TY - JOUR
TI - Numerical heat transfer model for frost protection of citrus fruits by water from a spraying system
AU - Issa Roy J
JN - Thermal Science
PY - 2012
VL - 16
IS - 1
SP - 31
EP - 42
PT - Article
AB - A simplified model is developed to simulate the conditions associated with  the protection of fruits from frost damage using water from a spraying  system. The model simulates the movement of the solidifying water front on a  single fruit, and based on that determines the spray frequency needed for a  water film to continuously surround the ice-coated fruit to prevent the fruit  temperature from dropping below 0ºC. Simulations are presented for the frost  protection of sweet oranges (citrus sinensis). The effect of environmental  conditions such as air temperature, air velocity, surface radiation and water  film evaporation on the development of the ice layer encasing is considered.  Simulations show the effect the encasing ice sheet thickness has on the fruit  temperature if water from a spraying system is turned off permanently.  Experimental tests are also conducted to determine the change in the thermal  properties of citrus sinensis for operating temperatures that range from  above freezing to sub-freezing. The results of the experimental tests and the  numerical simulations shall lead to a better understanding of fruit  protection from frost damage by the application of water from a spraying  system.