Numerical Simulation and Optimization of Condensation and Heat Transfer Characteristics on the Air-Side of Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchangers

In this study, a new three-dimension model for simulating the cooling and drying process of moist air on the airside of fin-and-tube heat exchangers in the heat pump was established using the finite element method. Comparing the simulation results with the experimental results, the average absolute percentage errors of outlet temperature and moisture content are 3.08% and 5.1%, respectively, which prove that the simulation model has high accuracy. Based on this, the influence of different simulation boundary conditions on the heat transfer of moist air was investigated. The boundary conditions for the normal airflow range were optimized to constant heat flux for resimulation, and the average absolute percentage errors of outlet temperature decreased from 4.12% previously to 1.54%, and which of outlet moisture content decreased from 6.17% previously to 3.64%. The findings of this study provide a reference for establishing more accurate heat transfer simulation models.