Dielectrophoresis effect on anti-icing characteristics of superhydrophobic surface

In present study, icing experiment using semiconductor refrigeration method and 3D LBM (Lattice Boltzmann method) simulation by employing improved Shan-Chen model coupling the electric field model are conducted to confirm dielectrophoresis effect on freezing characterisitic of a sessile droplet at superhydrophobic surface. Tests are performed with the same droplet diameter of d = 2.6 mm, cold wall temperature of T W =-5 degrees C and ambient condition ( T A = 20 degrees C , RH = 48%). The sessile droplet freezing process is recorded at different contact angles and electric field intensities. The improved Shan-Chen model with large density ratio ( rho l / rho v = 36.55), electric field model and new wettability model are applied to simulate droplet deformation. The present results show that the droplet icing time has a positive relationship with contact angle and electric field intensity, the droplet icing time is extended up to about 40 times by the couple effect of superhydrophobic coating and the electric field. The size of droplet-solid interface and electric-induced convection are the key factors of anti-icing performance.