Modeling of coupled mass and heat transfer through venting membranes for automotive applications

Experimental and theoretical approaches based on a mathematical model, have been developed to study the evolution of environmental parameters (temperature, total pressure, relative humidity, and water vapor partial pressure) inside a housing of an electronic device with a window containing a macroporous membrane. The model was based on the coupling of mass and heat transfer taking into account the effects of polarization of concentration in boundary layers. Membranes have been characterized by mercury porosimetry, liquid entry pressure measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and gas permeation. Once the model was experimentally validated, it was applied to investigate the influence of membranes on heat and mass transfer and to study the impact of the boundary layers on the global mass transport. The results demonstrated the importance of the membrane choice and dimensions to get the best temperature regulation and avoid water condensation inside an automotive electronic control unit (ECU). © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009