Abstract
In general, the dropwise condensation supported by superhydrophobic surfaces results in enhanced heat transfer relative to condensation on normal surfaces. However, in supersaturated environments that exceed a certain supersaturation threshold, moisture penetrates the surface structures and results in attached condensation, which reduces the condensation heat transfer efficiency. Therefore, when designing superhydrophobic surfaces for condensers, the surface structure must be resistant to attached condensation in supersaturated conditions. The gap size and complexity of the micro/nanoscale surface structure are the main factors that can be controlled to maintain water repellency in supersaturated environments. In this study, the condensation heat exchange performance was characterized for three different superhydrophobic titanium surface structures via droplet behavior (DB) mapping to evaluate their suitability for power plant condensers. In addition, it was demonstrated that increasing the surface structure complexity increases the versatility of the titanium surfaces by extending the window for improved heat exchange performance. This study demonstrates the usefulness of DB mapping for evaluating the performance of superhydrophobic surfaces regarding their applicability for industrial condenser systems.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilHumans often turn to nature for inspiration when developing new technologies
droplet behavior (DB) Mapping temperature, it is difficult for water droplets to stay on the surface even
DBexchange mappingperformance to estimate the in which whichInthe condensation heat canenvironmental be improved conditions by using superhythe condensation heat exchange performance can be improved by using superhydrophobic drophobic titanium surfaces with chemically etched micro/nanoscale surface modificatitanium surfaces with chemically etched micro/nanoscale surface modifications
Summary
Introduction published maps and institutional affilHumans often turn to nature for inspiration when developing new technologies. The lotus leaf, which provided a template for researchers studying superhydrophobic surfaces, is a classic example and has been referenced in many applied studies on superhydrophobicity [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. The superhydrophobic surface property is determined by the contact angle. When a droplet touches a solid surface, the surface tension is balanced between the liquid, the solid, and the gas and the angle between the solid and the liquid surface is defined as the contact angle. This theory is described by Young’s equation: iations
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