What term refers to heat transfer using a fluid?

The term that refers to heat transfer using a fluid is convection. Convection involves the movement of a fluid (which can be a liquid or a gas) that carries heat with it as it flows. This process occurs because warmer parts of the fluid, being less dense, rise, while cooler parts, being denser, sink. This creates a circulation pattern that enables heat to be distributed throughout the fluid.

In practical applications, like in refrigeration systems, convection is utilized to transfer heat from one area to another effectively. For instance, air or refrigerant moving through coils can absorb heat from a space or release heat, thereby cooling or heating the environment.

Understanding the fundamental role of convection in heat transfer is essential for a Refrigeration Operating Engineer, as many systems depend on effective heat exchange to maintain desired temperatures and efficiency.