Heat transfer model of dropwise condensation and experimental validation for surface with coating and groove at low pressure

Abstract

It is well known that dropwise condensation corresponds to a high heat transfer coefficient. The high performance enhancement of dropwise condensation in comparison to filmwise condensation is attributed to the ability of non-wetting droplets to be shed from the surface by gravity, therefore reducing the overall thermal resistance. The common treatments to carry out the hydrophobic surface for dropwise condensation are coating and structure. The improvement of heat transfer efficiency by combination of surface treatments with coating and groove structure has been proved compared of surface with single surface treatment by coating or groove structure. Based on this result, in this study presents a model developed to predict the heat transfer efficiency of dropwise condensation for surface with coating and groove structure features. The model is established by heat transfer though a single droplet with the drop size distribution. The heat transfer of single drop is not only analyzed as combination of thermal resistances, but also considered capillary effect of droplet due to groove geometry and properties of surface. In addition, the model results are validated with experimental data which is investigated by varied modification of vapor side metallic surface properties at low absolute pressure. It can be a reference to design industrial condensers of heat exchangers in the future. Further to optimize the surface properties and improve the higher heat transfer performance of dropwise condensation.