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Improving indoor thermal comfort and heat transfer efficiency through surface modifications on heat exchangers.

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Title: Improving indoor thermal comfort and heat transfer efficiency through surface modifications on heat exchangers.
Authors: Li, Boxuan1 (AUTHOR), Liang, Dong1,2 (AUTHOR), Ma, Wei1 (AUTHOR) wmaad@connect.ust.hk, Yao, Shuhuai1 (AUTHOR) meshyao@ust.hk
Source: International Journal of Heat & Mass Transfer. Oct2026, Vol. 267, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Heat exchangers, Surface coatings, Heat exchanger efficiency, Hydrophobic surfaces, Thermal comfort, Heat transfer, Humidity control, Surface preparation
Abstract: Air conditioning systems are prevalent in everyday life and serve a crucial role in improving thermal comfort. However, the predominant filmwise condensation on traditional heat exchangers reduces heat transfer efficiency and negatively impacts thermal comfort. As a result, surface modification of heat exchangers is an effective approach for improving condensation heat transfer efficiency and enhancing thermal comfort. This study examines the performance of superhydrophobic (SHP) and quasi-liquid slippery (QLS) coatings on hydrophilic aluminum heat exchangers to improve condensation rate in dehumidification scenarios. Experimental results show that while SHP coating significantly improves sensible heat transfer and excels at enhancing thermal comfort, the flooding issue during the condensation process progressively diminishes its performance, leading to reduced durability for dehumidification. In contrast, QLS coating effectively mitigates the flooding issue, leading to durable condensation performance. The findings demonstrate that SHP and QLS coatings exhibit distinct advantages and limitations under varying operating conditions, providing a basis for selecting the most appropriate coating material according to specific application requirements. • Superhydrophobic (SHP) and quasi-liquid surface (QLS) coatings are fabricated on the heat exchanger surfaces. • The SHP coating is effective in reducing air temperature and improving thermal comfort. • The QLS coating offers balanced performance in both dehumidification and heat transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Air conditioning systems are prevalent in everyday life and serve a crucial role in improving thermal comfort. However, the predominant filmwise condensation on traditional heat exchangers reduces heat transfer efficiency and negatively impacts thermal comfort. As a result, surface modification of heat exchangers is an effective approach for improving condensation heat transfer efficiency and enhancing thermal comfort. This study examines the performance of superhydrophobic (SHP) and quasi-liquid slippery (QLS) coatings on hydrophilic aluminum heat exchangers to improve condensation rate in dehumidification scenarios. Experimental results show that while SHP coating significantly improves sensible heat transfer and excels at enhancing thermal comfort, the flooding issue during the condensation process progressively diminishes its performance, leading to reduced durability for dehumidification. In contrast, QLS coating effectively mitigates the flooding issue, leading to durable condensation performance. The findings demonstrate that SHP and QLS coatings exhibit distinct advantages and limitations under varying operating conditions, providing a basis for selecting the most appropriate coating material according to specific application requirements. • Superhydrophobic (SHP) and quasi-liquid surface (QLS) coatings are fabricated on the heat exchanger surfaces. • The SHP coating is effective in reducing air temperature and improving thermal comfort. • The QLS coating offers balanced performance in both dehumidification and heat transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00179310
DOI:10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2026.128937