Heat transfer performance during condensation inside spiralled micro-fin tubes

D.Ing.Many studies have been conducted in order to establish the respective influence of geometric parameters such as fins number, fin shape (apex angle), spiral angle, fin height, fin pitch etc. on the condensation heat transfer performance of the spiralled micro-fin tubes. However, the effect of the spiral angle could not be clearly established in those investigations, because other geometric parameters affecting the heat transfer performance such as fin height, fin thickness, apex angle were also varied. The influence of the spiral angle on the heat transfer performance during condensation inside spiralled micro-fin tubes having all other geometric parameters the same was experimentally investigated in this study. A new experimental-based predictive correlation was developed for practical design of this specific class of micro-fin tubes. Tests were conducted for condensation of R22, R134a and R407c inside a smooth and three micro-fin tubes having spiral angles of 10, 18 and 37 degrees. Experimental results indicated a heat transfer augmentation due to heat transfer area increase. As the spiral angle was increased, the heat transfer area increased causing a substantial heat transfer augmentation. Condensation inside the 10° spiralled micro-fins produced a heat transfer augmentation of about 170% for a heat transfer area increase of 1.87 when compared to condensation in ~he correspondent smooth tube while the 18° spiralled " micro-fins produced an augmentation of 180% for a heat transfer area increase of 1.94. The 37° spiralled micro-fins produced the highest enhancement of 220% for a heat transfer area increase of 2.13. Additional heat transfer augmentation was produced by: (a) the turbulence in the condensate film due to the presence of spiralled micro-fins (stronger effect at lower mass velocities and vapor qualities) and (b) the effect of surface tension forces (at higher vapor qualities). The proposed new correlation predicted the majority of experimental results of the present study within a deviation zone of ± 20 percent