Vapor Condensation Heat Transfer in a Thermoplate Heat Exchanger

Abstract

AbstractThe heat transfer and pressure drop in a thermoplate heat exchanger operating as a condenser have been investigated experimentally. In order to separate the heat transfer resistances in the condensation process, the single phase forced convection has been studied using distilled water and Marlotherm oil in the thermoplate and correlations developed for the Nusselt number and the friction factor. For the condensation experiments, an apparatus has been constructed comprising two identical condensers composed of the same thermoplate type as employed in the single phase experiments. Isopropanol is used as a test fluid at pressures below atmospheric pressure. The heat transfer resistances in the condensation experiments are separated and expressions for the condensation heat transfer and pressure drop are developed with the aid of the results obtained in the single phase studies.