The Effect of a Hydrophllic Surface on the Performance of a Serpentine Automotive Air Conditioning Evaporator

Testing conducted has indicated that it is more advantageous to promote film condensation on the external surface of a serpentine style evaporator than dropwise condensation. Heat transfer performance is enhanced with film condensation as compared to dropwise condensation. The increase in heat transfer capacity associated with film condensation can be attributed mainly to the reduction of airside pressure loss through the coil.

Testing has revealed that a surface treatment with hydrophilic (wetting) characteristics will promote film condensation.