Steam Radiators and Convectors - Heating Capacities

Calculate the heat capacity of steam-heated radiators and convectors based on condensate rate, latent heat of steam, and temperature correction coefficients.

Steam Heated Radiator

The heat capacity of a steam radiator is calculated as:

Hr = qs × hs × λr

Where:

  • Hr = heat capacity of radiator (kW, Btu/h)
  • qs = condensate rate (kg/h, lb/h)
  • hs = latent heat steam (2675 kJ/kg, 970 Btu/lb)
  • λr = radiator temperature correction coefficient

The radiator correction coefficient is:

λr = ((215 - 70) / (ts - tr))^1.3

Where:

  • ts = average steam temperature (°F)
  • tr = room temperature (°F)

Steam Heated Convector

The heat capacity of a steam convector is calculated as:

Hc = qs × hs × λc

Where:

  • Hc = heat capacity of convector (kW, Btu/h)
  • qs = condensate rate (kg/h, lb/h)
  • hs = latent heat steam (2675 kJ/kg, 970 Btu/lb)
  • λc = convector temperature correction coefficient

The convector correction coefficient is:

λc = ((215 - 65) / (ts - ti))^1.5

Where:

  • ts = steam temperature (°F)
  • ti = inlet temperature (°F)
Calculator

Inputs

Results

Radiator Correction Coefficient (λr)--
Heat Capacity of Radiator-- kW
Calculator

Inputs

Results

Convector Correction Coefficient (λc)--
Heat Capacity of Convector-- kW
ComponentFormulaStandard ValuesNotes
Radiator Heat Capacity (Hr)Hr = qs × hs × λrhs = 2675 kJ/kgλr = 1 at 70°F room and 215°F steam
Radiator Correction (λr)λr = ((215 - 70) / (ts - tr))^1.3Default: 1.0ts = steam temp, tr = room temp
Convector Heat Capacity (Hc)Hc = qs × hs × λchs = 2675 kJ/kgλc = 1 at 65°F inlet and 215°F steam
Convector Correction (λc)λc = ((215 - 65) / (ts - ti))^1.5Default: 1.0ts = steam temp, ti = inlet temp
Steam Radiators and Convectors - Heating Capacities | MEPKit Engineering Tools | MEPKit