Heat sinking to Aluminum block and dissipation

[fastline]

I am curious if someone can help be estimate heat sinking and dissipation in an Aluminum structure? What I am trying to do is is cool a hot liquid by just allowing it to heat the structure it is in since there is a reasonable amount of mass. Though the Aluminum structure is not designed specifically to dissipate, this becomes just a function of dT and surface area mostly.


power in is about 1000w max, structure is estimated at about 30 ci, and 352in2 of area. There is not active fan but that can be added really needed. Ambient temp not to exceed 110F and structure temp just should not "burn you". Vague, I know...

I am just trying to figure out the energy required to heat the structure, and it's ability to dissipate the heat.

 

[NascentOxygen]

As a start, you'll need to look up tables of specific heat, to find the value for aluminum.

You can figure out how much heat energy is contained in the hot liquid by multiplying its temperature by its specific heat by its mass.

 

[fastline]

Thanks for that. From the calcs I have run, this structure of Al will not hold much energy as heat.

However, more importantly, the dissipation. I determined the U value as 36 (btu/ft2 F)but I cannot remember if I would use the dT above ambient? IE Ambient is 100F structure is 110F, surface area is 2.5ft2 so heat loss is 900btu?

Determining forced air U values seems much more complex so I am just trying to roughly estimate that.

 

[CWatters]

Power = UValue * Area * ΔT

where ΔT is the temperature gradient between the same two points used to calculate the UValue.

 

[sardar]

I can definitely help you estimate the heat sinking and dissipation in your Aluminum structure. Heat sinking refers to the transfer of heat from one object to another, while dissipation is the process of releasing or dispersing heat into the surrounding environment. In your case, the hot liquid will transfer heat to the Aluminum structure, and the structure will then dissipate the heat into its surroundings.

To estimate the heat sinking and dissipation in your Aluminum structure, we need to consider several factors. First, the amount of power (1000w) being transferred to the structure will determine the rate at which it heats up. This heat transfer will also depend on the specific heat capacity of the liquid and the thermal conductivity of Aluminum.

Next, we need to consider the size and surface area of the structure. The 30 ci volume and 352in2 surface area will play a significant role in determining the rate of heat dissipation. A larger surface area will allow for more heat to be released into the environment, while a smaller surface area will trap more heat in the structure.

Additionally, the ambient temperature (not to exceed 110F) and the desired temperature of the structure (should not "burn you") will also affect the heat dissipation. The larger the temperature difference between the structure and its surroundings, the faster heat will dissipate.

It is also important to note that the addition of an active fan can greatly enhance the heat dissipation process. The fan will increase air flow over the surface of the structure, allowing for more efficient heat transfer and dissipation.

In conclusion, the energy required to heat the structure and its ability to dissipate heat will depend on the factors mentioned above. It would be helpful to have more specific information, such as the specific heat capacity of the liquid and the thermal conductivity of the Aluminum, in order to provide a more accurate estimate. But overall, the factors of power, volume, surface area, and temperature difference will all play a role in determining the heat sinking and dissipation in your Aluminum structure.