Frost formation on fin-and-tube heat exchangers. Part I—Modeling of frost formation on fin-and-tube heat exchangers

In this study, the heat and mass transfer characteristics of heat exchangers during frost formation process are analyzed numerically. Unsteady heat and mass transfer coefficients of the air side, heat transfer coefficient of the refrigerant side, air-frost layer interface temperature, the surface efficiency of the heat exchanger and the mass flow rate of the frost accumulated on the heat exchanger surface are calculated. The total conductivity (UA) and pressure drop of the heat exchanger are reported for different air inlet temperature, relative humidity, air mass flow rate and the refrigerant temperature.