CFD prediction of surface condensation on walls and its experimental validation

This paper presents a method to solve condensation problems by using computational fluid dynamic method (CFD). At first, a 3-D transient CFD model for simulating condensation is developed. Then controlled experiment was conducted in a test chamber to validate this model. The results indicate that there is a good agreement between the experimental results and the model predictions. The simulation reveals the process of condensation in the chamber, which was observed in the experiment as well, significant water droplet condensation and frost buildup were observed at the regions corresponding to the simulation. In addition, the simulation confirms with the long been recognized effect of ventilation on condensation risk. It is found that properly located vent could help reduce condensation risks.