Abstract: A thermodynamic system for cooling or heating at least a first container containing food products of the liquid or semi-liquid type, including a circuit employing a heat exchanger fluid, having at least: a compressor having at least one inlet for the heat exchanger fluid and one outlet for the heat exchanger fluid; a first heat exchanger connected to the outlet of the compressor; at least one first expansion element connected to an outlet of the first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger which can be associated with the first container and which has an inlet connected to an outlet of the at least one first expansion element; a return duct having an inlet portion connected to an outlet of the second heat exchanger and an outlet portion connected to the inlet of the compressor.