Increasing Air Temperature in a Small Metal Box

In summary, the conversation is discussing the most efficient way to increase the temperature of air moving through a small metal box at a high velocity, taking into account heat loss to the box and surroundings. Burning fuel and using a heater coil are not viable options due to the small size of the box. Suggested alternatives include heating the box itself or using pipe heaters to heat the air as it enters and exits the box. However, the air will need to be heated to a high temperature in order to achieve the desired temperature increase.
  • #1
sid_galt
502
1
If you have air moving at 10-20 meters/second through a very small (8mm3 volume) metal box open on both ends and you want to increase its temperature by around 1.3 times as it passes through the box, what is the most efficient way to do it taking into account the heat lost to the box, surroundings etc.?

I am guessing burning fuel as a wire won't be able to heat the air fast enough. Or are there other better ways?
 
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  • #2
sid_galt said:
If you have air moving at 10-20 meters/second through a very small (8mm3 volume) metal box open on both ends and you want to increase its temperature by around 1.3 times as it passes through the box, what is the most efficient way to do it taking into account the heat lost to the box, surroundings etc.?

I am guessing burning fuel as a wire won't be able to heat the air fast enough. Or are there other better ways?
..."increase its temperature by around 1.3 times" ? Are you talking about absolute temperature, in Kelvin ?

The standard way is with a heater coil with lots of fins for greater surface area. But this would not work for your miniscule box. I recommend heating the box itself - putting anything inside the box will add a significant flow impedance.
 
  • #3
Do you have to heat just the box? You could easily use some pipe heaters and heat the sections of pipe coming into and going out of the box as well. Whatever you do it is going to have to be pretty hot to increase the temperature of air moving that fast.
 

1. What causes the air temperature to increase in a small metal box?

The main cause of increasing air temperature in a small metal box is the transfer of heat from the surrounding environment. When the box is exposed to a heat source, such as sunlight or a warm room, the metal absorbs the heat and transfers it to the air inside the box.

2. How does the material of the box affect the air temperature inside?

The material of the box plays a significant role in determining the air temperature inside. Metal is a good conductor of heat, meaning it can easily transfer heat to the air inside the box. This results in a quicker increase in temperature compared to a box made of a less conductive material, such as plastic or wood.

3. Can the size of the box impact the rate of temperature increase?

Yes, the size of the box can impact the rate of temperature increase. A smaller box will have a smaller volume of air inside, which means it will reach a higher temperature faster compared to a larger box with more air to heat up. The shape of the box can also affect how evenly the heat is distributed, which can impact the temperature increase.

4. Is there a limit to how high the air temperature can get inside a small metal box?

There is a limit to how high the temperature can get inside a small metal box. This is determined by the heat capacity of the metal and the amount of heat being transferred from the environment. Once the metal reaches a certain temperature, it will begin to release heat to the surrounding air, balancing out the temperature inside the box.

5. How can the air temperature in a small metal box be controlled or reduced?

To control or reduce the air temperature in a small metal box, one can use insulation to prevent heat transfer, such as a layer of foam or reflective material. Additionally, placing the box in a cooler environment or using a cooling device, such as a fan or air conditioner, can help regulate the temperature inside the box.

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