Image-Analysis-Based Approach for Identification of Air Cooler Heat Transfer Degradation during Frosting Process

Fin-and-tube heat exchangers have been extensively used in many fields, especially heat, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. In the case of operation a fin-and-tube exchanger as an air cooler, frost formation is important effect that should be taken into account. The accumulation process undesirable since it deteriorates transfer due to insulation layer well causing excessive pressure loss. analysis frosting on cooler performance presented this paper. Based long-term experimental investigations applied cold storage chamber, general degradation discussed. influence cooling capacity, by-pass factor, thermal resistance analysed. temperature distribution passing through before after defrosting A method for assessment amount formed at surface, based visualisation during synchronised with measurements, developed. results show causes deterioration capacity by up 40% analysed case. Correlation demonstrated between cooler.