New nanopatterned surfaces could improve the efficiency of powerplants, desalination systems
Thursday, February 23, 2012 - 06:31
in Physics & Chemistry
The condensation of water is crucial to the operation of most of the powerplants that provide our electricity whether they are fueled by coal, natural gas or nuclear fuel. It is also the key to producing potable water from salty or brackish water. But there are still large gaps in the scientific understanding of exactly how water condenses on the surfaces used to turn steam back into water in a powerplant, or to condense water in an evaporation-based desalination plant.