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Definition: This calculator computes the volumetric flow rate (\( q \)) in a heating system, based on the heat flow rate (\( h \)), specific heat of the fluid (\( c_p \)), fluid density (\( \rho \)), and temperature difference (\( dt \)).
Purpose: It is used in mechanical engineering to determine the flow rate required to achieve a specific heat transfer rate in a heating system, aiding in system design and performance optimization.
The calculator uses the relationship:
Where:
Explanation: Enter the heat flow rate, specific heat (select a fluid or input a custom value), fluid density, and temperature difference in the chosen units. The heat flow rate is converted to kJ/s, density to kg/m³, and temperature difference to °C. The volumetric flow rate is calculated using \( q = \frac{h}{c_p \rho dt} \). Results are displayed with 5 decimal places, using scientific notation if the value exceeds 100,000 or is less than 0.0001. For default inputs (\( h = 10 \, \text{kJ/s} \), \( c_p = 4.19 \, \text{kJ/kg°C} \) for water, \( \rho = 1000 \, \text{kg/m³} \), \( dt = 10 \, \text{°C} \)), the calculated flow rate is approximately 0.00024 m³/s (0.23866 L/s, 0.85918 m³/h, 3.78373 gpm).
Details: Calculating the volumetric flow rate in a heating system is essential for determining the fluid flow needed to achieve a desired heat transfer, ensuring efficient system performance, proper sizing of components, and energy optimization.
How do I calculate the volumetric flow rate in a heating system?
Enter the heat flow rate (\( h \)), specific heat of the fluid (\( c_p \)), fluid density (\( \rho \)), and temperature difference (\( dt \)) in the chosen units. Compute the flow rate using the formula \( q = \frac{h}{c_p \rho dt} \). The result will be in m³/s.
What does the volumetric flow rate in heating represent?
The volumetric flow rate (\( q \)) represents the volume of fluid per unit time required to transfer a specific amount of heat in a heating system, accounting for the fluid's specific heat, density, and temperature difference.
What is the formula for volumetric flow rate in heating?
The formula is \( q = \frac{h}{c_p \rho dt} \), where \( h \) is the heat flow rate in kJ/s, \( c_p \) is the specific heat in kJ/kg°C, \( \rho \) is the density in kg/m³, and \( dt \) is the temperature difference in °C. The result is in m³/s.
Can I use different units for heat flow rate, temperature difference, specific heat, or density?
Yes, the calculator supports heat flow rate in kJ/s or kW, temperature difference in °C or °F, specific heat selection for various fluids or custom input (kJ/kg°C), and density in multiple units (kg/m³, lb/ft³, g/cm³, etc.). All inputs are converted to their base units for calculation.
What happens if I enter zero for specific heat, density, or temperature difference?
Entering zero for the specific heat (\( c_p \)), density (\( \rho \)), or temperature difference (\( dt \)) will result in the calculation not being performed, as the formula involves division by these values. All must be greater than zero for a valid result.