Experimental Study on Anti-Frosting Superhydrophobic Coatings for Energy Equipment Surfaces

Wind and solar power generation represent crucial forms of clean energy utilisation, where generation efficiency is paramount. However, clean energy facilities such as wind turbine blades and photovoltaic sheets frequently cease operation during low temperatures due to ice and frost accumulation, resulting in energy wastage. This study investigates the mechanism of low-temperature surface frost formation through observational experiments. By comparing the temporal progression of frost accumulation on four materials—HIPS (high-impact polystyrene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), acrylic, and acrylic sheet with low-temperature flexible superhydrophobic coating (LFSC)—it validates the anti-frost capabilities of superhydrophobic surfaces. The experimental results show that, under the same conditions, surface frosting gradually decreases as the contact angle of the material increases. After 15 min of frosting, the frost layer thicknesses of the four materials were 0.057 mm, 0.101 mm, 0.105 mm, and 0.275 mm, respectively, and the frost coverage per unit area was 12%, 68%, 76%, and 88%, respectively. The frost formed on the superhydrophobic coating surface was loose and thin, with a frost suppression efficiency exceeding 80%. In contrast, the three materials—HIPS, ABS, and untreated acrylic sheets—exhibited significant frost particle accumulation, and as time progressed, a cycle of frost crystal growth, melting, and regrowth occurred. This study demonstrates that superhydrophobic surfaces possess excellent frost-inhibiting capabilities, which can reduce the energy consumption associated with traditional defrosting methods such as heating and spraying chemical de-icing agents, thereby enabling the sustainable use of energy.