Experimental investigation of the effects of hydrophobic coating on air-side pressure drop, condensate retention, and frost layer growth in wavy fin-and-tube heat exchanger

Ville Juhola; Valtteri Mikkola; Sebastian Wendt; Eero Inkeri; Stephan Kabelac; Tero Tynjälä

doi:10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2026.131591

May 1, 2026Applied Thermal EngineeringOpen Access

Experimental investigation of the effects of hydrophobic coating on air-side pressure drop, condensate retention, and frost layer growth in wavy fin-and-tube heat exchanger

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Key Points

This research examines how hydrophobic coatings influence frost behavior and thermal performance in heat exchangers.
Conducted experiments on wavy fin-and-tube heat exchangers with and without hydrophobic coatings.
Measured air-side pressure drop, condensate retention, and frost layer growth during frosting conditions.
Developed correlations for pressure drop and condensate retention using experimental data.
Hydrophobic coating resulted in more uniform frost distribution and reduced frost density.
Thicker frost on coated surfaces decreased air-side pressure drop compared to uncoated surfaces.
Thermal conductance improved by up to 7.8% during frosting with hydrophobic coatings, while condensate retention was reduced by at least 40%.

Implication

Experimental investigation finds hydrophobic coating improves thermal efficiency in heat exchangers, suggesting better frost management strategies.

Abstract

• Hydrophobic coating led to more uniform frost distribution and lowered density. • Thicker frost on coated surfaces caused less air-side pressure drop. • Hydrophobic coating improved thermal conductance by up to 7.8% during frosting. • Hydrophobic coating reduced condensate retention by at least 40%. • Correlations were developed for condensate retention and pressure drop.

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Cite This Study

Juhola et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a13e7430e02ee3982d31efc https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2026.131591

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Experimental investigation of the effects of hydrophobic coating on air-side pressure drop, condensate retention, and frost layer growth in wavy fin-and-tube heat exchanger

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Experimental investigation of the effects of hydrophobic coating on air-side pressure drop, condensate retention, and frost layer growth in wavy fin-and-tube heat exchanger

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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