Calculations of Transient Temp using Lumped Capacitance Method:

Lumped capacitance method simplifies complex differential thermal equations so

that the calculation of transient temperature is achievable. The transient
temperatures can then be collated and plotted to get a theoretical idea of the
way in which the temperature in the vessel changes with time. In the case of this
example the transient temperature can be reduced to only one dimension. The
assumptions that were made to allow this simplification to be valid are as
follows:
1. Temperature gradient non-existant in bulk fluid
2. Temperature change through tank-wall is negligible.
The problem is then made to only be a function of temperature which allows an
unsteady state energy balance to be carried out.
Input+Generation Output Consumption=Accumulation

The initial energy balance equation can be simplified due to there being no
output as the tank is fully insulated. There is also no generation or consumption
of heat inside the tank with all the heat being inputted from the heating jacket
and then accumulated in the bulk fluid.

Symbol Parameter Units

h Heat Transfer Coefficient W m-2 K-1
A Surface Area m2
T Transient temperature K
TO Final Temperature K

Ti Initial Temperature K

t Time Basis s
L Density Kg.m-3

cp Specific Heat Capacity J.Kg-1.K-1

V Volume m3
T Temperature Change K

Input= Accumulation

This simplified equation describes the problem and allows parameters to be

inputted to form an equation that would relate the temperature inside the vessel
to the time at that point. The main parameters that would be used to derive this
equation are shown in the table below.

Input= Accumulation h . A . ( T oT ) .t = L . c p . V . T
 T h. A . ( T o T )
=
t L . c p. V

d dT T dT
Excess Temp : ( t )=T O T ( t )
dt
= , lim
dt t 0 t( )
=
dt

d h . A .
=
dt L . c p .V

t
h . A 1
. dt= . d
L . c p .V 0 i

i= ln
i
h . A
.t=lnln
L . c p .V

h . A
.t
L . c p .V
i . e =

h . A
.t
T O T i . e . c . V =(T OT )
L p

h . A
.t
L . c p . V
T i T O . e
T =T O +

The initial temperature of the vessel is 30C and final temperature is 40C .The
other necessary parameters the surface area and volume will be worked out
using calculations based on the diameter of the tank which is 0.16 meters. The
heat transfer coefficient for the different vessel materials and impeller speeds
was worked out in the previous section of the report. The density and specific
heat capacity of the fluid will be taken to be the same as water on account of the
solutions being 98% weight percentage water.
The transient temperatures worked out through this lumped capacitance method
were plotted with the experimental temperatures to note there degree of
similarity. This could then be used to comment on the validity of the assumptions
made. The plots are shown below.
Figure 1 Comparison of experimental & theoretical temperatures for stainless steel vessel at
200 RPM

Figure 2- Comparison of experimental & theoretical temperatures for stainless steel vessel at

Figure 3- Comparison of experimental & theoretical temperatures for aluminium vessel at

 Figure 4- Comparison of experimental & theoretical temperatures for aluminium vessel at

Figure 5- Comparison of experimental & theoretical temperatures for glass vessel at 200

Figure 6- Comparison of experimental & theoretical temperatures for glass vessel at 400