How to calculate radiator
In today's era of rapid technological development, radiator calculations have become a hot topic of concern to many engineers and DIY enthusiasts. Whether it is computer hardware, car engines or industrial equipment, the performance of the radiator directly affects the stability and life of the equipment. This article will introduce the calculation method of radiator in detail and provide structured data to help readers better understand and apply.
1. Basic concepts of radiator

A heat sink is a device used to conduct heat from a device to the surrounding environment. Its core function is to reduce the temperature of the device by increasing the heat dissipation area and improving heat conduction efficiency. The calculation of the radiator mainly involves three heat transfer modes: thermal conduction, convection and radiation.
2. Key parameters for radiator calculation
The calculation of the radiator requires comprehensive consideration of multiple parameters. The following are the main key parameters:
| parameters | Description | unit |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal power (Q) | heat generated by equipment | Watt (W) |
| Thermal resistance (R) | Thermal resistance value of radiator | ℃/W |
| Ambient temperature (Ta) | ambient temperature | ℃ |
| Equipment temperature (Tj) | Maximum operating temperature of the device | ℃ |
| Heat dissipation area (A) | Effective heat dissipation area of radiator | Square meters (m²) |
3. Calculation formula of radiator
The core calculation formula of the radiator is as follows:
Tj = Ta + Q × R
Among them:
Through this formula, the temperature of the device under specific cooling conditions can be calculated. If the calculated result exceeds the maximum allowable temperature of the device, you need to select a heat sink with a lower thermal resistance or increase the heat dissipation area.
4. Radiator calculation steps
The following are the specific steps for radiator calculation:
| steps | Operation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Determine the thermal power (Q) of the device |
| 2 | Measure or estimate ambient temperature (Ta) |
| 3 | Determine the maximum operating temperature of the device (Tj) |
| 4 | Calculate required thermal resistance (R = (Tj - Ta) / Q) |
| 5 | Choose a heat sink that meets thermal resistance requirements |
5. Optimization suggestions for radiator design
In order to improve the efficiency of the radiator, the following optimization measures can be taken:
6. Practical application cases
The following is a practical application case showing the specific process of radiator calculation:
| parameters | numerical value |
|---|---|
| Thermal power (Q) | 50W |
| Ambient temperature (Ta) | 25℃ |
| Maximum temperature of equipment (Tj) | 85℃ |
| Required thermal resistance (R) | (85 - 25) / 50 = 1.2℃/W |
According to the calculation results, it is necessary to select a radiator with a thermal resistance lower than 1.2°C/W to meet the heat dissipation needs of the device.
7. Summary
The calculation of the radiator is an important part of ensuring the stable operation of the equipment. Through reasonable thermal resistance calculation and radiator selection, the device temperature can be effectively reduced and its service life extended. This article provides detailed calculation methods and optimization suggestions, hoping to provide readers with a practical reference.
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