Limits of one-dimensional solutions for orthotropic annular fins under dehumidifying operating conditionsLimites des solutions uni-dimensionnelles pour des ailettes annulaires orthotropes fonctionnant dans des conditions de déshumidification

•Dry fin parameter (mL) completely governs the fin efficiency for one-dimensional temperature distribution.•For krz≤1, the one-dimensional solution is valid for all considered aspect ratios.•For 10≤krz≤100, the one-dimensional solution is valid for α ≥ 60.•For the set of operating conditions, thermal conductivity ratio has a negligible effect on optimum fin dimensions.

Thermal performance characteristics of orthotropic material annular fins subjected to dehumidifying operating conditions are studied using two-dimensional finite element method. The method accounts for non-linear temperature-humidity ratio psychrometric relationship under both partially and fully wet operating conditions. Limits of one-dimensional solutions for orthotropic material fins subject to dehumidifying conditions are investigated in somewhat more detail by introducing dimensionless parameters. The dry fin parameter that fully governs fin efficiency under a set of operating conditions is also defined. The optimum fin dimensions are also estimated for a set of operating conditions and fixed fin volume.