INTRODUCTION:

Heat transfer by simultaneous conduction and convection, whether free or force, forms the
basis of most industrial heat exchangers and related equipment. The measurement and
prediction of heat transfer coefficients for such circumstances is achieved in the Free and
Forced Convection Heat Exchanger Apparatus by studying the temperature profiles and
heat flux in an air duct with associated flat and extended surfaces. The vertical duct is so
constructed that the air temperature and velocity can be readily measured, and a variety of
“plug-in’’ modules of heated solid surfaces of known dimensions can be presented to the
air stream for detailed study. A fan situated at the top of the duct provides the air stream
for forced convection experiments. Using the instrumentation provided, free and forced
convective heat transfer coefficients may be determined for: -

• A flat surface
• An array of cylinders (pinned heat sink)
• An array of fins (finned heat sink)

THEORY:
Convection:

Convection is the mode of energy transfer between a solid surface and the adjacent liquid
or gas that is in motion. Convection takes place through advection, diffusion or both.

It involves the combined effects of conduction and fluid motion. In the absence of
any bulk fluid motion, heat transfer between a solid surface and the adjacent fluid is
by pure conduction.

TYPES:

1. Natural Convection:
Natural convection, or free convection, occurs due to
temperature differences which affect the density, and thus
relative buoyancy, of the fluid. Heavier (denser) components
will fall, while lighter (less dense) components rise, leading
to bulk fluid movement. Natural convection can only occur,
therefore, in a gravitational field.
Figure 1
 2. Forced Convection:

Convection is called forced convection if the fluid is forced to

flow over the surface by external means such as a fan, pump,
or the wind.

Relation for Rate of Convection Heat transfer is given by Figure 2

Newtons Law of Cooling as:

APPRATUS DESCRIPTION:
A metal cylinder fitted vertically in a wooden rectangular duct which is open at the top and
the bottom (Fig 1). An electric heater is provided in the vertical cylinder, which heats the
surface of the cylinder. Heat is lost from the cylinder to the surrounding air by natural
convection, because the air in contact with the cylinder gets heated and becomes less dense,
causing it to rise. This in turn creates a continuous flow of air upward in the duct. The
temperature at the various locations on the surface of the vertical cylinder and in the
incoming and outgoing air is monitored with thermocouples. The duct is made of wood
because it is a poor conductor, so not much heat will transfer from the air to the duct. Thus,
the duct will enhance air flow without introducing another convective surface.

1. Fan
2. Airflow column
3. RTD sensors
4. Portable anemometer
5. Panel
6. Exchangeable Heat Transfer System

Figure 3:Apparatus
General Procedure for Free Convection:
1. Remove the fan assembly from the top of the duct
2. Place the finned heat exchanger into the test duct
3. Record the ambient air temperature (TA)
4. Set the heater power control to specific Watts (clockwise).
5. Allow sufficient time to achieve steady state conditions before noting the heated plate
temperature (TH) into Experimental data sheet in the Table.
6. Repeat these procedure at different values.
7. Note the readings and apply the calculations and draw the graph.

General Procedure for Forced Convection:

1. Place the fan assembly on to the top of the duct
2. Place the finned heat exchanger into the duct
3. Note the ambient air temperature (tA).
4. Set the heater power control to some value (clockwise). Allow sufficient time to achieve
steady state conditions before noting the heated plate temperature (tH).
5. Set the fan speed to give desired speed in m/s in the anemometer.
6. Repeat the experiment for different speed settings of the fan for flat plate.
7. Now replace the flat plate with the finned plate and pinned plate and repeat the same
procedure.
8. To determine temperature distribution along extended surfaces measure from the back plate
the distances of the three access holes on the pinned and finned heat exchangers.

Observations & Calculations:

Table 1:
Relationship of Input Power (W) and Surface Temperature in Free Convection

Heater Power Plate Temp Ambient Temp Temp Diff.

(W) (oC) (oC) (Ta-Tp)

23 48.8 25 23.8

28.5 52.9 25 27.9

34.5 56.1 25 31.1

Graph:

Comment:

Table 2:
Relationship of Air Velocity & Surface temperature of Flat Plate

Velocity Plate Temp Ambient Temp Temp Diff.

(m/s) (oC) (oC) (Ta-Tp)

0 91.7 23 68.7

1 88.4 23 65.4

1.5 86.3 23 63.3

Graph:

Comment:

Table 3:
Relationship of Air Velocity & Surface Temperature of Pinned Plate

Velocity Plate Temp Ambient Temp Temp Diff.

(m/s) (oC) (oC) (Ta-Tp)

0 69 25 44

1.3 66.5 25 41.5

2 63 25 38
Graph:

Comment:

Table 4:
Relationship of Air Velocity & Surface Temperature of Finned Plate

Velocity Plate Temp Ambient Temp Temp Diff.

(m/s) (oC) (oC) (Ta-TP)

0 62.9 25 37.9

1.3 61.5 25 36.4

2 58.3 25 33.7
Graph:

Comment:

Table 5:
Relationship of Air Velocity & Surface Temperature of Finned & Pinned Plate at
different distances

Velocity T1 @ 21mm (oC) T2 @ 69mm (oC) T3 @ 117mm (oC)

(m/s) Pinned Finned Pinned Finned Pinned Finned

0 34.5 38.8 31 36.7 30 34.2

1.3 25 31.9 22 26.7 21 26.3

2 24 28.9 21 25 20 24
Graph:

Comment:

Conclusion:
Heat transfer from an object can be increased by increasing the surface area in contact
with the air. However, in practical situations surface area in contact with air is increased by
adding extended surfaces such as fins, pin etc. These extended surfaces provide a greater surface
area in contact with the fluid thereby increasing the rate of heat transfer. Depending upon
geometry each extended surface has its efficiency and by choosing the appropriate geometry
desired efficiency and rate of heat transfer can be achieved. Pinned surface is most efficient as it
has least slope and less temperature gradient than finned surface.