A mathematical model is developed to represent and predict the dropwise condensation phenomenon on nonwetting surfaces having hydrophobic or superhydrophobic (contact angle greater than 150 deg) features. The model is established by synthesizing the heat transfer through a single droplet with the drop size distribution. The single droplet heat transfer is analyzed as a combination of the vapor-liquid interfacial resistance, the resistance due to the conduction through the drop itself, the resistance from the coating layer, and the resistance due to the curvature of the drop. A population balance model is adapted to develop a drop distribution function for the small drops that grow by direct condensation. Drop size distribution for large drops that grow mainly by coalescence is obtained from a well-known empirical equation. The evidence obtained suggests that both the single droplet heat transfer and drop distribution are significantly affected by the contact angle. More specifically, the model results indicate that a high drop-contact angle leads to enhancing condensation heat transfer. Intense hydrophobicity, which produces high contact angles, causes a reduction in the size of drops on the verge of falling due to gravity, thus allowing space for more small drops. The simulation results are compared with experimental data, which were previously reported.
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e-mail: swkim@alaska.edu
e-mail: kwangkim@unr.edu
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Dropwise Condensation Modeling Suitable for Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Sunwoo Kim,
Sunwoo Kim
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, P.O. Box 755905,
e-mail: swkim@alaska.edu
University of Alaska
, Fairbanks, AK 99775
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Kwang J. Kim
Kwang J. Kim
Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, MS312, Low Carbon Green Technology Laboratory (LCGTL),
e-mail: kwangkim@unr.edu
University of Nevada
, Reno, NV 89557
Search for other works by this author on:
Sunwoo Kim
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, P.O. Box 755905,
University of Alaska
, Fairbanks, AK 99775e-mail: swkim@alaska.edu
Kwang J. Kim
Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, MS312, Low Carbon Green Technology Laboratory (LCGTL),
University of Nevada
, Reno, NV 89557e-mail: kwangkim@unr.edu
J. Heat Transfer. Aug 2011, 133(8): 081502 (8 pages)
Published Online: May 3, 2011
Article history
Received:
December 25, 2009
Revised:
February 25, 2011
Online:
May 3, 2011
Published:
May 3, 2011
Citation
Kim, S., and Kim, K. J. (May 3, 2011). "Dropwise Condensation Modeling Suitable for Superhydrophobic Surfaces." ASME. J. Heat Transfer. August 2011; 133(8): 081502. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4003742
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