# Equation for heat dissipation from flat surface (ignoring convection)

As part of a school project, I would like to calculate whether the efficiency of the Peltier effect is greater, less or equal at higher voltages. In other words, I'm testing if the temperature differential as a function of voltage is linear. For thoroughness, instead of testing the temperature of both sides of the plate directly, I would like to calculate the power output/drain of both sides of the plate. To do this, I need the equation for heat dissipation from an flat, uninsulated surface into air, given the temperature of the plate, the ambient temperature, and the conductivity of the plate material. I will set up a fan to blow air across the plate to ensure that the air around the plate remains at ambient temperature, so convection currents can (I think) be ignored.

NOTE: If you have any suggestions regarding the experiment, I will be happy to hear them, but the question still primarily concerns the equation itself.