Steam Radiator Convector

Overview

Engineering reference data for Steam Radiator Convector in HVAC systems.

Key Formulas

Sensible Heat

$Q = \dot{m} c_p \Delta T$

Heat causing temperature change.

Latent Heat

$Q = \dot{m} h_{fg} \Delta\omega$

Heat causing moisture change.

COP (Cooling)

$COP = Q_c / W$

Coefficient of performance.

Variables

Symbol	Description	Unit
$Q$	Heat transfer	W
$\dot{m}$	Mass flow rate	kg/s
$c_p$	Specific heat of air	J/(kg·K)
$\Delta T$	Temperature difference	K

Temperature Correction Coefficients

The heat capacity formulas assume standard temperature conditions. For actual operating conditions, temperature correction coefficients must be applied:

Radiator Correction Coefficient (λ_r): $\lambda_r = \left( \frac{215^\circ\text{F} - 70^\circ\text{F}}{t_s - t_r} \right)^{1.3}$

• $t_s$ = average steam temperature (°F)
• $t_r$ = room temperature (°F)

Convector Correction Coefficient (λ_c): $\lambda_c = \left( \frac{215^\circ\text{F} - 65^\circ\text{F}}{t_s - t_i} \right)^{1.5}$

• $t_s$ = steam temperature (°F)
• $t_i$ = inlet air temperature (°F)

Both coefficients equal 1 at their reference conditions (70°F room temp for radiators, 65°F inlet for convectors with 215°F steam).

References

• Original Source