Study of frost layer growth process on horizontal cold surfaces in the channels

Abstract

Based on the layer-by-layer growth phenomenon existing in the actual formation of frost layer, we constructed a frost model with supporting criterion and studied the growth process of the frost layer on the horizontal cold surface at the bottom of the channel. Comparison with relevant experimental data revealed a maximum error of 25.3% in the calculated thickness and 13.1% in the density. The change in density and thickness over time under different working conditions, especially the variation in the thermal resistance under refrigeration conditions, were analyzed from local and overall perspectives. From a local perspective, thickness and density were highest at the frost front and slowly decrease along the flow direction before increase again at the end of the frost layer by 7.3% and 32.9% respectively. The local thermal resistance of the frost layer first increased sharply along the flow direction, reached a local peak and then decreased slowly. From an overall perspective, both the average thickness and average density increased with time, while the average thermal resistance first increased sharply with time, reached a peak, and then decreased slowly.