Principles of Heat Transfer

To understand how heat losses occur and how they can be minimized needed to understand the principles of heat transfer. Heat transfer finds application in equipment sizing as well. For instance, a heat exchanger is used to transfer heat load from one fluid to another. Thus, heat transfer applications are involved with energy transfer in equipment, piping systems, and building design.

Heat transfer is determined by the effects of conduction, radiation and convection.

Conduction - heat transfer is based on one space surrendering heat while another one gains it by the ability of the dividing surface to conduct heat. Metals are the best conductors of heat, while wood, asbestos, and felt are the poorer ones.

Radiation - heat transfer is based on the properties of light, where no surface or fluid needed to carry heat from one object to another.

Convection - heat transfer is based on the exchange of heat between a fluid, gas, or liquid as it transverses a conducting surface.