Modeling of conjugate conduction and heat and mass convection in tube‐fin exchangers
International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow
ISSN: 0961-5539
Article publication date: 19 September 2008
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the modeling of simultaneous heat and mass transfer under dehumidifying conditions. Moist air cooling in tube‐fin exchangers is investigated using a finite element technique.
Design/methodology/approach
The model requires the solution of a conjugate problem, since interface temperatures must be calculated at the same time as temperature distributions in adjacent fluid and solid regions. The energy equation is solved in the whole domain, including the solid region, and the latent heat flux on the surfaces where condensation takes place is taken into account by means of an additional internal boundary condition.
Findings
Thermal performances for different Reynolds numbers of a typical two‐row tube‐fin exchanger are numerically analysed, for both in‐line and staggered arrangements of tubes. The results justify the great importance that the ratio between latent and overall rates of heat transfer has in the design of compact heat exchangers.
Practical implications
In this work, the capabilities of the proposed methodology to deal with industrial applications in the field of compact exchangers are outlined.
Originality/value
The paper presents an effective approach to the solution of conjugate conduction and convection problems with simultaneous heat and mass transfer. The formulation is completely general, even if the finite element method is used in the calculations.
Keywords
Citation
Comini, G., Nonino, C. and Savino, S. (2008), "Modeling of conjugate conduction and heat and mass convection in tube‐fin exchangers", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 18 No. 7/8, pp. 954-968. https://doi.org/10.1108/09615530810899042
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited