2018

2017-PE-49

ZEENAT RANA

[FREE AND FORCED CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER UNIT]

Heat Transfer Lab Report
 FREE AND FORCED CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER UNIT
Introduction
The transfer of heat by convection plays an important role in many areas of industry.
Convection includes the transfer of heat by contact and conduction. A further area is the
transfer of heat by radiation. Heat transfer by convection can be sub-divided into natural and
forced convection. In the case of forced convection, the fluid to be heated is blown or pumped
past the heated surface by a pump or fan, whilst in the case of natural convection, flow is only
achieved based on differences in the density of the heated fluid.

Apparatus

1. Air duct with a cross-section of 120x120mm2 and a length of 1m is used to guide the
flow of air.
2. Measuring glands that enable the temperature to be recorder at various points by
pushing in a type K thermo-couple.
3. Thermo-couple.
4. Flow sensor that records the flow rate of the inlet air.
5. Pt100 element records the inlet temperature.
6. Pt100 element records the outlet temperature.
7. Heater insert
8. Heater insert
9. Heater insert -These are mounted using simple toggle type fasteners. The different heated
surfaces (flat plate, pipe bundle or fins) are each heated by four resistive heaters with a
maximum total power output of approx. 170W. The voltage applied is adjustable giving a
variable heat output. Bi-metallic strips, which interrupt the supply of power when a set
threshold is re-ached, are used to ensure that the temperature does not exceed 120°C. The
activation of the electrical power supply starts again at 105°C.
10. Control and display unit contains the power supply and the regulators for the fan and
heater inserts. In addition, this unit displays the electrical power supplied to the heater
elements, the flow rate, the inlet and outlet air temperature and the temperature measured
with the thermocouple. A PC can be connected at the rear for data acquisition.
11. built-infan with variable speed conveys the air for the experiments relating to forced
convection.

Theory:
Amount of Heat Transfer
Considering the fluid the amount of heat transferred or absorbed by the fluid can be calculated
using equation.

The specific heat capacity and density can be taken from the tables available in the
appendix. Assuming that the temperature gradient on the surface of the heater is
approximately linear, the average temperature of the air at the inlet outlet to the heated
surface can be used to deter mine the specific heat capacity. This is then input into the formula
to calculate the amount of heat. The cross-sectional area is set at a constant 0.0144 m2 on the
Test Stand for Free and Forced Convection. The cross-sectional area is derived from the duct
dimensions of 120x120 mm2.

Efficiency
The ratio of Amount of heat transferred to the electric power consumed gives the efficiency of
heat convection.

Heat Transfer Coefficient

Considering the amount of heat transferred from the surface to the fluid.
Notation
= the amount of heat transferred
= mass flow rate of air
V = velocity of air
Cp= specific heat capacity of air
A = The cross-sectional area. (This is set at a constant 0.0144 m2 on the Test Stand for
Free and Forced Convection. The cross-sectional area is derived from the duct
dimensions of 120x120mm2).
ρair= Density of air
Pel = Electrical power input to the setup
η = efficiency
∆T= Temperature difference
h = heat transfer coefficient
Tm= average logarithmic temperature
To in = surface temperature of the heater at inlet
To out = surface temperature of the heater at outlet
TL in= Air temperature at inlet
TL out = Air temperature at outlet

Procedure:

FREE CONVECTION
Summary of Theory: A heated surface dissipates heat primarily through a process called
convection. Heat is also dissipated by conduction and radiation, however these effects are not
considered in this experiment. Air in contact with the hot surface is heated by the surface and
rises due to a reduction in density. The heated air is replaced by cooler air which is in turn
heated by the surface and rises. This process is called free convection. The hotter temperature
of the surface, the greater convective currents and the more heat (power) will be dissipated. If
more power is supplied to a surface, the temperature of the surface must rise to dissipate this
power.
Procedure:
Setting Up
 Placed the air duct on a firm, even surface.
 Ensure that the inlet and outlet of the air duct are not obstructed. This is necessary to
ensure that the flow rate is not adversely affected and measurement results obtained
which cannot be explained.
 Setup The test stand vertically. The air channel outlet and inlets are to be kept clear so
that the air flow is not restricted.
 Connect the fan and heater elements to the control and display unit with plugs and/ or
couplings; the cables do not need to be heat resistant.
 Connect The thermocouple to the control and display unit via a jack. Power is provided
to the control and display unit by plugging it into an earthed mains socket.
 Keep the fans supply off for the study of free convection

Readings to be taken:
 Place the finned heat exchanger into the test duct.
 Record the ambient air temperature (tA).
 Set the heater power control to 20 Watts.
 Allow sufficient time to achieve steady state conditions before noting the heated plate
temperature (tH).
 Repeat this procedure at 40, 60 and 80 Watts.

Results: Ambient air temperature (tA) =_____ oC

Input Power Heater Temp. tH-tA

o o
W C C
20
40
60
80

FORCED CONVECTION
Summary of Theory:
In free convection, the heat transfer rate from the surface is limited by the small movements of air
generated by this heat. More heat is transferred if the air velocity is increased over the heated surface.
This process of assisting the movement of air over the heated surface is called Forced Convection.
Therefore a heated surface experiencing forced convection will have a lower surface temperature than
that of the same surface in free convection for the same power input.
Readings to be taken:
Place the finned heat exchanger into the duct. Note me ambient air temperature (tA). Set the heater
power control to 50 Watts. Allow sufficient time to achieve steady state conditions before noting the
heated plate temperature (tH). Set the fan speed control to give a reading of 0.5 m/s on the thermal
anemometer, allow sufficient time to achieve steady stare conditions. Record heated plate temperature.
Repeat this procedure at 1.0 m/s and 1.5 m/s.

Results:
Ambient air temperature (tA)= ___ oC
Power input Watt = ___ Watts

Air Velocity Heater Temp. tH-tA

o o
m/s C C
0
0.5
1
1.5
Calculation:
Using the data recorded calculate the following.
1. Mass flow rate of air
2. Heat transferred
3. Efficiency of the surface
4. Heat transfer coefficient