A general review of the Wilson plot method and its modifications to determine convection coefficients in heat exchange devices

Heat exchange devices are essential components in complex engineering systems related to energy generation and energy transformation in industrial scenarios. The calculation of convection coefficients constitutes a crucial issue in designing and sizing any type of heat exchange device. The Wilson plot method and its different modifications provide an outstanding tool for the analysis and design of convection heat transfer processes in research laboratories. The Wilson plot method deals with the determination of convection coefficients based on measured experimental data and the subsequent construction of appropriate correlation equations. This paper is to present an overview of the Wilson plot method along with numerous modifications introduced by researches throughout the years to improve its accuracy and to extend its use to a multitude of convective heat transfer problems. Undoubtedly, this information will be useful to thermal design engineers. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.