Overview
- The technique applies a positive voltage to an overhead electrode, polarizing ionic defects in ice so crystals fracture and jump off the surface.
- Initial tests on conductive substrates removed 15% of frost with no voltage, 40% at 120 volts, and 50% at 550 volts before performance dropped at higher voltages.
- Researchers traced the high-voltage drop-off to charge leakage into the substrate and restored performance by using a highly insulating, air-trapping superhydrophobic surface.
- With the optimized substrate, higher voltages removed up to 75% of frost, and the team is working to curb leakage further and pursue complete removal.
- The method is reported to require far less energy than heating and uses a very low current, with potential applications spanning vehicles, aircraft, heat pumps, and refrigeration systems.