Air-side heat transfer characteristics of hydrophobic and super-hydrophobic fin surfaces in heat exchangers: A review

A comprehensive literature review has been carried out to investigate the air-side heat transfer enhancement by different types of heat exchanger fin surfaces. In particular, the characteristics of hydrophobic and super hydrophobic fin surfaces is compared with uncoated (bare) and hydrophilic fins. A summary of comparative findings under dry/wet conditions and frosting/defrosting conditions for heat exchanger and single plates is provided. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.