4/2/24, 3:47 PM Q = m Cp dT - ADG Efficiency

Q = m Cp dT
The equation I used the most as an energy engineer.
2 minute read

Heat transfer is a fundamental energy engineering operation. Hot water loops are commonly
used to transfer heat in district heating networks and on industrial sites.

The capital & operating cost of many hot water loops are higher than they should be. This post
will explain why this is happening in the context of the foundational energy engineering equation
Q = m * Cp * dT .

Figure 1 – A simple hot water loop

This equation shows how to calculate heat transfer in our hot water loop:

Q = m * Cp * dT

heat = mass flow * specific heat capacity * temperature difference

kW = kg/s * kJ/kg/°C * °C

The mass flow rate m [kg/s] is a measurement of the amount of water flowing around the hot
water loop.

The specific heat capacity Cp [kJ/kg/°C] is a thermodynamic property specific of the fluid used to
transfer heat. We could manipulate the specific heat capacity only by changing the fluid used in
the loop.

Water is a good fluid choice for cost and safety considerations. The specific heat capacity of
water does vary with temperature but for the scope of a hot water loop it is essentially constant.

https://adgefficiency.com/energy-basics-q-m-cp-dt/ 1/2
4/2/24, 3:47 PM Q = m Cp dT - ADG Efficiency

The temperature difference dT [°C] is the difference in temperature before and after heat
transfer.

Optimization of a hot water loop requires correctly setting the flow rate and temperature. We
could use a high mass flow rate and low temperature difference. We could also use a low mass
flow rate with a high temperature difference.

A low mass flow with high temperature difference is optimal and will reduce our capital &
operating costs. A low mass flow rate minimizes the amount of electricity required to pump water
around the loop.

A high temperature difference leads to:

increase in the maximum capacity of the loop to deliver heat. Pipe size limits the capacity of
the loop by limiting the maximum flow rate. More heat can be transferred at the maximum
flow rate by using a larger temperature difference.

maximises heat recovery from CHP heat sources such as jacket water or exhaust.

maximises electric output from steam turbine based systems by allowing a lower condenser
pressure.

The capital cost benefit comes from being able to either transfer more heat for the same amount
of investment or to install smaller diameter pipework.

The operating cost benefit arises from reduced pump electricity consumption and increased CHP
system efficiency.

Thanks for reading!

https://adgefficiency.com/energy-basics-q-m-cp-dt/ 2/2