Finding heat transfer coefficient experimentally

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on experimentally determining the heat transfer coefficient (h) for a cubic box setup. The user plans to use the equation Q = h * A * ΔT, where Q represents the heat transfer rate. To find Q, the user intends to measure temperature differences using thermocouples placed on the box's surfaces and calculate the heat transfer rate by plotting temperature against time and taking the derivative. The user has decided against using heat flux sensors due to their cost and is preparing to build the experimental setup within an enclosed environmental chamber.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heat transfer principles, specifically conduction and convection.
  • Familiarity with thermocouples and their application in temperature measurement.
  • Knowledge of basic calculus for analyzing temperature data over time.
  • Experience with experimental design in a controlled environment, such as an environmental chamber.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the construction and calibration of thermocouples for accurate temperature readings.
  • Learn about the application of the heat transfer equation Q = h * A * ΔT in practical scenarios.
  • Explore methods for plotting temperature data and calculating derivatives effectively.
  • Investigate alternative methods for measuring heat transfer, including the use of heat flux sensors.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, researchers, and students involved in thermal analysis, experimental physics, or HVAC systems who are interested in measuring and optimizing heat transfer coefficients in controlled environments.

DinoRF
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I'm working on a project where I have to construct a cubic box, then find the heat transfer coefficient through the box. I will be placing various object in the box to run tests on how they change the eat transfer coefficient. If I want to use the equation: Q=h*A*delta-T, how do I find Q, the heat transfer rate?

I'm thinking I will have thermocouples on the outside surface and on object on the inside of the box. I'll treat all the space in between as a single resistance, since I'm not worried about the heat transfer coefficient with respect to convection, radiation, or conduction, but rather the overall coefficient.

If I got the data for the outside temperature and the inside temperature and plotted that vs. time, would the Q just be the difference divided by the time of that difference?

Once I get Q, then solving for h should be simple.

I've also seen heat flux sensors, but those are expensive and I think and hope they are unnecessary.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
How are you supplying heat?
 
I'm putting the entire system in an enclosed environmental chamber.

I'm just going to plot temp/time and take the derivative to find Q. I'm all set. I'm getting ready to build.
 

Similar threads

Heat transfer Rate
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Heat Transfer Problem for Titanium Capsule
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Improving heat transfer in domestic hot water tank?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Two-phase flow heat transfer coefficient
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
5K
Fourier's Law of Heat Transfer: Conceptual Explanation
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Heat Transfer Formulae for Charcoal-Concrete Experiment
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Heat sink - calculating temperature at the base
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
6K
Cooling nozzle - convection power
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Heat Transfer Through a Two Material System due to a Light Source
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Overall heat transfer coefficient for free convection exchanger
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K