Thermohydraulic performance analysis and optimization of stripe patterned hybrid-wetting surface condensation by 3D steady simulation

Abstract

The configuration parameters of stripe patterned hybrid-wetting surfaces (SPHWSs) had a significant effect on the thermohydraulic performance of condensation. By using Taguchi-GRA method modified by entropy weight for optimization, Nusselt number (Nu) and thermal performance factor (TPF) reached the highest increment of 225.9% and 252.8% at vapor mass fraction (ω) equal to 15%, respectively, and the maximum reduction of Fanning friction coefficient (f) was −41.7% at ω = 30%, as compared without SPHWSs. A 3D steady CFD-aided method based on pseudo transient under-relaxation model was developed to predict Nu, f, and TPF of SPHWSs for different configuration parameters, including oblique pattern angle (β), hydrophilic (Wi) and hydrophobic (Wo) pattern width, hydrophilic (θi), and hydrophobic (θo) contact angle. The result indicated that the simulation was in good agreement with the experimental data. θi had a more pronounced effect on the thermohydraulic performance compared to other factors. Notably, the droplet reached a specific dynamic force balance at θi = 60°, effectively restraining near-wall erratic flow and enabling cost-optimal heat transfer.