Dropwise condensation of humid air at polymer surfaces

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Groß
• Subject Area: Technical Thermodynamics
• Term: from 2012 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 228661625

Dropwise condensation heat transfer from flowing humid air to a vertical polymer surface will be investigated experimentally. The effects of the following parameters will be studied: velocity, temperature and humidity of the air and sub cooling of the substrate surface, as well. Local heat transfer coefficients are determined by evaluating temperature data, measured just beneath the surface.The growth and movement of the droplets will be examined using microscopy and infrared thermography. The analysis of heat transfer will be done using a comprehensive approach by combining results of the tree branches. Correlations will be given.Based on visual observations and heat transfer measurements, a physical model will be developed for growth, coalescence and the movement of the droplets. This is valuable to enlarge the understanding of heterogeneous dropwise condensation of moist air under the impact of shear stresses.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants