Abstract
Experiments of defrost processes are reported for superhydrophilic, plain and superhydrophobic surfaces which are vertically placed. On the superhydrophobic surface, the frost layer falls off as a rigid body. On the superhydrophilic and plain surfaces, the frost melts, and part of the frost layer falls off with the draining meltwater. Defrost time is thus less for the superhydrophobic surface compared to that for superhydrophilic and plain surfaces. Frost slumping conditions are analyzed with a static force balance, and criteria for frost release are presented. Meltwater motions are suggested as the key factor of the defrost mechanism. When the volume flux of meltwater in the frost is greater than the melting rate, the meltwater is absorbed into the frost. When the volume flux of meltwater is less than the melting rate, it accumulates and drains on the surface. Water accumulation favors frost slumping because the adhesive force becomes weak. Frost slumping generally shortens defrost time and improves defrost efficiency based on our measurements.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 880-890 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer |
Volume | 119 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors appreciate the support of this research by Ingersoll Rand/Thermo King Corportion through a grant in aid of research to the University of Minnesota Foundation .
Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Keywords
- Defrost efficiency
- Frost slumping
- Meltwater motion
- Wetting property