1. What is Thermal Conductance?

Definition: Thermal conductance (G) measures how easily heat passes through a material or structure, expressed in watts per kelvin (W/K).

Purpose: It helps engineers and architects design thermal insulation systems and calculate heat transfer rates.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( G \) — Thermal conductance (W/K)
• \( k \) — Thermal conductivity of material (W/m·K)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (m²)
• \( d \) — Thickness of material (m)

Explanation: The formula relates material properties (k), geometry (A), and thickness (d) to determine overall heat transfer capability.

3. Importance of Thermal Conductance

Details: Proper conductance calculation ensures energy-efficient building designs, proper equipment cooling, and optimal insulation performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the material's thermal conductivity, cross-sectional area perpendicular to heat flow, and material thickness. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between conductance and conductivity?
A: Conductivity (k) is a material property, while conductance (G) considers both material properties and geometry.

Q2: What are typical k values for common materials?
A: Copper ≈ 400 W/m·K, Aluminum ≈ 200, Steel ≈ 50, Glass ≈ 1, Wood ≈ 0.1-0.2, Insulation ≈ 0.02-0.05.

Q3: How does thickness affect conductance?
A: Conductance decreases with increasing thickness - thicker materials have lower heat transfer rates.

Q4: When would I need to calculate thermal conductance?
A: When designing insulation systems, heat exchangers, electronic cooling, or building envelopes.

Q5: How is conductance related to resistance?
A: Thermal resistance (R) is the inverse of conductance: R = d/(k×A) = 1/G.