Freeze Protecting Open top Tank 1

[warrenelec]

Hi,

I need to keep an OPEN TOP water tank from freezing & need to determine the approximate heat loss per unit area. (Minimum ambient temperature is 0 degrees F & I'd like to maintain 42 degrees f). I can calculate the losses through the walls of the tank but not the top-I have one chart for this but it does not factor in a wind factor & one including a wind factor but only displays data down to a 40 degrees F ambient temperature. Does anyone know how to calculate the heat loss from the water surface to the surrounding environment? For these calculations I am assuming an average wind speed of 10-15 mph. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Warren

 

[Bribyk]

I believe the ASHRAE Handbook has the equations you're looking for. You might also want to Google "swimming pool heat losses".

 

[warrenelec]

I'd prefer not to buy the ASHRAE manual for a one time project. I'll try the swimming pool losses-thanks for the idea