Condensate retention effects on the performance of plain-fin-and-tube heat exchangers: Retention data and modeling

A study of condensate retention is presented for plain-fin-and-tube heat exchangers typical to those used in air-cooling applications. An experiment in which the, retained mass of air-side condensate was measured under dynamic conditions is described, and the results are analyzed using conventional thermal-hydraulic measurements of j and f. With the coupling between condensate retention and thermal performance established, a new model for predicting the mass of retained condensate is described and compared to the steady-state retention data. The model is successful in predicting retained condensate under relatively restricted conditions. The promise of this new approach, and possible refinements that it-ill add engineering value are discussed.