Numerical simulation and parametric study of forced convective condensation in cylindrical vertical channels in multiple effect desalination systems

Forced convective condensation in circular cylindrical channels is investigated numerically. The condensation boundary layers that occur due to temperature difference between the wall and saturation temperature of steam are simulated by the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The effect of variation in the hydraulic diameter and variation in the velocity, Reynolds number and temperature difference between the wall and saturation temperature of inlet steam on heat transfer coefficient are investigated as parametric study in this paper. Results showed that the condensation length and heat transfer coefficient increase by the increase in the amount of inlet velocity and Reynolds number of inlet steam and the decrease in the temperature difference between the wall and saturated steam. By means of the calculated heat transfer coefficient, the parametric study will help designers to achieve the best configuration for heat exchangers in multiple effect desalination systems.