heat exchange
Energy swapping process
Heat exchange is the transfer of thermal energy between substances or systems, typically from warmer to cooler.
The term appears in engineering and physics contexts: The building uses ground-source heat exchange for climate control.
A heat exchanger is a device designed for this purpose—radiators, condensers, and cooling towers are common examples.
Current opposing another
- crossflowCurrent perpendicular to main direction
- regeneratorDevice that renews
- condenserDevice that liquefies gases
- evaporatorLiquid-to-gas conversion device
boiler · radiator · intercooler · economizer · cooling tower · HVAC · chiller · coil
Heat transfer through contact
- convectionHeat transfer via motion
- radiationEnergy propagation through space
- entropyQuantified chaos in systems
- enthalpyThermodynamic total heat quantity
thermal equilibrium · isothermal · thermodynamic cycle · calorimetry · phase change · thermal expansion · steady-state · transient
Heat removal for preservation
- coolantTemperature-regulating fluid
- refrigerantHeat-transfer medium
- air conditioningIndoor cooling system
- cold plateRefrigerated serving surface
cryogenics · liquid cooling · thermostat · temperature control · subcooling · defrost · freezer · chilled water
Useful output per heat input
- effectivenessSuccess in producing results
- pressure dropReduction in atmospheric force
- energy conservationUnchanging total in closed systems
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
Enclosed heat-producing structure
- boilerWater-heating vessel
- geothermalRelating to underground heat
- hydronicUsing water for heating
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
counterflow
Current opposing another
- crossflowCurrent perpendicular to main direction
- regeneratorDevice that renews
- condenserDevice that liquefies gases
evaporator · boiler · radiator · intercooler · economizer · cooling tower · HVAC · chiller · coil · baffle
conduction
Heat transfer through contact
- convectionHeat transfer via motion
- radiationEnergy propagation through space
- entropyQuantified chaos in systems
enthalpy · thermal equilibrium · isothermal · thermodynamic cycle · calorimetry · phase change · thermal expansion · steady-state · transient
refrigeration
Heat removal for preservation
- coolantTemperature-regulating fluid
- refrigerantHeat-transfer medium
- air conditioningIndoor cooling system
cold plate · cryogenics · liquid cooling · thermostat · temperature control · subcooling · defrost · freezer · chilled water · ice bath
thermal efficiency
Useful output per heat input
- effectivenessSuccess in producing results
- pressure dropReduction in atmospheric force
- energy conservationUnchanging total in closed systems
insulation · optimization · U-value · R-value · cogeneration
furnace
Enclosed heat-producing structure
- boilerWater-heating vessel
- geothermalRelating to underground heat
- hydronicUsing water for heating
heat exchangethermal insulation
Material preventing heat transfer
insulation · heat retention · thermal barrier · R-value · heat shielding
heat exchangethermal equilibrium
Equal temperature throughout system
heat, heated, exchange, heating, heater, reheat, overheat, preheated, preheating