Comparison of Lattice Boltzmann Model with experimental data for Dropwise Condensation Study

Abstract

Increasing condensation efficiency is critical for improving energy conversion, water harvesting efficiency, and thermal management performance. Dropwise condensation has advantages over filmwise condensation in terms of heat transfer and the initial droplet growth has a significant effect on overall heat transfer performance. However, due to the short duration time and small droplets size in this process, experimental techniques may have limitations in capturing the droplet behavior clearly and accurately. Simulation can make up for these limitations and be a useful tool for gaining a more complete understanding of the initial droplet growth. The purpose of this thesis was to specify a pseudopotential multiphase Lattice Boltzmann (LB) model for dropwise condensation research. The temperature dependence of various contact angle schemes is investigated, as well as the performance of various discretization schemes for the conduction term in condensation simulation. The effect of different gravitational acceleration values is also investigated. To validate the current condensation LB model and obtain the reliable condition range of LB simulation for further application of the model, simulation results are compared with experimental data. Because it is not possible to set the same condition as in the experiment due to LB simulation limitations, the condition must be converted before the comparison. Based on the droplet growth mechanism, methods for connecting simulation and experiment conditions are demonstrated.