| Webster's Online Dictionary |
| Expressions | Domain | Definition | |
| Heat balance | Aerospace | 1. The equilibrium which exists on the average between the radiation received by a planet and its atmosphere from the sun and that emitted by the planet and atmosphere. That the equilibrium does exist in the mean is demonstrated by the observed long-term constancy of the earth's surface temperature. On the average, regions of the earth nearer the equator than about 35 degrees latitude receive more energy from the sun than they are able to radiate, whereas latitudes higher than 35 degrees received less. The excess of heat is carried from low latitudes to higher latitudes by atmospheric and oceanic circulations and is reradiated there.2. The equilibrium which is known to exist when all sources of heat gain and loss for a given region or body are accounted for. In general this balance includes advective, evaporative (etc.) terms as well as a radiation term. (references) | |
| Heat balance | Energy | Energy output from a system that equals energy input. (references) | |
| Heat balance | Mining | A. In furnaces, heat engines, etc., the distribution of the known input of energy (as heat); also, the method of determining, or the graphical or tabular record of, such distribution.b. In fluidization roasting, the thermodynamic calculation used to control addition or removal of heat in order to maintain the desired temperature in the reacting vessel c. Equilibrium that exists on the average between the radiation received by the Earth and its atmosphere from the Sun and that emitted by the Earth and its atmosphere. That the equilibrium does exist in the mean is demonstrated by the observed long-term constancy of the Earth's surface temperature. On the average, regions of the Earth nearer the equator than about 35 degrees latitude receive more energy from the Sun than they are able to radiate, whereas latitudes higher than 35 degrees receive less. The excess of heat is carried from low latitudes to higher latitudes by atmospheric and oceanic circulations and is reradiated. (references) | |
| Heat balance | Physics | The outdoor temperature at which a building's internal heat gain (from people, lights and machines) is equal to the heat loss through windows, roof and walls. (references) | |
| Heat balance | Space | The equilibrium existing between the radiation received and emitted by a planetary system. (references) | |
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
