Physicochemical Properties Changes Induced by Pulsed Discharge Occurring in CaCl2 Antifreeze

Abstract

Motivated by the sustainable development goals, wind energy is significantly developed as an important renewable and clean energy source. Nevertheless, the problem of downtime due to icing of wind turbine blades in winter remains unsolved, resulting in a significant waste of wind resources. To address this issue, the author proposes a new shock wave de-icing method based on pulsed liquid discharge, and clarifies that micro-deformation and vibration of the blade layer are key factors. Ensuring that the liquid state and freezing point of the antifreeze solution are not affected by the discharge is key to extending the method to engineering applications. Typical organic antifreeze is evidenced to be unsuitable because it generates large amounts of gaseous products. In this article, the physiochemical properties changes in typical inorganic antifreeze (calcium chloride, CaCl ${}_{{2}}\text {)}$ after the occurrence of pulsed discharges are investigated. It is found that pulsed discharges in CaCl₂ antifreeze generate essentially no gaseous products (i.e., no obvious change in the medium state). In addition, it is found that the freezing point of CaCl₂ antifreeze does not increase, while the hydrogen ion concentration (pH value) decreases slightly after discharge. The underlying factors contributing to these pH value fluctuations are elucidated. It is worth noting that the color of the solution changes significantly after discharge, which is due to the reaction and ablation of the electrode material producing some solid products. This study is expected to deepen the understanding of pulsed discharges affecting the physicochemical properties of typical inorganic antifreezes, thus providing important theoretical guidance and practical reference for the selection of antifreezes in this innovative de-icing method.