Hydrophobic Condensation Surface for Ice Slurry Solidification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice generation technologies face challenges such as the need for large and complex compressors, expensive and mechanically demanding vacuum systems, and inefficiencies due to ice formation on condensation surfaces, which limit thermal duties and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for solidifying a polar substance, such as water, using a hydrophobic condensation surface within a container, where the surface is cooled below the solidification temperature, and a volatile additive is used to prevent ice formation on the surface, allowing for efficient ice removal and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a condensation surface is cooled below the solidification temperature to remove heat from the water bath, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but ice forms and deposits on the condensation surface, reducing thermal conductivity and heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic coating is applied to the condensation surface as an intermediary layer. This coating prevents water molecules from directly contacting and freezing onto the cold surface, while still allowing efficient heat transfer from the water vapor to the condensation surface. The hydrophobic property causes condensed water to form droplets that roll off, preventing ice buildup and maintaining continuous heat transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface energy parameter of the condensation surface is changed by applying a hydrophobic coating. This changes the interaction between the water vapor and the surface, preventing ice nucleation while maintaining the temperature below freezing for effective heat removal. The coating transforms the surface from ice-forming to ice-repelling while preserving thermal transfer efficiency.
2Productivity
If a large and complex main compressor is used to remove water vapor at very low pressures, then ice generation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The main compressor is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a large vacuum compressor to maintain very low pressures, the invention uses a simplified vacuum system that operates at higher pressures, allowing ice generation without the need for complex high-vacuum equipment. The hydrophobic condensation surface enables this pressure increase while maintaining ice generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating pressure parameter is changed from very low pressure (6 mbar) to higher pressure. This pressure increase allows the use of simpler vacuum systems and removes the need for large main compressors. The hydrophobic coating on the condensation surface enables this parameter change by preventing ice buildup that would otherwise occur at higher pressures.
3Productivity
If a large vacuum system is used to maintain very low pressures for ice generation, then ice production is improved, but cost and mechanical demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pressure parameter is increased from very low (6 mbar) to higher levels. This parameter change allows the use of smaller, less expensive vacuum systems with lower mechanical demands. The hydrophobic condensation surface compensates for the higher pressure by preventing ice buildup, maintaining ice production efficiency while reducing system cost and complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach prevents ice nucleation on the condensation surface, enhances heat transfer efficiency, and reduces the need for large compressors, enabling higher thermal duties and lower costs by facilitating the removal of ice as a slurry, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
providing a coolable, hydrophobic, preferably super-hydrophobic, condensation surface within an interior of a container
Implementation Method 2
cooling the hydrophobic condensation surface to a temperature Tcond below a solidification temperature Tsolid of the polar substance
Implementation Method 3
a volatile additive is used to prevent ice formation on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for solidifying a polar substance, in particular water, is presented which comprises the steps of: providing a coolable, hydrophobic, preferably super-hydrophobic, condensation surface within an interior of a container; partially filling the container with a polar substance, preferably in liquid form, and an immiscible additive, preferably in liquid form, so that the condensation surface remains at least partially unsubmerged; cooling the hydrophobic condensation surface to a temperature Tcond below a solidification temperature Tsolid of the polar substance; and removing solidified polar substance from the container.