Objective: Simulate an energy balance model with radiative and convective heat transfer.

The temperature of the transistor increases as electrical current flows through the small device. Energy is dispersed away from the transistor with two primary mechanisms: convection and radiation. The amount of heat lost by convection `(q_{conv})` is proportional to the temperature difference between the transistor `(T)` and the surrounding air temperature `(T_{a})`.

$$m \, c_p \, \frac{dT}{dt} = U\,A\, \left(T_a-T\right) + \epsilon\,\sigma\,A\,\left(T_\infty^4-T^4\right) + \alpha \, Q$$

The amount of heat lost by radiative heat transfer `(q_{rad})` is proportional to the 4th power of the temperature between the transistor temperature `(T^4)` and the surrounding objects `(T_{\infty}^4)`.

Background on Convective and Radiative Heat Transfer

There are several modes of heat transfer including radiative, convective, and conductive. Radiative heat transfer is from the motion of particles and emitted as electromagnetic photons primarily as infrared radiation. Convective heat transfer is with the surrounding fluid such as air. Convection can be forced such as from a blower or natural such as in quiescent conditions. Conductive heat transfer is through solid contact as the energy transfers away but, unlike convection, the contact material is stationary.

A. Heat Transfer Modes

For each situation, determine which form best describes the heat transfer.

1. Hair is dried with a blow dryer

2. A pan is heated on a gas stove

3. Food is cooked in the hot pan

4. Sunlight warms the ground

B. Heat Transfer with Increased Temperature

What is the relative importance of heat transfer by convection and radiation at low (<30 ^oC) and high (80 ^oC) temperature for the transistor. Which heat transfer mode increases relatively more as the temperature increases?

C. Factors that Influence Heat Transfer

Equation for convection heat loss:

$$q_{conv} = U \, A \, \left(T_a-T\right)$$

Equation for radiation heat loss:

$$q_{rad} = \epsilon \, \sigma \, A \, \left(T_\infty^4-T^4\right)$$

Which of these factors increases only thermal radiation?

Which of these factors increases both thermal radiation and convection?

Problem Statement

A finned heat sink is attached to the transistor to increase the surface area and increase the heat removal both by convective and radiative heat transfer. A temperature sensor is attached to the transistor to monitor the temperature.

A lumped parameter energy balance model of the Temperature Control Lab (TCLab) assumes that there is one uniform temperature in the control volume and that all heat loss is through radiative and convective heat transfer. The relationship between the heater and the power output is given by `\alpha`=0.01 W/%.

$$m \, c_p \, \frac{dT}{dt} = U\,A\, \left(T_a-T\right) + \epsilon\,\sigma\,A\,\left(T_\infty^4-T^4\right) + \alpha \, Q$$

With the temperature initially at ambient temperature (`T_a`), simulate the change in temperature over the 5 minutes when heater Q is adjusted to 50%. Use values of m=0.004 kg, `\epsilon`=0.9, A=0.0012 m², `c_p`=500 J/kg-K, U=5 W/m²-K, `\sigma`=5.67x10^-8 W/m²-K⁴ , and `T_\infty = T_a`=23 ^oC. Compare the simulated temperature response to data from the TCLab. Additionally, show how much heat is lost through convective and radiative heat loss throughout the 5 minute period. Add a simulation prediction to the script below to compare with the TCLab data.

TCLab Step Response

Solutions

Connect TCLab to Add Data to Plot

import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
from scipy.integrate import odeint
import tclab
import time

n = 300  # Number of second time points (5 min)

# collect data if TCLab is connected
try:
    lab = tclab.TCLab()
    T1 = [lab.T1]
    lab.Q1(50)
    for i in range(n):
        time.sleep(1)
        print(lab.T1)
        T1.append(lab.T1)
    lab.close()
    connected = True
except:
    print('Connect TCLab to Get Data')
    connected = False

# simulation
U = 5.0
A = 0.0012
alpha = 0.01
eps = 0.9
sigma = 5.67e-8
Ta = 23
Cp = 500
m = 0.004
TaK = Ta + 273.15
def labsim(TC,t):
    TK = TC + 273.15
    dTCdt = (U*A*(Ta-TC) + sigma*eps*A*(TaK**4-TK**4) + alpha*50)/(m*Cp)
    return dTCdt

tm = np.linspace(0,n,n+1) # Time values
Tsim = odeint(labsim,23,tm)

