Influence of ribbed surfaces on condensation characteristics of air–water vapor mixture on vertical plate

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2026

Abstract

To alleviate the issue of low condensation efficiency of mixed vapor in the presence of high air concentration, this study employs extended condensation surfaces. Ribbed condensation surfaces with rib spacings of 1 mm, 2 mm, and 4 mm are investigated for air concentrations ranging from 30% to 90%. The results indicate that at an air concentration of 30%, the ribs weaken the condensation heat transfer; however, when the air concentration is greater than or equal to 50%, longitudinal ribs enhance the condensation heat transfer by about a factor of two. Increasing the rib spacing also effectively enhances the disturbance in the gas-phase diffusion layer. Yet, the variation of condensation characteristics with rib spacing also differs depending on the air concentration. An optimal rib spacing exists when the air concentration is least 50%, and within the experimental conditions of this study, the optimal rib spacing was 2 mm. Moreover, increasing the flow velocity effectively reduces “flooding” effects and enhances heat transfer performance.

Publication Title

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress

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