Overview
- Virginia Tech researchers report electrostatic defrosting results in a peer-reviewed Small Methods paper published on November 11.
- Experiments showed 15% passive removal, about 40% at 120 volts, roughly 50% at 550 volts, and up to 75% on an insulating superhydrophobic surface.
- Performance fell at higher voltages on conductive substrates due to charge leakage, which the team mitigated by using more insulating surfaces.
- The electrode operates at high voltage with a vanishingly small current that researchers say uses less than half the energy of direct heating and would feel like an electric-fence shock on contact.
- The team describes the approach as early-stage and plans to reduce leakage, test higher voltages and electrode placements, and broaden surface testing toward full removal for uses such as windshields, aircraft wings, refrigeration and heat pumps.