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HEAT TRANSFER FROM PIN FIN

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HEAT TRANSFER FROM PIN FIN

Introduction:

Extended surface made of fins are used to increase the heat transfer

rates from a surface to the surrounding fluid wherever it is not possible

to increase the value of the surface heat transfer coefficient or the

temperature difference between the surface and the fluid. Fins are

fabricated in variety of forms. Fins around the air-cooled engines are a

common example.

The finned surfaces are widely used in:

 Economizers for steam power plants;

 Convectors for steam and hot water heating systems;

 Radiators of automobiles;

 Air cooled engine cylinder heads;

 Cooling coils and condenser coils in refrigeration and air

conditioners;

 Small capacity compressors;

 Electric motor bodies;

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 Transformers and electronic equipments etc.

As the fins extend from primary heat transfer surface, the temperature

difference with the surrounding fluid diminishes towards the tip of the

fin. The aim of the experiment is to study the temperature distribution

and the effectiveness of the fin, which plays an important role in final

design.

The following assumptions are made for the analysis of heat flow

through the fin:

 Steady state heat conduction.

 No heat generation within the fin.

 Uniform heat transfer coefficient (h) over the entire surface of

the fin.

 Homogeneous and isotropic fin material (i.e. thermal

conductivity of material, constant).

 Negligible contact thermal resistance.

 Heat conduction one-dimensional.

 Negligible radiation.

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Let,

A = cross sectional area of the fin, m2

P = circumference of the fin, m

L = length of the fin, m.

T1 = Base temperature of the fin.

Tf = Duct fluid temperature (channel No. 6 of temperature

 = Temperature difference of fin and fluid temperature

indicator )

= T - Tf

h = heat transfer coefficient, w / m2 C.

kf = Thermal conductivity of fin material.

Heat is conducted along the length of fin and also lost to surroundings.

Applying first law of thermodynamics to a control volume along the

length of fin at a station which is at length ‘x’ from the base,

(1)

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(2)

where,

(3)

C1 and C2 are the constants; these are to be determined by using

proper boundary conditions.

One boundary condition is:

 - 0 = T1 – Tf at x = 0 (4)

Assuming the fin is infinitely long and the temperature at the end of

the fin essentially that of the ambient/ surrounding fluid.

At x = ,  = 0 (in terms of excess temperature) (5)

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Substituting these boundary conditions in equation (2), we get,

C1 + C2 = 0

C1em() + C2e-m() = 0

or

C1em() = 0

C1 = 0

and

C2 = 0

Inserting these values of C1 and C2 in equation (2), we get the

temperature distribution along the length of the fin,

 = 0 e-mx

so,

(T - Tf) = (Tb – Tf) e-mx

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= e-mx (6)

The dependence of dimensionless temperature is along the fin

length for different values of parameter m.

(1) As the value of m increases, the dimensionless temperature

falls.

(2) As the length of the fin increases to infinity all the curves

approach = 0 asymptotically.

The rate of heat flow across the base of the fin is given by (Fourier’s

Equation):

Qfin = - k A

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x=0 = [-m (Tb-Tf) e-mx]x=0 = -m (Tb – Tf)

Qfin = -k A [-m (Tb – Tf)] = k A m (Tf - Tb)

or

Qfin = k A (Tb – Tf)

Qfin = (Tb - Tf) (7)

From the equation, it is evident that the temperature falls towards the

tip of the fin, thus the area near the fin tip is not utilized to the extent

as the lateral area near the base. Hence beyond a certain point the

increase in the length of the fin does not contribute much in respect of

increase in the dissipation of heat. Consequently a tapered fin is

considered to be a better design since its lateral heat is more near the

base/ root where temperature difference is high.

Apparatus Description:

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The apparatus consists of a simple pin fin, which is fitted in a

rectangular duct (225 * 150 mm). The duct is attached to suction end

of a blower (0.5 HP). One end of the fin is heated by an electrical

heater (350 W). Thermocouples are mounted along the length of fin

(T1-T5) and one thermocouple notes the duct fluid temperature (T6).

When the cover over the fin is opened, blower switched off and

heating started, performance of fin with natural convection can be

evaluated and with top cover closed and blower started, fin can be

tested in force convection.

