Optimization of ice making in laminar falling films

A mathematical model for the optimization of ice making in a laminar falling film is presented. The model is first validated, and a series of numerical experiments are conducted to assess the effects of the mass flow rate, the inlet water temperature and the length and temperature of the cold plate on ice accumulation. The results are then correlated in a simple algebraic expression for the frequency of the intermittent freezing and removal cycle that maximizes the production of ice. Applying this calculation procedure to a commercial system, it is shown that the same amount of ice can be produced in a time interval more than six times shorter.