Question

An ice chest is constructed of Styrofoam (k =0.033 W/m・◦C) with inside dimensions of 27 cm x 42 cm x 105 cm. The wall thickness is 5.2 cm. The outside of the chest is exposed to air at 26 ◦C with convective heat transfer coefficient, h =10 W/m2・◦C. If the chest is completely filled with ice, estimate the time required for the ice to completely melt. Write the assumptions used in the calculation of time. The enthalpy of fusion for water is 330 kJ/kg.

Answer 1

assumption.

1. Ice/water temp remains constant at 0 C.

2. there is no heat transfer resistance inside the ice or water.

3. ice/water behaves as a lumped system, temp is uniform everywhere.