What is a refrigeration system that makes use of a secondary coolant referred to as?

A refrigeration system that uses a secondary coolant is referred to as an indirect system. In this type of system, the primary refrigerant circulates within the evaporator and absorbs heat, but instead of directly cooling the area or medium to be chilled, it first transfers its cooling effect to a secondary coolant, which then circulates through the rest of the system. This allows for increased efficiency and versatility, as the secondary coolant can be water or a special solution that is easier to handle or more efficient for specific applications.

Indirect systems minimize the risk of refrigerant leaks into the environment and are often more suitable for large-scale operations or facilities where direct exposure to refrigerants could pose a safety hazard. This method affords more control over cooling distribution and can be particularly beneficial in ice rinks and other facilities requiring precise temperature management.