Lead Performer: Ultrasonic Technology Solutions – Knoxville, TN; Partner: Emerson – St. Louis, MO
February 15, 2022
minute read time
Vibration/shaking can remove sticky material from surfaces. As experienced by all of us, dust trapped in fabric can be removed from a rug by shaking it hard from one end. Similarly, we shake the sheet metal (heat exchanger fins) using piezoelectric transducers and break the ice crystals off the surface mechanically (not melting them).
Lead Performer: Ultrasonic Technology Solutions – Knoxville, TN
Partner: Emerson – St. Louis, MO
DOE Total Funding: $1,253,471
Cost Share: $253,471
Project Term: October 1, 2021 - December 31, 2024
Funding Type: 2020 BENEFIT Funding Opportunity Announcement
Project Objective
Ultrasonic Technology Solutions will develop a micro-vibrational device to defrost the evaporator component in a refrigerator.
Project Impact
Currently, the defrosting process in refrigerators is performed by an electric heating element, which is inefficient and forces the refrigerator to expend more energy compensating for the heat given off by the defroster. Switching to a micro-vibrational deicing process will save energy, reduce temperature swing, and improve the quality and lifetime of food stored in the refrigerator.
Contacts
DOE Technology Manager: Isaac Mahderekal, Technology Manager
Lead Performer: Ayyoub Momen, Ultrasonic Technology Solutions