HEAT TRANSFER FROM PIN FIN

The apparatus is consisting of a simple pin fin which is fitted in a

rectangular duct. The duct is attached to suction end of a blower. One

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end of the fin can be heated by an electrical heater. Thermocouples

are mounted along the length of fin and one thermocouple notes the
duct fluid temperature. When the cover over the fin is opened, blower
switched off and heating started, performance of fin with natural
convection can be evaluated and with top cover closed and blower
started, fin can be tested in force convection.

Duct:
MOC : MS sheet
Size : 225 x 150 x 1000 mm
long connected to suction side of
blower.
Heater : 350 W
Fins:
MOC : SS, Brass, Aluminium
Size : 12.5 (D) * 150 (L) mm

Blower:
Power : 0.5 HP
Type : Centrifugal
With orifice and flow control valve on discharge side.

Discharge line of blower:

Size : 50 mm I.D.
Orifice : 25 mm,
Co-efficient of discharge Cd = 0.64

Temperature Sensors:
Type : “J” Thermocouple
Nos. : 6 (5 for pin and 1 duct
temperature)

Control Panel :

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 Main ON/ OFF switch,

 Dimmerstat to control heater input, 0-230 V, 5 amp.
 Voltmeter 0-250 V, for heater supply voltage
 Ammeter 0-2 amp.
 Six zone digital temperature indicator with selector switch.
 Water manometer connected to Orifice meter.

The set up is mounted on a suitable MS frame Structure with attractive

colour and control panel of good powder coating.

Aim:

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To study the heat transfer from a pin fin under forced and natural

convection and calculate the heat transfer co-efficient and

effectiveness of the fin.

[A] NATURAL CONVECTION:

Procedure:

 Insert male socket of control panel

 Test set-up in proper position.

 Open the duct cover over the fin.

 Ensure proper earthing to the unit and switch on the main

supply.

 Start the main switch of control panel and switch ON the electric

supply.

 Increase slowly the input to heater by the dimmerstat starting

from 0 volts position.

 Adjust input equal to about40w (60 w, 70 w) maximum by

voltmeter and ammeter.

 See that this input remains constant throughout the experiment.

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 Wait till the steady state is reached, which is confirmed from

temperature readings T1 to T5.

 Measure surface temperatures at the various points at T1 to T5.

 Note the ambient temperature T6.

 Go on checking the temperature at some specified time intervals

say 10 minutes and continue this till a satisfactory steady state

(i.e. No change in temperature with respect to time – it will take

about an hour to one and half hour) condition is reached.

 Repeat the experiment for different heat input or different test

fins materials.

OBSERVATION:

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1. Fin Material =

2. Fin Diameter (D) = mm

3. Fin Length (L) = mm

4. Surface Heat Transfer Area (As) =π*D*L = m2

Observation Table:

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Sr. No.
Time
Voltage (V) V
Current (Amp) I
Heat Input (W) Q=V*I
T1
Temperature
Thermocoup
le Position

T2
T3
(oC)

T4
T5
T6 = Ta
Steady State
Temperature of Ts
Fin (oC)
Avg. Surface Heat
Transfer
h
Coefficient
(w/ m2 OC)
Grasshof
Number g D3  T / 2

Prandtl
Cp  / kair
Number
= 1.1 ( Gr. Pr )1/6 =
Nusselt
0.53 ( Gr. Pr )1/4 =
Number
0.13 ( Gr. Pr )1/3

Calculation:

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q = V*I

= Watt

As = DL

= m2

Ts = ( T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5) / 5

= C

The fin under consideration is horizontal cylinder loosing heat by

natural convection. For horizontal cylinder, Nusselt number,

Nu = 1.1 ( Gr. Pr )1/6 for 10-1 < Gr. Pr < 104

Nu = 0.53 ( Gr. Pr )1/4 for 10-4 < Gr. Pr < 109

Nu = 0.13 ( Gr. Pr )1/3 for 109 < Gr. Pr < 1012

Where,

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Gr = Grasshof number,

And,

Pr = Prandtl number,

Determine Nusselt number from above equations,

Now,

Nu =

From this equation determine the value of h.

