ModIceCrys –CFD Numerical modelling and experimental analysis of ice crystallizers for supercooling flows

To complete the deployment of the ice slurry technology using the supercooling water, modelling and design tools for the scalability of crystallizers are required. These tools may ensure a controlled and reliable operation of crystallizers, avoiding upstream ice propagation and exergetic losses, and high-efficiency supercooling release. To achieve this, ModIceCrys aims to develop a CFD-crystallization tool for modelling the ice crystallization process coupled with supercooled water flows. As a first step, the ice crystallization processes in supercooling water will be numerically investigated using the population balance model to obtain a stand-alone crystal growth model in non-flow conditions. Thereafter, a coupled fluid flow and the above-mentioned crystal growth model will be coupled by means of CFD in order to understand the fundamentals of ice growth and its interaction within supercooling water flows. To conclude, the validation of the previous CFD-crystallization model via diverse non-intrusive quantitative flow visualization techniques, such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Backlight Shadow Imaging (BIS), is foreseen.