitude of warmtedoorgang depends on material properties, geometry, ventilation, and temperature difference. In buildings, warmtedoorgang can contribute to heat loss in the envelope, or to heat recovery in ventilation systems. In process engineering, controlled warmtedoorgang is used in heat exchangers and piping networks to move thermal energy between streams.

Design goals typically aim to manage warmtedoorgang to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort while preventing moisture problems and condensation. Technical measures include thermal breaks, proper insulation, airtight construction, heat recovery ventilation, and selective use of materials with low thermal conductivity. Measurement methods include thermal imaging and heat flux sensors to identify hot paths.

See also: thermal bridge, heat transfer, heat exchanger, energy efficiency, condensation control.