CONDENSATE RETENTION AND DYNAMIC DRAINAGE FROM THE AIR-SIDE SURFACE OF AUTOMOTIVE-STYLE HEAT EXCHANGER

In this paper we describe a new method for dip testing to characterize the condensate drainage behavior of heat exchangers, and we present drainage results for heat exchangers typical to those used in the automotive industry. We compare the results from dip testing to wind tunnel experiments for the same heat exchangers and find dip testing can serve as a powerful tool for assessing the condensate retention behavior. The coils retaining the most and least condensate in a steady state wind tunnel test, likewise held the most and least in a dip test. It is found that the offset-strip fins of this study hold roughly 60% less water per unit area than louvered-fin specimens.