The movement of thermal energy from higher temperature regions to lower temperature regions through three mechanisms: conduction (through solid materials), convection (through fluid movement), and radiation (electromagnetic energy transfer). In refrigerated transport, heat continuously flows from the warm ambient environment into the cold cargo space through vehicle walls, roof, floor, and door seals. The rate of heat transfer depends on temperature difference (ΔT), surface area, insulation thermal resistance (R-value), and thermal bridging through structural elements. Understanding heat transfer fundamentals is essential for proper refrigeration system sizing, insulation specification, and thermal load calculation. Professional cold chain operations treat heat transfer as quantifiable physics requiring engineering analysis rather than accepting “industry standard” practices that ignore altitude, urban heat island effects, and actual duty cycle conditions.
Engineering Formula: For detailed heat transfer calculations through insulation and thermal load analysis, see Fundamental Thermodynamics in our Technical Formulas Reference.
Related Terms: Insulation (Thermal), Door Openings (Thermal Load), Urban Heat Island Effect, Sensible Heat Load