In the most simple terms, thermal energy is transported from one point in the system to the

other due to the presence of a gradient. Let us say there are two similar tanks containing a
fluid (say water) and connected through a pipe. To start with, the pipe is closed with a value
and one of the tanks is filled to a larger height than the other. As soon as the value is
opened, the water from the tank (with water to a larger height) flows to the other. This
continues until both the tanks have the same height of water.

Similarly, when two points in space are at different temperatures or when there is a relative
heat source located at one (& not at the other), this will ensure the flow of thermal energy
from one point to the other. This process of thermal energy can be said to be heat transfer,
in general.

As we understand today, there are primarily three modes. To think of the logical process of
this conclusion, we can say that

 Conduction: Say that the objects are in contact, then the energy is transferred
due to vibration of molecules. The molecules just vibrate in their mean position
but do not actually move.
 Convection: However, in fluids, the mean distance between the molecules is
large that there should have been much less heat transfer. However, fluids do
effectively transfer energy. Convection is where the molecules undergo large
motions leading to transfer of energy
 Radiation: However, the outer space is filled with vacuum. Yet, we observe a
transmission of energy. Here the energy is transmitted through electromagnetic
waves.
Overall, the science of heat transfer deals with the questions of nature:

 How is heat transferred?

 How much is transferred?
 When & why is thermal energy transferred?
Some interesting simulations to give a visualization of the process

 Conduction in a frying pan

 Natural convection in a light bulb
 Radiation analysis of hollow sphere