Heat Transfer in Layered Walls: Will Ice Melt?

In summary, the conversation discusses a situation where there are layered walls with different conduction coefficients and the last layer is maintained at freezing point while the first is at room temperature. The question is whether the ice will melt at the last layer. The consensus is that if the heat source inside the room is able to pump the heat out as fast as it can come in, then the ice will not melt. This scenario is similar to a closed environment with a hypothetical system maintaining temperatures at the ends, such as in the layers of a house. The better the insulation, the less work the heat pump will have to do as there will be less heat transfer per unit of time.
  • #1
eden
2
0
hi I am new here

a query about heat transfer-
there are layered walls with different conduction coefficient.
the last layer is maintained at freezing point while the first is at room temperature
my question is will the ice not melt at the last layer considering that its temperature is maintained?

thanks
 
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  • #2
Since heat is trasferred from hot to rather cold material and room temperature and outer-layer wall's temperature is constant, Ice should melt.

There must be some "heat source" inside the room. (I recognized that room temperature is higher than freezing point.)

Then Ice covering outer wall get exactly same amount of heat that heat source is making inside the room.
 
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  • #3
If whatever is maintaining the temperature of the inner layer is able to pump the heat out as fast as it can come in then no, the ice will not melt.
Edit: What exactly are you describing? Is this like a sealed container with the inside at freezing temperature, or something else?
 
  • #4
Drakkith said:
If whatever is maintaining the temperature of the inner layer is able to pump the heat out as fast as it can come in then no, the ice will not melt.
Edit: What exactly are you describing? Is this like a sealed container with the inside at freezing temperature, or something else?

yes a closed environment with a hyothetical system maintaining the temeratures at the ends. the layers of the confinements of a house is its most practical application.
 
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  • #5
eden said:
yes a closed enviroment. the layers of the confinements of a house is its most practical application.

Then yeah, if your heat pump can keep up with the rate of heat absorption into the inside, then the temperature will stay the same. Better insulation results in having to do less work as there will be less heat transfer per unit of time.
 

Related to Heat Transfer in Layered Walls: Will Ice Melt?

1. How does heat transfer occur in layered walls?

Heat transfer in layered walls occurs through three main mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material, such as from one layer of a wall to another. Convection is the transfer of heat through a fluid, such as air, which circulates and carries heat with it. Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, such as from the sun or a fire.

2. How does the thickness and composition of layered walls affect heat transfer?

The thickness and composition of layered walls can greatly impact heat transfer. Thicker walls will generally have slower heat transfer rates, as the heat has a longer distance to travel. The type of material used in the layers can also affect heat transfer, with some materials being better insulators than others. For example, a wall with a layer of insulation will have slower heat transfer than a wall with just a layer of concrete.

3. Will ice melt in a layered wall with heat transfer?

It is possible for ice to melt in a layered wall with heat transfer, depending on the conditions. If the temperature inside the wall is higher than the freezing point of water, the heat transfer mechanisms will work to melt the ice. However, if the temperature inside the wall is below freezing, the ice may not melt even with heat transfer occurring.

4. How does the direction of heat transfer affect ice melting in layered walls?

The direction of heat transfer can greatly impact ice melting in layered walls. If the heat transfer is occurring from the inside of the wall to the outside, the ice may melt more quickly as the heat is coming from a warmer source. However, if the heat transfer is occurring from the outside of the wall to the inside, the ice may not melt as quickly as the heat is coming from a cooler source.

5. How do different types of layered walls affect heat transfer and ice melting?

Different types of layered walls can have varying effects on heat transfer and ice melting. For example, a wall with a layer of insulating material will have slower heat transfer and may prevent ice from melting as quickly. On the other hand, a wall with a layer of metal may have faster heat transfer and could potentially melt ice more quickly. The materials used in the layers and their thicknesses will also play a role in heat transfer and ice melting.

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