Limits of one-dimensional solutions for orthotropic annular fins under dehumidifying operating conditions

• Published in: International journal of refrigeration Vol. 74; pp. 412 - 424
• Main Authors: Pashah, S., Moinuddin, Abdurrahman, Zubair, Syed M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paris Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2017; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Ailette annulaire; Ailette partiellement humide; Annular fin; Conductivité thermique orthotrope; Dehumidification; Energy efficiency; Finite element method; Fins; Humidity; Mass transfer; Méthode d'élément fini; One-dimensional solution orthotropic thermal conductivity; Optimisation; Optimization; Parameters; Partially wet fin; Refrigeration; Solution uni-dimensionnelle; Transfert de masse; Optimisation; Méthode d'élément fini; Conductivité thermique orthotrope; Ailette annulaire; One-dimensional solution orthotropic thermal conductivity; Mass transfer; Optimization; Finite element method; Transfert de masse; Ailette partiellement humide; Annular fin; Partially wet fin; Solution uni-dimensionnelle
• ISSN: 0140-7007; 1879-2081
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2016.11.003

•Dry fin parameter (mL) completely governs the fin efficiency for one-dimensional temperature distribution.•For krz≤1, the one-dimensional solution is valid for all considered aspect ratios.•For 10≤krz≤100, the one-dimensional solution is valid for α ≥ 60.•For the set of operating conditions, thermal conductivity ratio has a negligible effect on optimum fin dimensions.
Thermal performance characteristics of orthotropic material annular fins subjected to dehumidifying operating conditions are studied using two-dimensional finite element method. The method accounts for non-linear temperature–humidity ratio psychrometric relationship under both partially and fully wet operating conditions. Limits of one-dimensional solutions for orthotropic material fins subject to dehumidifying conditions are investigated in somewhat more detail by introducing dimensionless parameters. The dry fin parameter that fully governs fin efficiency under a set of operating conditions is also defined. The optimum fin dimensions are also estimated for a set of operating conditions and fixed fin volume.