Thermal Transmittance vs. Thermal Resistance

Calculator for thermal transmittance (U) and thermal resistance (R). Thermal transmittance is the inverse of thermal resistance. For layered constructions, the overall thermal transmittance is 1 divided by the sum of individual thermal resistances.

Thermal Transmittance vs. Thermal Resistance

Thermal transmittance and thermal resistance are inversely related:

U = 1 / R (Equation 1)

Where:

  • U = overall thermal transmittance (W/m² °C)
  • R = overall thermal resistance (m² °C/W)

For layered constructions with multiple thermal resistances:

U = 1 / ΣRi (Equation 2)

Example - Heat Exchanger: U = 1 / (R_air film + R_condensate film + R_metal wall + R_product film)

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Thermal Transmittance (U)-- W/m² °C
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Thermal Resistance (R)-- m² °C/W
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Total Thermal Resistance (ΣRi)-- m² °C/W
Overall Thermal Transmittance (U)-- W/m² °C
Thermal Transmittance vs. Thermal Resistance | MEPKit Engineering Tools | MEPKit