Hot water radiator

QuickField simulation example

In this example, we calculate the temperature distribution and heat power of a domestic hot water radiator.

Problem Type
3D problem of heat transfer.

Geometry

Given
Thermal conductivity of steel λ = 40 W/K-m.
Ambient air temperature +20 °C, convection coefficient 10 W/(K·m²).
Hot water temperature +60 °C, convection coefficient 150 W/(K·m²).

Task
Calculate the radiator's heat power.

Solution
We model only a single section. The geometry model features symmetry so we model only a quarter of the section. Remember to take this into account when calculating the total heat flux.
We can measure the heat flux either at the air side or at the water side. In fact, both values should be the same. Any difference will indicate a calculation error.

We do not model water fluid dynamics nor the air gas dynamics. Instead, we specify an average value of the convection coefficient at the corresponding radiator surfaces.

Results
The section heat flux is 4*19.5 = 78 W.

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