Calculating Heat Load: Understanding Formulas and Physical Properties

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In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of calculating heat load and the use of specific heat in the process. The main focus is on cooling a gas stream to a specific temperature and condensing a certain percentage of a substance. The participants suggest looking up the specific heat of styrene and using it in the calculation, as well as finding the heat of condensation. They also mention the importance of knowing the other gas present in the mixture.
  • #1
Povilas
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Moved from a technical forum, so homework template missing
Hello everyone, I'm having problems understanding how to calculate heat load. Does anyone know what formula should i use?
I tried to calculate energy needed to cool the gases to 20 F but i need specific heat witch i don't know how to calculate.
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Thank you for your time :)
 

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  • #2
please post in homework. And use the template: what formulas do you have at your disposal ? What is your own attempt at solution ?
 
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  • #3
I'm sorry, this is not really a homework, this is for my bachelor. I'm in a situation where I took more then I can handle. I will edit my first post to include what I tried.
 
  • #4
It's hard work, I realize: coolant must
  1. cool the whole gas stream to 20 F (the bulk of the work)
  2. condense 90% of the styrene (a small extra term)
for a bachelor you should have formulas at hand for both of these tasks.
 
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  • #5
BvU said:
It's hard work, I realize: coolant must
  1. cool the whole gas stream to 20 F (the bulk of the work)
  2. condense 90% of the styrene (a small extra term)
for a bachelor you should have formulas at hand for both of these tasks.
I don't have any formulas, because I'm going somewhat out of my filed (i study environmental engineering). Thank you for replying.
 
  • #6
Plenty formulas here, but I would advise to read some introductory thermodynamics first.
 
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  • #7
BvU said:
Plenty formulas here, but I would advise to read some introductory thermodynamics first.
I will thank you.
 
  • #8
Read your edited first post: for the gas you indeed need the specific heat, which generally you look up (but that requires that you know what gas it is ... :wink: )

You can imagine heat needed is proportional to this ##c_p##, proportional to the flowrate and proportional to the temperature drop:$$ Q = c_p \, \dot m\, \Delta T$$
 
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  • #9
BvU said:
Read your edited first post: for the gas you indeed need the specific heat, which generally you look up (but that requires that you know what gas it is ... :wink: )

You can imagine heat needed is proportional to this ##c_p##, proportional to the flowrate and proportional to the temperature drop:$$ Q = c_p \, \dot m\, \Delta T$$
Is there any way to calculate specific heat of styrene? I've been looking for it few hours now... Thank you.
 
  • #11
Povilas said:
Is there any way to calculate specific heat of styrene? I've been looking for it few hours now... Thank you.
You just look it up : google 'styrene gas heat capacity' and there you are. Point is that the styrene is only 1.3% of the stuff you are trying to cool down, so you still need to know what the remainder is ...

For the condensation you need the heat of condensation (e.g. from the same source)
 
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  • #12
A search on ' thermodynamic properties of styrene ' returns links for several books and papers dealing with this subject in detail . They are almost all behind paywalls but if you are at an accredited study centre you may be able to get free downloads .
 
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  • #13
Thank you, I will try some calculations
BvU said:
You just look it up : google 'styrene gas heat capacity' and there you are. Point is that the styrene is only 1.3% of the stuff you are trying to cool down, so you still need to know what the remainder is ...

For the condensation you need the heat of condensation (e.g. from the same source)
So let's say I have a mixture of two gases and styrene is 1.3% can i calculate Q like this:
Q=(m1*0.013*c1+m2*0.987*c2)(T1-T2) ?
 
  • #14
Nidum said:
A search on ' thermodynamic properties of styrene ' returns links for several books and papers dealing with this subject in detail . They are almost all behind paywalls but if you are at an accredited study centre you may be able to get free downloads .
That's one way. Another is to dig up Purcell and Shareef (which wasn't all that difficult :mad:) and in fact they do it all for you ! Formulas, phys props, the works ! Hideous units, but you can't have everything :wink:.

Spoiler: the 'other gas' is air ?:) !
 
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  • #15
BvU said:
That's one way. Another is to dig up Purcell and Shareef (which wasn't all that difficult :mad:) and in fact they do it all for you ! Formulas, phys props, the works ! Hideous units, but you can't have everything :wink:.

Spoiler: the 'other gas' is air ?:) !
Thank you kind sir, I will be forever in debt for you.:smile:
 

FAQ: Calculating Heat Load: Understanding Formulas and Physical Properties

What is heat load?

Heat load is the amount of thermal energy that must be added or removed from a space, object, or system in order to maintain a desired temperature.

How do you calculate heat load?

Heat load can be calculated by multiplying the specific heat capacity of the material by its mass and the change in temperature. The formula is Q = mcΔT, where Q is the heat load in Joules, m is the mass in kilograms, c is the specific heat capacity in Joules per kilogram Kelvin, and ΔT is the change in temperature in Kelvin.

What factors affect heat load?

The factors that affect heat load include the type and amount of insulation, the size and type of windows, the orientation of the building, the outdoor temperature and humidity, the internal heat sources (such as electronics or people), and the heating or cooling system efficiency.

How do you calculate heat load for a building?

To calculate heat load for a building, you will need to consider the factors mentioned above and use the appropriate formulas for each. This may include calculating the heat loss through walls, windows, and roofs, as well as the heat gain from internal sources. You may also need to account for the efficiency of the heating or cooling system.

Why is it important to calculate heat load?

Calculating heat load is important for ensuring that a space or system is properly heated or cooled to maintain a comfortable and safe temperature. It can also help with energy efficiency and cost savings by determining the appropriate size and type of heating or cooling system needed for a particular space.

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