From h, determine ‘m’ from equation

Using h and m, determine temperature distribution in the fin using

equation

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= e-mx

As the value of m increases, the dimensionless temperature

falls.

As the length of the fin increases to infinity all the curves approach

= 0 asymptotically.

The rate of heat transfer from the fin can be calculated as

and efficiency of the fin can be calculated as,

Effectiveness of fin () is,

= =

[B] FORCED CONVECTION:

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Procedure:

 Insert male socket of control panel

 Test set-up in proper position.

 Close the duct cover over the fin.

 Ensure proper earthing to the unit and switch on the main

supply.

 Start the main switch of control panel and switch ON the electric

supply.

 Switch On the Blower.

 Increase slowly the input to heater by the dimmerstat starting

from 0 volts position.

 Adjust input equal to about 40 w (60 w, 70 w) maximum by

voltmeter and ammeter.

 See that this input remains constant throughout the experiment.

 Wait till the steady state is reached , which is confirmed from

temperature readings T1 to T5.

 Measure surface temperatures at the various points at T1 to T5.

 Note the ambient temperature T6.

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 Note the manometer reading.

 Go on checking the temperature at some specified time intervals

say 10 minutes and continue this till a satisfactory steady state

(i.e. No change in temperature with respect to time – it will take

about an hour to one and half hour) condition is reached.

 Repeat the experiment for different heat input or different test

fins materials.

OBSERVATION:

1. Fin Material =

2. Fin Diameter (D) = mm

3. Fin Length (L) = mm

4. Surface Heat Transfer Area (As) = π * D * L = m2

Observation Table:

Sr. No. (1) (2) (3)

Time

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Voltage (V) V
Current (Amp) I
Heat Input (W) Q=V*I
T1
Temperature
Thermocoup
le Position

T2
T3
(oC)

T4
T5
T6 = Ta
Manometer
Ht. Difference H
(mm)
Steady State
Temperature of Ts
Fin (oC)
Surface HT
Coefficient h
(w/ m2 OC)
Reynolds
Number
Prandtl
Cp  / kair
Number
Nusselt = 0.615 (Re) 0.466
Number = 0.174 (Re) 0.618

Calculation:

q = V*I

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= Watt

As = DL

= m2

Ts = ( T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5) / 5

= C

The fin under consideration is horizontal cylinder loosing heat by

Forced convection. For horizontal cylinder, Nusselt number,

Nu = 0.615 (Re) 0.466 for 40 < Re < 4000

Nu = 0.174 (Re) 0.618 for 4000 < Re < 40000

Where,

for which, Velocity of air is determined from air volume flow,

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= m3/s

thus Air Velocity will be given by

V =Q/A

= m/s

= m/s

And,

Pr = Prandtl number,

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Determine Nusselt number from above equations,

Now,

Nu =

From this equation determine the value of h.

From h, determine ‘m’ from equation

Using h and m, determine temperature distribution in the fin using

equation

= e-mx

As the value of m increases, the dimensionless temperature

falls.

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As the length of the fin increases to infinity all the curves approach

= 0 asymptotically.

The rate of heat transfer from the fin can be calculated as

and efficiency of the fin can be calculated as,

Effectiveness of fin () is,

= =

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PRECAUTIONS:

 Make sure that the dimmerstat is at Zero position before

switching on the heater.

 Do not obstruct the suction of the duct or discharge pipe.

 Open the duct cover over the fin for natural convection

experiment.

 Fill up water in the manometer and close the duct cover for

forced convection experiment.

 Proper earthing to the unit is necessary.

 While replacing the fins, be careful for fixing the thermocouples.

Incorrectly fixed thermocouples may show erratic readings.

 Increase the wattage gradually of the heater during initial set-up

experimentation.

 Never use the heater at full wattage for longer period of

time.

 Use the proper range of ammeter and voltmeter.

 Operate the change over switch of temperature indicator gently

from one position to other, i.e. from 1 to 6 positions.

