An Approximate Solution for Film Condensation of Pure Refrigerant on a Finned Vertical Surface

A numerical analysis for the laminar film condensation of pure refrigerant on a finned vertical surface is carried out to clarify the heat transfer characteristics of plate-fin condensers. The fin and liquid film shapes are simplified, and the governing equations of the liquid film and one-dimensional heat conduction equation in the fin are solved numerically using the finite difference method. Three dimensional distribution of the fin temperature and the distribution of liquid film thickness along vertical direction are obtained. The effects of fin shape parameters on heat transfer enhancement ratio and fin efficiency are examined. A dimensionless correlation equation for liquid film heat transfer is also proposed