Equations for Convection Heat Transfer Coefficients

Adapted from ASHRAE 1997

hc in W/(m2 · K), V in m/s, and M in met units, where 1 met = 58.2 W/m2

Condition Equation Limits
Seated with moving air hc = 8.3 x V0.6 0.2 < V < 4.0
hc = 3.1 0 < V < 0.2
Reclining with moving air hc = 2.7 + 8.7 x V0.67 0.15 < V < 1.5
hc = 5.1 0 < V < 0.15
Walking in still air V is walking speed hc = 8.6 x V0.53 0.5 < V < 2.0
Active in still air hc = 5.7 x (M - 0.8)0.39 1.1 < M < 3.0
Walking on treadmill in still air
(V is treadmill speed)
hc = 6.5 x V0.39 0.5 < V < 2.0
Standing person in moving air hc = 14.8 x V0.69 0.15 < V < 1.5
hc = 4.0 0 < V < 0.15