Heat Transfer in Finned Tube Hot Water Radiator with Fan

Heat transfer is an essential process in various engineering applications, including heat exchangers. In the case of a finned tube hot water radiator with a fan, the heat transfer process involves convection to the air.

Convection Heat Transfer

Convection heat transfer is the process of heat transfer due to the movement of fluids. In the case of the finned tube hot water radiator, convection heat transfer occurs when the fan blows air over the radiator. The air absorbs heat from the hot water in the radiator through convection, which causes the air molecules to move faster and spread out.

Finned Tube Hot Water Radiator

A finned tube hot water radiator is a heat exchanger that transfers heat from hot water to air. The radiator consists of multiple tubes with fins attached to them. The fins increase the surface area of the tubes, which enhances the heat transfer process. When hot water flows through the tubes, it transfers heat to the fins, which, in turn, transfer heat to the surrounding air.

Factors Affecting Heat Transfer in Radiator

The major portion of heat transfer from the radiation is due to convection to the air. However, the following factors also affect the heat transfer process in the radiator:

- Combined conduction and radiation: Heat transfer can also occur through conduction and radiation. However, convection is the dominant mode of heat transfer in the radiator.
- Radiation to the surroundings: Radiation heat transfer occurs between objects with different temperatures. However, in the case of the radiator, the heat transfer due to radiation is minimal compared to convection.
- Better conduction: Conduction heat transfer occurs when there is a temperature difference between two objects in contact. In a finned tube hot water radiator, the fins increase the surface area, which enhances conduction heat transfer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the major portion of heat transfer in a finned tube hot water radiator with a fan is due to convection to the air. Although other factors such as conduction and radiation contribute to heat transfer, convection is the dominant mode of heat transfer in the radiator.