Journal of Enhanced Heat Transfer

DOI: 10.1615/JEnhHeatTransf.v10.i2.30

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Energy Penalty Associated With Fouling in Enhanced Tubes in Chiller-Flooded Condenser

Wei Li
Consultant, Breezy Tree Court, Suite 2H, Timonium MD 21093

ABSTRACT

This article describes the energy penalty associated with long-term cooling tower water fouling data in seven 15.54 mm I.D. copper, helically ribbed tubes taken at low water velocity (1.07 m/s). The ranges of geometric parameters were number of rib starts (18-45), helix angle (25-45°), and height (0.33-0.55 mm). These geometries provide fouling data on a new class of internal enhancement that is typical of commercially enhanced tubes presently used in water chillers. Significant fouling in the 30-45 start tubes results in a large increase of operating cost at the end of a cooling season. A linear multiple regression correlation of energy penalty as a function of geometric variables and Reynolds numbers was developed.