Heat Transfer Coefficient Converter
Convert between various units of heat transfer coefficient (e.g., W/(m²·K), Btu/(h·ft²·°F)).
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Understanding Heat Transfer Coefficient
The heat transfer coefficient (h or U-value) quantifies the rate of heat transfer between a surface and a fluid, or between two surfaces separated by a material. It depends on the fluid properties, flow conditions, and surface geometry.
Formula: q = h · A · ΔT, where q is the heat flow rate, A is the surface area, and ΔT is the temperature difference.
The SI unit for heat transfer coefficient is Watts per square meter per Kelvin (W/(m²·K)), which is equivalent to W/(m²·°C).
| Situation | h (W/(m²·K)) | h (Btu/(h·ft²·°F)) |
|---|---|---|
| Air, natural convection | 5 - 25 | 0.88 - 4.4 |
| Air, forced convection | 25 - 250 | 4.4 - 44 |
| Water, natural convection | 100 - 1000 | 17.6 - 176 |
| Water, forced convection | 500 - 10,000 | 88 - 1760 |
| Boiling water | 2,500 - 25,000 | 440 - 4400 |
| Condensing steam | 5,000 - 100,000 | 880 - 17600 |