This paper reviews the literature available during the past 30 years on the effects of frost growth on extended surface heat exchanger performance. The paper discusses the effect of frost on four important heat exchanger performance variables: (1) fin efficiency, (2) overall heat transfer coefficient, (3) pressure drop , and (4) roughness.

Comparisons of results between various investigators are presented wherever possible. Limitations of data and empirical correlations are also discussed, Suggestions are made for additional research in areas where more data are needed.

Units: SI