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Nomenclature:

 Tm = Average fin temperature

= (T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5) / 5

 T = Tm -Tf

 Tmf = mean film temperature

= (Tm + Tf) / 2

 a = Density of air

= 1.29 kg / m3

 w = Density of water

= 1000 kg / m3

 D = Diameter of pin fin

 d = Diameter of orifice

 Cd = coefficient of discharge of orifice = 0.64

  = Dynamic viscosity of air, N-s / m2

 Cp = Specific heat of air, kJ / kg C

  = Kinematic viscosity, m2 / s.

 kair = Thermal conductivity of air, w / m C

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  = Volume expansion coefficient

= 1 / (Tmf + 273)

 H = manometer difference, m of water

 V = velocity of air in duct, m / s

 Q = volume flow rate of air, m3 / s

 Vtmf = velocity of air at mean film temperature

All the properties are to be evaluated at mean film temperature.

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PROPERTIES OF AIR

T  Cp  x 106 K Pr  x 106

C Kgm/m3 KJ/kgm- N- W/m-K m2/sec

K Scc/m2

0 1.293 1.005 17.2 0.0244 0.707 13.23

10 1.247 1.005 17.7 0.0251 0.705 14.16

20 1.205 1.005 18.1 0.0259 0.703 15.06

30 1.165 1.005 18.6 0.0267 0.701 16.00

40 1.128 1.005 19.1 0.0276 0.699 16.96

50 1.093 1.005 19.6 0.0283 0.698 17.95

60 1.060 1.005 20.1 0.0290 0.696 18.97

70 1.029 1.009 20.6 0.0297 0.694 20.02

80 1.000 1.009 21.1 0.0305 0.692 21.09

90 0.972 1.009 21.5 0.0313 0.690 22.10

100 0.946 1.009 21.9 0.0321 0.688 23.13

120 0.898 1.009 22.9 0.0334 0.686 25.45

140 0.854 1.013 23.7 0.0349 0.684 27.80

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SAMPLE CALCULATIONAS

( A ) NATURAL CONVECTION:

OBSERVATION:

1. Fin Material = Brass

2. Fin Diameter (D) = 14 mm

3. Fin Length (L) = 150 mm

4. Surface Heat Transfer Area (As) = π * D * L = 0.0066 m2

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Observation Table

Sr. No. (1) (2) (3)

Time
Voltage (V) V 152 149 148
Current (Amp) I 0.2 0.2 0.2
Heat Input (W) Q=V*I 30.4 29.8 29.6
T1 41.1 42.4 42.0
Temperature
Thermocoup
le Position

T2 162.4 167.2 166.0

T3 131.1 135.4 134.7
(oC)

T4 107.0 111.3 110.8

T5 93.0 96.8 96.6
T6 = Ta 88.1 92.0 91.8
Steady State
Temperature of Ts 109.7
Fin (oC)
Avg. Surface Heat
Transfer
h 8.882
Coefficient
(w/ m2 OC)
Grasshof
Number g D3  T / 2 2634.10

Prandtl
Cp  / kair 0.688
Number
= 1.1 ( Gr. Pr )1/6
Nusselt
= 0.53 ( Gr. Pr )1/4 3.841
Number
= 0.13 ( Gr. Pr )1/3

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SAMPLE CALCULATION FOR READING # 3:

q = V*I

= 148 * 0.2

= 29.6 Watt

As = DL

= 3.14 * 0.014 * 0.15

= 0.0066 m2

Ts = ( T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5) / 5

= (42.0+166.0+134.7+110.8+96.6) / 5

= 109.7 C

The fin under consideration is horizontal cylinder loosing heat by

natural convection. For horizontal cylinder, Nusselt number,

Nu = 1.1 ( Gr. Pr )1/6 for 10-1 < Gr. Pr < 104

Nu = 0.53 ( Gr. Pr )1/4 for 10-4 < Gr. Pr < 109

Nu = 0.13 ( Gr. Pr )1/3 for 109 < Gr. Pr < 1012

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Where,

Gr = Grashof number,

= [9.81*0.0027*(0.014)3 *(109.7-91.8)] / (22.10*10-6)2

= 2663.7

And,

Pr = Prandtl number,

=0.688

Determine Nusselt number,

Nu = = 1.1(Gr * Pr)1/ 6 = 1.1(2663.7 * 0.688)0.17 = 3.946

h = Nu * k air / D = (3.946 * 0.0313) / 0.014 = 8.882 W/ m2 0C

From h, determine ‘m’ from equation

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m = 4.944

Using h and m, determine temperature distribution in the fin using

equation

= e-mx

As the value of m increases, the dimensionless temperature

falls.