# calculate losses from conv and rad
conv = U*A*(Ta-Tsim)
rad = sigma*eps*A*(TaK**4-(Tsim+273.15)**4)
loss = conv+rad
gain = alpha*50

# Plot results
plt.figure()
plt.subplot(2,1,1)
plt.plot(tm,Tsim,'b-',label='Simulated')
if connected:
    plt.plot(tm,T1,'r.',label='Measured')
plt.ylabel(r'Temperature ($^oC$)')
plt.legend()
plt.subplot(2,1,2)
plt.plot(tm,conv,'g:',label='Convection')
plt.plot(tm,rad,'r--',label='Radiation')
plt.plot(tm,loss,'k-',label='Total Lost')
plt.text(150,-0.1,'Heater input = '+str(gain)+' W')
plt.ylabel(r'Heat Loss (W)')
plt.legend(loc=3)
plt.xlabel('Time (sec)')
plt.show()

[$[Get Code]]

Connect TCLab to Add Data to Plot

import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import tclab
import time
# pip install gekko
from gekko import GEKKO

n = 300  # Number of second time points (5 min)

# collect data if TCLab is connected
try:
    lab = tclab.TCLab()
    T1 = [lab.T1]
    lab.Q1(50)
    for i in range(n):
        time.sleep(1)
        print(lab.T1)
        T1.append(lab.T1)
    lab.close()
    connected = True
except:
    print('Connect TCLab to Get Data')
    connected = False

# simulation
m = GEKKO()
m.time = np.linspace(0,n,n+1)
U = 5.0; A = 0.0012; Cp = 500
mass = 0.004; alpha = 0.01; Ta = 23
eps = 0.9; sigma = 5.67e-8; TaK = Ta+273.15
TC = m.Var(Ta)
TK = m.Intermediate(TC+273.15)
conv = m.Intermediate(U*A*(Ta-TC))
rad  = m.Intermediate(sigma*eps*A*(TaK**4-TK**4))
loss = m.Intermediate(conv + rad)
gain = m.Intermediate(alpha*50)
m.Equation(mass*Cp*TC.dt()==conv+rad+gain)
m.options.NODES = 3
m.options.IMODE = 4 # dynamic simulation
m.solve(disp=False)

# Plot results
plt.figure()
plt.subplot(2,1,1)
plt.plot(m.time,TC,'b-',label='Simulated')
if connected:
    plt.plot(m.time,T1,'r.',label='Measured')
plt.ylabel(r'Temperature ($^oC$)')
plt.legend()
plt.subplot(2,1,2)
plt.plot(m.time,conv,'g:',label='Convection')
plt.plot(m.time,rad,'r--',label='Radiation')
plt.plot(m.time,loss,'k-',label='Total Lost')
plt.text(150,-0.1,'Heater input = '+str(gain.value[0])+' W')
plt.ylabel(r'Heat Loss (W)')
plt.legend(loc=3)
plt.xlabel('Time (sec)')
plt.show()

[$[Get Code]]

Generative AI Learning

Use these prompts to test your understanding after completing the exercise. Direct the AI - do not let it do the exercise for you.

App: Compare models in the browser with the TCLab Simulation Studio - switch between the convective and convective-plus-radiative energy balances on the same recorded run and watch the heat-loss breakdown and the objective value change.

What to Turn In

Submit a short report (PDF, 1-2 pages) that curates your results into a demonstration of what you learned. You may use Generative AI to help write the report, but you must guide it to the correct visualizations, justifications, and assumptions. Answer these questions:

1. Include a plot comparing the convective-only and convective+radiative model predictions against measured data. Which fits better, and by how much (objective value or visual gap)?
2. At your maximum measured temperature, what fraction of the heat loss is radiative? Show the calculation in Kelvin.
3. Why does ignoring radiation bias the fitted U value upward in the convective-only model?
4. From the quiz prompt: one question you missed and the corrected answer.