Presents a method of predicting the performance of cross-finned tube heat exchangers on which frost formation occurs. First, the performance of the test heat exchangers was experimentally investigated under frosting conditions. Next, based on the results, an analytical method to predict frost formation speed was developed. The method exhibited good agreement with the experimental data.

KEYWORDS: heat pumps, performance, heat flow, frost, heat exchangers, experiment, data, finned tube heat exchangers, testing, air heat pumps, calculating.