Modeling and Simulation of Dropwise Condensation: A Review

Abstract

In this review, we present significant developments that have
been made in the mathematical modeling and simulations of dropwise
condensation. In dropwise condensation, vapor condenses in the form
of distinct drops. Modeling of DWC involves modeling heat transfer
through a single drop and applying it to a population of drops. In the first
part, we discuss heat transfer through a single droplet and compare the
approximate analytical solution with the results of numerical simulations.
We also address the shortcomings of the analytical model. In the second
part, we present methods utilized to find the drop size distribution which
are coupled with a model for heat transfer through the single droplet to
obtain overall dropwise condensation heat transfer rate. In particular, we
discuss the population balance method and the Monte Carlo method to
predict drop size distribution and heat transfer rate. We support our discussion with the results from the literature.