Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient (U): — W/(m²·K)
The Heat Transfer Coefficient Calculator is a handy tool designed to help engineers, scientists, and anyone involved in heat exchange-related fields determine the overall heat transfer coefficient (U) quickly and accurately. But before we dive into the calculator itself, let’s understand the underlying formula.
Formula of Heat Transfer Coefficient Calculator
The overall heat transfer coefficient represents the overall heat transfer resistance in the heat exchanger. It can be determined experimentally or estimated using various correlations. The formula for U is:
U = 1 / ((1 / h_i) + (t_wall / k) + (1 / h_o))
Where:
- h_i is the convective heat transfer coefficient on the inside of the coil.
- h_o is the convective heat transfer coefficient on the outside of the coil.
- t_wall is the thickness of the coil wall.
- k is the thermal conductivity of the coil wall material.
This formula may look complex, but with the Heat Transfer Coefficient Calculator, you won’t need to perform manual calculations.
General Terms Table
To make your experience even more informative and convenient, here’s a table of general terms frequently used in heat exchange calculations:
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient | The measure of the ability of a fluid to transfer heat through convection. |
| Thermal Conductivity | A material property that describes its ability to conduct heat. |
| Heat Exchanger | A device used to transfer heat between two or more fluids at different temperatures. |
These terms will prove useful as you work with the calculator and delve deeper into heat transfer concepts.
Example of Heat Transfer Coefficient Calculator
Let’s put theory into practice with a simple example. Imagine you’re working on a project that involves a heat exchanger with the following values:
- h_i (inside convective heat transfer coefficient): 250 W/(m²·K)
- h_o (outside convective heat transfer coefficient): 150 W/(m²·K)
- t_wall (thickness of coil wall): 0.02 meters
- k (thermal conductivity of coil wall material): 150 W/(m·K)
Using the Heat Transfer Coefficient Calculator, you can easily find the overall heat transfer coefficient (U) for this heat exchanger. Just plug in these values, and the calculator will provide you with the result: U = 3.33 W/(m²·K).
Most Common FAQs
The overall heat transfer coefficient, U, is a critical parameter in heat exchanger design. It represents the overall heat transfer resistance and determines how efficiently heat is transferred between fluids inside and outside the exchanger.
The convective heat transfer coefficients depend on the specific geometry and flow conditions of the heat exchanger. They can be determined experimentally through testing or estimated using empirical correlations available in engineering literature.
Yes, the calculator can handle various units. Just ensure that your input units are consistent with each other, and the calculator will provide the result in the corresponding units.