Why does a heater use finned tubes?

Why does a heater use finned tubes?

A heater uses finned tubes to increase its efficiency in transferring heat to the surrounding air or fluid. The fins on the tubes increase the surface area of the tubes exposed to the air or fluid, which in turn increases the rate of heat transfer.

When the heaters tubes are finned, it increases the heat transfer coefficient by providing more surface area for heat to transfer between the fluid and the tube. The fins also create turbulence in the fluid or air, which promotes mixing and increases the heat transfer rate.

Heat works in three ways viz. Conduction, Convection and Radiation. Fins help in radiation of heat. Heater works on the basis of heat radiation.

Moreover, the fins on the tubes increase the flow of air or fluid over the surface of the tube, allowing for greater heat transfer. The increased surface area and flow rate of air or fluid can allow the heater to operate at lower temperatures while still providing the same amount of heat output.

For a designer, heat calculation of required heat transfer area and optimum spacing of tubes to create the required surface area are two parts of the problem. Increased heat transfer area can mean increase in the heat exchanger efficiency. 

Overall, the use of finned tubes in a heater can greatly improve its efficiency and effectiveness in heating air or fluid, making it a common feature in many types of heaters, including those used for space heating, water heating, and industrial processes.

Finned tubes heater