Theoretical Analysis of Condensation in the Presence of Noncondensable Gases as Applied to Open Cycle OTEC Condensers

摘要

A theoretical analysis was carried out for the open-cycle OTEC condenser. Interfacial temperature profiles, and gas concentrations in the axial direction were determined, and their effects on the rate of condensation studied. For the analysis, the vapor phase was modeled using diffusion equations for simultaneous heat- and mass-transfer processes, while the liquid phase was modeled using a falling film analysis. This analysis was then applied to a plate-fin condenser, and the effect of varying the fin density along the condenser lengths was investigated. General engineering aspects of heat-exchanger design are discussed for condensation of vapor mixtures in the presence of noncondensable gases. (ERA citation 10:002135)