ME-332 Heat Transfer & HVAC Lab

Heat Transfer and HVAC Lab

Lab Report 03
CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER (Circular fins)

6TH SEMESTER

Submitted to: LE Zeeshan Ahsan

Session: 2021 Section: ME-13B Group: A

SUBMITTED BY
Name CMS Marks

SYED JAON ABBAS 375601

School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
 ME-332 Heat Transfer & HVAC Lab

Objectives:
• To investigate the effect of change in area of fins on the temperature of base of
plate.

Apparatus:
• Free and Forced Convection Heat Exchanger

Figure 1: Free and Forced Convection Heat Exchanger

Introduction:
The significance of fin area in heat dissipation cannot be overstated. Fins play a crucial
role in improving convective heat transfer, particularly in electronic devices, facilitating
more efficient cooling processes.
• Increasing the surface area of fins directly contributes to their ability to dissipate
heat, resulting in lower temperatures at the base plate. However, it's vital to
carefully consider various factors when adjusting fin area to achieve optimal
results. This includes considering material conductivity, diminishing returns
associated with increasing fin area, and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
 ME-332 Heat Transfer & HVAC Lab

• Moreover, application-specific considerations are essential. Understanding how

air flow conditions impact the effectiveness of fin area modifications is crucial.
Tailoring these modifications based on the specific requirements of each
application can significantly enhance overall performance.
• Achieving optimal heat dissipation and improving thermal performance across
diverse applications necessitates thorough consideration of fin area adjustments
and their effects. Balancing these factors is key to maximizing efficiency and
maintaining cost-effectiveness in heat management strategies.

Procedure:
• Place the heat exchanger into the circular fin plate within the test duct.
• Activate the fan positioned above the test section to ensure airflow.
• Adjust the heater power control to the desired wattage by rotating the knob
clockwise.
• Initially, set the fan to its maximum speed to expedite reaching a stable system
state.
• Gradually decrease the fan speed to its minimum setting, allowing for free
convection as the fan is turned off.
• Record the temperatures of the base plate of the heater (T5) and the ambient air
(T4).
• Repeat these steps for various air speeds, obtaining at least three readings for
forced convection conditions. Continuously record temperatures throughout each
iteration.
• Upon completion of the experiment, ensure to deactivate the heater supply before
switching off the main power.

Figure 2: Observed trend of V vs T for circular finned plate

 ME-332 Heat Transfer & HVAC Lab

Results:
Circular finned plate (T4 = 16.6 ˚c) Rectangular Finned plate
(T4 = 19.8 ˚c)
(Experiment 1)
Velocity (m/s) Base plate temperature Velocity (m/s) Base plate
(T5) ˚c temperature
(T5) ˚c
0.0 10.0 0.1 9.1
1.1 10.2 1 9.3
1.9 10.3 2 9.4
Table 1: velocity vs Base plate temperature

10.35
10.3
10.3

10.25
10.2
10.2
TEMPERATURE

10.15

10.1

10.05
10
10

9.95
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
VELOCITY(M/S)

Figure 3: Observed trend of V vs T for circular finned plate

 ME-332 Heat Transfer & HVAC Lab

Y-Values
9.45
9.4
9.4

9.35
9.3
TEMPERATURE

9.3

9.25

9.2

9.15
9.1
9.1

9.05
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
VELOCITY (M/S)

Figure 4: Observed trend of V vs T for rectangular finned plate

Discussion:
We conducted experiments at various velocities to investigate the correlation between
velocity and the base plate temperature (T5) of a circular finned plate. When velocity is 0
˚C, it denotes free convection, while velocities above 0 ˚C represent finned convection.
Contrary to expectations based on existing studies, which suggest that rectangular finned
plates typically have more surface area and thus less heat dissipation compared to
circular fins, our observations yielded unexpected results. Table 1 and Figures 3 and 4
illustrate that there was more heat dissipation in circular fins and less in rectangular fins.
Generally, an increase in velocity corresponds to a decrease in temperature for both
circular and rectangular finned surfaces. However, our findings diverged from this trend.
Instead of observing a decrease in temperature with increasing velocity, we noted an
increase in temperature, as depicted in Figures 3 and 4.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, our objective to investigate the impact of varying fin area on the
temperature of the base plate was effectively pursued through meticulous
experimentation and analysis. Our findings revealed nuanced insights into heat
dissipation dynamics, particularly in the context of circular and rectangular finned plates.
➢ Despite initial expectations rooted in literature suggesting that rectangular fins,
with their larger surface area, would exhibit lower heat dissipation compared to
circular fins, our experimental results demonstrated the contrary. Circular fins
 ME-332 Heat Transfer & HVAC Lab

displayed greater heat dissipation, while rectangular fins exhibited comparatively

less.
➢ This discrepancy underscores the complexity of heat transfer phenomena,
influenced not only by surface area but also by factors such as airflow dynamics,
boundary layer effects, and thermal conductivity variations. Our observations
challenge conventional assumptions and highlight the need for comprehensive
assessments when considering heat management strategies in practical
applications.
➢ However, it's essential to acknowledge potential sources of error that may have
influenced our results. These could include inaccuracies in temperature
measurements, variations in airflow conditions not fully accounted for,
inconsistencies in fin geometry, and limitations in experimental setup precision.
Addressing these sources of error in future studies can enhance the reliability and
robustness of our findings, ensuring more accurate conclusions and facilitating
advancements in thermal management techniques.