In 21 century finned surfaces are used in almost all condensers to enhance their heat transfer capabilities. A lot of different models are presented in the literature: on horizontal and vertical finned tubes, inside finned tubes. The validation method of the theoretical models is based on comparison between measurement of average heat transfer coefficient and one calculated by the model. But in this case it is impossible to validate all approaches made in the theory. The presented work aims to understand the real relation between assumptions made in the theory and flow of the condensate film along a fin. Therefore a comprehensive investigation of the film condensation phenomena on curvilinear surfaces has been done. This investigation has been done in the framework of the preparation of “SAFIR” and “EMERALD” space experiments aboard International Space Station. A special attention has been given to clarify some technical and technological problems that could eventually have a positive feedback for industrial applications. The model of the fin shape optimization has been developed. It takes into account surface tension forces and finite heat conductivity of the fin material. Developed model allows to significantly increase the condensate outflow as compared with the case of the optimal isothermal fin shape at the finite heat transfer conductivity. Enhancement coefficient increases with fin heat conductivity decreasing. The experimental and theoretical investigation of film condensation on a disk-shaped fin has been done under groun condition. 3D condensation model at different gravity levels has been developed. This model allows to reveal the area of dominant influence of surface tension forces. First prototype of experimental cell for the space experiments has been developed and tested. The temperature distribution along the curvilinear fin surface has been measured. The measurements of the film thickness at the fin top shows that the film thickness does not equal to zero as was assumed in some previous theoretical models. Developed model is in a good agreement with experimental results. In the ground set-up the measurement techniques as in future space experiments were realized: local temperature measurement of the fin surface, measurement of non-condensable gas mole fraction, optical system for local film thickness measurement and system of average heat transfer coefficient measurement. Experimental results approve the usefulness of these systems. Optical system based on schlieren technique for film surface deformation has been investigated and developed. This system was used for the investigation of shear driven liquid film on the mirror like substrate under microgravity condition. The microgravity condition was simulated during ESA Parabolic Flight Campaign of October-November 2009. The experimental results show the high capabilities of this system. In the framework of the space experiments preparation the analysis of appropriate liquid has been done. Three candidates have been compared: Water, Ethyl alcohol and FC-72. Third liquid has been chosen as applicable liquid for the “SAFIR” and “EMERALD” experiments. The optimal fin shapes and film thickness distribution have been calculated for the working liquid. Using obtained results requirements for space experiments have been prepared.

<p> Experiments were performed to investigate the effect that a gap between a heated fin and a porous plate has on the heat transfer performance of a simulated capillary evaporator. The heat transfer performance was examined for two porous plates with average pore radii of 50 and 200 μm respectively. Tests were performed for gap distances between 0 and 900 μm and heat fluxes ranging from 17 to 260 kW/m^2. The heat transfer performance of the simulated capillary evaporator initially increased as the gap distance was increased. However, a further increase in the gap distance caused a decrease in performance. The maximum heat transfer performance occurred at a smaller gap distance for the plate with the smaller pore radius. For small gap distances, persistent high temperature regions were observed on the surface of the heated foil that grew and became more frequent at higher heat fluxes. For larger gap distances, saturated regions that appeared on the foil at moderate heat fluxes suggest that microlayer evaporation may be taking place within the gap. At high heat fluxes, these saturated regions are no longer present, but the temperature of the heated foil remained stable.</p> <p> The heat transfer process in the porous media was examined using thermocouples embedded within the porous plates. These temperature measurements indicate that a two phase region forms within the porous plate for a pore radius of 200 μm. Little evidence of vapour was observed within the plate with a pore radius of 50 μm. In that case, there was more evidence of vapour present at the surface of the porous plate. There was less evidence of vapour at the surface of the porous plate for the larger gap distances, suggesting that the vapour escapes more easily through the gap at larger gap distances.</p> / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

In 21 century finned surfaces are used in almost all condensers to enhance their heat transfer capabilities. A lot of different models are presented in the literature: on horizontal and vertical finned tubes, inside finned tubes. The validation method of the theoretical models is based on comparison between measurement of average heat transfer coefficient and one calculated by the model. But in this case it is impossible to validate all approaches made in the theory.<p>\ / Doctorat en Sciences de l'ingénieur / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished