PFAS-free high-efficiency defrostable surfaces for NO FROST refrigeration systems (eco-ZeroFrost)
The European Union has adopted a set of Commission proposals aimed at aligning its climate, energy, transport, and taxation policies with the goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. This target is essential for enabling the EU to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Achieving this objective necessitates identifying energy-intensive applications and sectors that require more efficient alternative technologies. One such sector seen sensibly in daily life is refrigeration and freezing systems, which collectively account for approximately 20% of global electricity consumption. NO FROST (Zero FROST) systems play a significant role in this context. Despite their name suggesting zero [visible] frost, substantial frost and ice still accumulate within the internal hidden compartments of these systems, contributing to impaired cooling performance. The primary solution for de-frosting involves electric heating elements, activated periodically to raise the temperature and melt the ice. The energy consumed during this de-frosting phase is considerable and can represent up to 20-30% of the total annual energy consumption of the refrigeration system. This leads to low-class energy efficiency labels and highlights the considerable impact of de-frosting on electricity use and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions. This project aims to upscale a lab-developed method that utilizes surface micro-/nano-texturing and high-energy source-facilitated thin film deposition in a continuous line for application in refrigeration manufacturing companies. Unlike the commonly used PFAS materials for anti-icing, this project fully embraces PFAS-free chemistry.
Period: 2026-2028
Funding scheme: KU Leuven IOF C3
People involved: Navid Mostofi Sarkari