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Published on: April 10, 2017
Synergistic Benefits of Micro/Nanostructured Oil-Impregnated Surfaces in Reducing Fouling while Enhancing Heat
Stefan Kolle1,2, Alana Davitt1, Yimin Zhou3
1John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States.
Abstract:
Liquid-liquid heat exchangers that operate in marine environments are susceptible to biofouling, which decreases the overall heat exchange between hot and cold liquids by increasing the conduction resistance. Recently, micro/nanostructured oil-impregnated surfaces have been shown to significantly reduce biofouling. However, their potential as a heat exchanger material has not been studied. Neither is it obvious since the oil used for impregnation increases the wall thickness and the associated conduction resistance. Here, by conducting extensive field and laboratory studies supported by theoretical modeling of heat transfer in oil-infused heat exchanger tubes, we report the synergistic benefits of micro/nanostructured oil-impregnated surfaces for reducing biofouling while maintaining good heat transfer. These benefits justify the use of lubricant-infused surfaces as heat exchanger materials, in particular in marine environments.
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