Sensible Heat and Heat Duty Calculator

Equation

ΔḢT = ṁ · cp · (Tout − Tin)

Positive means outlet temperature exceeds inlet; negative means it is lower. Interpreting the result as heat transfer requires the conditions below.

Applicability

• For steady, single-phase flow with constant mass flow, use the average constant-pressure heat capacity over the temperature range; pressure effects on enthalpy must be negligible.
• Only when shaft work and changes in kinetic and potential energy are negligible, and no other mass crosses the boundary, may the result approximate net heat transfer to the fluid. Account separately for heat losses when assessing the target equipment.
• Not for phase change. Use a complete energy balance for equipment with significant shaft work, such as a compressor.

Worked example

Example: 1 kg/s, 4180 J/(kg·K), a temperature rise from 20 °C to 30 °C gives an estimated temperature-related enthalpy-rate change of +41,800 W. Under the stated energy-balance assumptions it approximates net heat transfer.