A Correlation for the Air-Side Heat Transfer Coefficient Assessment in Continuous Flat-Plate Finned Heat Exchangers

A simplified correlation for the air-side heat transfer coefficient exhibited from plate finned heat exchangers was accomplished. The development of the present formula was based on the implementation of the Buckingham-pi theorem. The physical dimensions of the plate fin parameters and tube geometry of the heat exchanger were incorporated in the correlation to reveal their effect on air-side heat transfer coefficient. It is intended to be used for air dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures in the range 16-40 degrees C and 13-20 degrees C through the tube banks, respectively. It is valid for transverse to longitudinal tube pitches ratio of X-T/X-L - 0.75 and 0.83. The air-side Reynolds number based on maximum flow velocity and equivalent tube diameter to be in the range of 2.2 x 10(3) <= Re <= 8.75 x 10(3). The total mean absolute errors of the predicted overall heat transfer coefficient and heat duty were 10% and 13%, respectively.