Condensation of Vapor on a Vertical Plate With a Transverse Electrostatic Field

Abstract

An exploratory experimental program was conducted to determine the improvements in heat transfer which could be achieved in the condensation of vapor by the application of electrostatic fields. Freon-113 was utilized as the working fluid in the tests, and condensation of the Freon vapor was produced on a cooled vertical copper plate. A series of electrodes was utilized to vary field strength and geometric configuration of the field, and the particular electrostatic action being studied. Results of the tests indicated that very large increases in heat transfer can be obtained with the use of screen electrodes placed parallel to the cooled copper plate. Increases of 150 percent were achieved which were controllable and readily reproducible.