Convective Air Flow from a Heat Source

Calculate the vertical air flow and air velocity generated by a heat source

A heat source, like a big engine, stove or melting pot, will generate a convective vertical air flow.

Air Velocity

The air velocity in the center of the air flow in a distance above the floor can be calculated as

v_c = c₁ ( 1000 P / l )^1/3 (1)

where

v_c = air velocity in the center of the air flow (m/s)

c₁ = constant characterizing the actual application, typical values between 1 to 2.

P = heating power from the source (W)

l = distance above the floor and the heat source (m)

Air Flow Volume

The air flow in a distance above the the floor can be calculated as

Q = c₂ P^1/3 l^5/3 (2)

where

Q = air flow volume (m³/s)

c₂ = constant characterizing the actual application, typical values between 0.05 to 0.15

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