Enter the mass flow rate, specific heat, and temperature differential between the inlet and outlet into the calculator to determine the heat dissipation.

Heat Dissipation Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the heat dissipation from a fluid. 

Q = m*Cp*T
  • Where Q is the heat dissipation (Watts)
  • m is the mass flow rate of the fluid (kg/s)
  • Cp is the specific heat of the fluid
  • T is the temperature difference between the outlet and inlet

To calculate the total heat dissipation, multiply the fluid mass flow rate by the specific heat, then again by the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet.

Heat Dissipation Definition

Heat dissipation is a type of heat transfer in which heat is transferred from a hotter object to a cooler object. In this case, the hotter object dissipates heat to the cooler object or substance.

In many cases, heat dissipation involves the transfer of heat from a hotter object using a fluid. This will be looked at in the example problem in the following section.

Example Problem

How to calculate heat dissipation?

In this example problem, a water transfer system is dissipating heat from a hot surface through the flow of water.

The first step in calculating the heat dissipation is to determine the mass flow rate of the water. In this example, the mass flow rate of the water is found to be 50 kg/s.

Next, the specific heat of the water must be determined. While the true specific heat actually varies with temperature, we will simplify this problem and assume the specific heat is 4.16 kJ/(kg*K).

Next, the difference in temperature of the water between the inlet and outlet of the system is measured and found the be 20 degrees celsius.

Finally, calculate the heat dissipation using the formula above:

Q = m*Cp*T

= 50*4.16*20

= 4160 kW

= 4,160,000 Watts of Heat Dissipation