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Sound Increases the Efficiency of Boiling

Posted by timothy on from the centerfold-for-the-journal-of-boiling-research dept.

hessian writes "Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology achieved a 17-percent increase in boiling efficiency by using an acoustic field to enhance heat transfer. The acoustic field does this by efficiently removing vapor bubbles from the heated surface and suppressing the formation of an insulating vapor film."

2 of 96 comments (clear)

  1. Not sure that is new... by aaronb1138 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The amount of efficiency increase might be novel, or the input energy to remove the bubbles might be, but using an "acoustic field" is nothing new in industry. Lots of industrial systems use some form of vibrator to decrease bubble to surface adhesion for increased fluid heating speed and thus, efficiency. They also frequently use such systems to reduce surface foaming, especially in conjunction with vacuum systems to prevent fluid foaming or excess dissolved bubbles / gases.

    1. Re:Not sure that is new... by TheLink · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Just curious, how much more efficient is this compared to using microwaves? I think with microwaves it doesn't matter that much that there are bubbles - the waves will heat the next available spot - no contact needed.

      Can't always use microwaves though e.g. liquid is not suitable, or it's not convenient.

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