Work package 1 is focusing in collaborative effort to improve condensation heat transfer by using multiple materials engineering approaches. We have demonstrated different fabrication methods to obtain hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces on Cu, Al and Zn, with particular emphasis on the texturing approaches at micro- and nanoscales. We also developed multi-layered nanocomposite films by spray coating graphene-based polymer conductive inks on textured aluminum substrates, at different graphene nanoplatelets loadings. Surface nanohierarchy was achieved based on alumina texture and metal-organic framework structures. Also, plasma etching and deposition techniques were applied to enhance surface hydrophobicity. Experimental setups for measuring condensation heat transfer were also assembled. Material durability tests were also performed.
For the WP2, an experimental setup for performing quantitative water collection and heat transfer measurements has been assembled and we are conducting our first experiments. We presented the fabrication processes for various directional interfaces using micro-milling and plasma etching / nanotexturing. Surfaces with parallel trenches, or perpendicular to the surface texture, or inclined to the surface texture and with varying hierarchy levels were fabricated. An experimental set up for testing dew water harvesting was developed, and condensation observation has shown the increased drop mobility on such superhydrophobic surfaces. First dew water harvesting results were presented.
For the WP3, we developed a reliable coating technology to create tri-layer superhydrophobic flat sheet membranes. A setup to characterize membrane distillation (MD) dynamics has been developed. The established MD testing setup has provided experimental data that demonstrates the enhanced MD performance of the developed tri-layer superhydrophobic membranes. Surface treatments for commercial membranes using plasma methods have also been demonstrated, and biofouling and desalination tests have been conducted.
For the WP4, the first results of the modeling framework, demonstrate its potential for the study of dropwise condensation. The results of the modeling framework, demonstrate the events of droplet coalescence, droplet jumping, and droplet removal due to gravity. Both the simulation tools and the metrology tools are in place for use by the experimental work packages.
In WP5, a proper plan has been prepared for the efficient dissemination and exploitation of the HARMoNIC outputs. The plan is divided into four major groups, scientific outputs, data management, academic and public outreach and industrial engagement. Each of the group is further divided into subgroups and each of the group has given equal importance and the interconnection between groups and subgroups has been appropriately addressed. In first year, a significant progress has already been made in each section including publications, conference organization and especially, industrial engagement.
WP 6 concentrates on the project management of HARMoNIC. The main goal is to ensure the smooth management, specific objectives include the proactive exchange between project partners, organization of regular project meetings, monitoring of the timely execution of deliverables and milestones, project monitoring referring to the proper fulfillment of all contractual responsibilities of the consortium members towards the EU, and providing administrative, financial, legal and technical support. The process is continuous and has started in month 1 of the HARMoNIC project and will continue until the end of the project.
