For this example, you can use 149 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the maximum temperature most solar cells can reach while still producing output efficiently. The next step is to calculate the difference between the starting temperature and the target temperature.

Then you need to find the specific heat of aluminum, which is 0.21 BTUs per pound per degree Fahrenheit. In this example, let’s say it’s five pounds. The first step is to find the weight of the aluminum plate. Consider an aluminum plate that’s being used to heat a solar cell to determine its operating temperature range. Here’s an example of an application for which you’d need to calculate the required wattage. H = how long it should take to reach the temperature set point, in hours WT= the weight of the material to be heated, in lbs.Ĭp = the specific heat of the material to be heated, in BTU/lb☏ You can use the following formula to determine your required wattage. In order to determine whether a particular heater will perform well in your application, you must compare its wattage with your requirements. Speed of heat transfer: How fast do you need to reach your temperature set point? Should the material’s temperature increase slowly, or do you need a quick response?.Material: What type of material is to be heated? How large is it, and how much does it weigh?.Temperature: How hot do you need your surface to be?.There are three main aspects to consider when comparing industrial surface heaters. This enables you to find a heater that will be capable of reaching the correct temperature within an appropriate time frame. When selecting a surface heater for use in an industrial process or application, you’ll want to begin by calculating your wattage requirements.

Kw in cp