As the length of the fin increases to infinity all the curves approach

= 0 asymptotically.

The rate of heat transfer from the fin can be calculated as

and efficiency of the fin can be calculated as,

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1.35

Effectiveness of fin () is,

= = 1.00

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( B ) FORCED CONVECTION:

OBSERVATION:

1. Fin Material = Brass

2. Fin Diameter (D) = 14 mm

3. Fin Length (L) = 150 mm

4. Surface Heat Transfer Area (As) = π * D * L = 0.0066 m2

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Observation Table:

Sr. No. (1) (2) (3)

Time
Voltage (V) V 156 158 155
Current (Amp) I 0.2 0.2 0.2
Heat Input (W) Q=V*I 31.2 31.6 31.0
T1 40.7 40.4 40.2
Temperature
Thermocoup
le Position

T2 90.4 109 110.3

T3 73.0 84.0 85.3
(oC)

T4 60.3 66.2 67.1

T5 53.4 57.0 57.7
T6 = Ta 51.2 54.1 54.6
Manometer
Ht. Difference H 25 25 25
(mm)
Steady State
Temperature of Ts 72.12
Fin (oC)
Surface HT
Coefficient h 112.0
(w/ m2 OC)
Reynolds
11033.15
Number
Prandtl
Cp  / kair 0.695
Number
Nusselt = 0.615 (Re) 0.466
= 0.174 (Re) 0.618
54.82
Number

Sample Calculation For Reading # 3:

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q = V*I

= 155 * 0.2

= 31 Watt

As = DL

= 0.0066 m2

Ts = ( T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5) / 5

= ( 40.2+110.3+85.3+67.1+57.7) / 5

= 72.12 C

The fin under consideration is horizontal cylinder loosing heat by

Forced convection. For horizontal cylinder, Nusselt number,

Nu = 0.615 (Re) 0.466 for 40 < Re < 4000

Nu = 0.174 (Re) 0.618 for 4000 < Re < 40000

Where,

= (14.548 * 0.014) / 18.46-6

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= 11033.15

for which, Velocity of air is determined from air volume flow,

=[ 0.64*3.14*(0.014)2 {2*9.81*0.025*(1000-1.0765)}1/ 2

= 0.00218 m3/s

thus Air Velocity will be given by

V =Q/A

= 0.00218/ 1.5386*10-4

= 14.17 m/s

= [14.17*(63.36+273)] / (54.6+273)

= 14.548 m/s

And,

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Pr = Prandtl number,

= 0.695

Determine Nusselt number,

Nu = = 0.174*(Re)0.618 = 0.174*(11033.15)0.618 = 54.82

h = (Nu*Kair) / D = (54.82*0.0286) / 0.014 = 112 W/m2 0C

From h, determine ‘m’ from equation

m = 17.55

Using h and m, determine temperature distribution in the fin using

equation

= e-mx

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As the value of m increases, the dimensionless temperature

falls.

As the length of the fin increases to infinity all the curves approach

= 0 asymptotically.

The rate of heat transfer from the fin can be calculated as

and efficiency of the fin can be calculated as,

0.3798

Effectiveness of fin () is,

= = 0.270

RESULT:

FOR BRASS FIN:

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NATURAL FORCED

CONVECTION CONVECTION

Grasshof Number 2634.10 --

Reynolds Number -- 11033.15

Prandtl Number 0.688 0.695

Nusselt Number 3.841 54.82

Surface Heat

Transfer Coefficient 8.862 112

( W/ m2 0C )

Rate of Heat Transfer 8.862 112

Fin Efficiency 1.35 0.3798

Effectiveness of Fin 1.0 0.27

CONCLUSION:

1. Comment on the observed temperature distribution and calculation

by theory. It is expected that observed temperatures should be
slightly less than their calculated values because of radiation and
non-insulated tip.

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2. Plot the graphs of temperature distribution in both natural and forced

convection.

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