Frost-Resistant Surface With Macro-Textured Periodic Lattice Structures

NU 2023-012

INVENTORS

Asma ul Hosna Meem
Christian John Machado
Kyoo-Chul Kenneth Park
Jian Cao

SHORT DESCRIPTION

A nano-material that can resist the formation of frost or other condensable vapor formation.

ABSTRACT

Northwestern University Researchers have harnessed the potential of macro-textured surfaces to combat frost formation, creating a functional, durable, and scalable framework that resists frost for extended durations. This achievement is coupled with advanced manufacturing processes that enable control over heat transfer and macro-textured surface density. Frost formation on various surfaces, including airplane wings, wind turbine blades, sensor surfaces, and cement surfaces, has long been associated with energy inefficiency and risks to safety and performance in various industries.

APPLICATIONS

• Aircraft wings
• Heat exchangers
• Power cables and telephone lines
• Satellite dishes
• Optical and/or sensor applications (e.g., drones and robots in the cold weather field)
• Aerial devices
• Wind turbine blades

ADVANTAGES

• Surface durability improvement
• Ease of fabrication of macro-textured surfaces than nano-/micro-textured surfaces
• Much longer-term frost prevention over a surface
• Enhanced ability to spatially control frost-formation
• Scalability to create large-area functional surfaces

IP STATUS

US & WIPO PCT Filed

Comparison of vapor formation with and without the use of the nano-material