Which fluid does a heat exchanger typically transfer heat from and to?

In typical applications of a heat exchanger, the primary function is to transfer heat between two fluids. The most common configuration involves a refrigerant, which absorbs heat from the environment or indoor air, and then transfers that heat to a secondary fluid, often water. This is particularly prevalent in systems like chillers and heat pumps, where refrigerants are cycled through evaporators and condensers.

When refrigerant flows through a heat exchanger, it changes state as it absorbs or releases heat, allowing for efficient thermal energy transfer. The refrigerant can extract heat from the air or water in one part of the system and transfer it to another, facilitating heating or cooling as needed.

This application is crucial in HVAC systems where managing thermal energy is essential for maintaining comfortable indoor environments. Understanding that refrigerants are specifically designed for these temperature and pressure conditions ensures the effectiveness of the heat transfer process.