A theoretical analysis of the performance of a cooling and dehumidifying vertical rectangular fin has been carried out. Conventional fin theory based on the assumption of a uniform and known sensible heat-transfer coefficient was extended by incorporating the condensate thermal resistance and fin thickness into the analysis for gravity-controlled flow during dehumidification. The fin and the condensate layer equations were solved numerically and evaluated for both insulated and uninsulated fin tip boundary conditions, by assuming a Biot number at the fin tip. Numerical results are presented for various psychrometric and flow conditions and compared with those of a dry fin.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
ChisholmD.EmersonW. H.GrantD. R.HenryJ. In Condensation and condensers. Course Lecture Notes, Vols 1 and 2, 11–15 September 1972, National Engineering Laboratory, Birniehill Institute, East Kilbride, Glasgow.
2.
NaderW. K.Extended surface heat transfer with condensation. Sixth International Conference on Heat transfer, Toronto, Canada, 1978, paper CS-5, pp. 407–412.
3.
LienhardJ. H.DhirV. K.Laminar film condensation on non-isothermal and arbitrary heat flux surfaces and on fins. Trans. ASME, J. Heat Transfer, 1974, 96, 197–203.
4.
StandartG. L.AhktarN.Condensation of a pure vapour on a longitudinal fin mounted on a vertical tube. Chem. Engng J., 1975, 10, 173–187.
5.
PatankarS. V.SparrowE. M.Condensation on an extended surface. Trans. ASME, J. Heat Transfer, 1979, 101, 434–440.
McQuistonF. C.Fin efficiency with combined heat and mass transfer. ASHRAE Trans., 1973, 81(1), 350–355.
8.
KilicA.OnatK.The optimum shape for convecting rectangular fins when condensation occurs. Warm und Stoffubertragung, 1981, 15, 125–133.
9.
TornerM.KilicA.OnatK.Comparison of rectangular and triangular fin when condensation occurs. Warm und Stoffubertragung, 1983, 17, 65–72.
10.
KernQ. D.KrausD. A.Extended surface heat transfer, 1972 (McGraw-Hill, New York).
11.
AckermannG.Heat transfer and molecular mass transfer in a uniform flow field in the case of high temperature and partial pressure difference. Ver Deutsche Ing., 1937, 1, 382–395.
12.
SardesaiR. G.PalenJ. W.TaborekJ.Modified resistance proration method for condensation of vapour mixtures. Symposium Series on Heat transfer, Seattle, 1983, pp. 42–46 (American Institute of Chemical Engineers).
13.
KazeminejadH.Dehumidification of turbulent air flow over a thick fin. Ph.D. thesis, 1987, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Leeds, UK.
14.
NAG Library manual for ICL1906A computers. Program D02RAF, 1985.
15.
MotwaniD. G.GaitondeU. N.SukhatmeS. P.Heat transfer from rectangular plates inclined at different angles of attack and yaw to an air flow. Trans. ASME, J. Heat Transfer, 1985, 107, 307–312.
