Orientation effects of nanoparticle-modified surfaces with interlaced wettability on condensation heat transfer

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of surfaces with superhydrophobicity-based interlaced wettability on condensation heat transfer. Experiments were conducted on various types of surface with different modified strip widths under horizontal and vertical surface orientations. The experimental results revealed that the condensation heat-transfer on surfaces with interlaced wettability could be highly influenced by the surface pattern, surface orientation, and wall subcooling. Opposite trends of heat transfer were observed under different surface orientation. The experimental data of horizontal surfaces showed that the heat transfer can be enhanced when the spacing between the unmodified strips is getting wider, while the narrower spacing would increase the heat transfer more efficiently for vertical surfaces. Such the facts imply that the interlaced surface holds the potential of heat transfer enhancement, especially in the situation without the sweeping of condensates under the gravity force.