Deicing performance analysis of the solution regenerator unit using freeze concentration

•Low icing velocity reduced solute residue remaining in ice.•The proportion of solute residue in deicing energy consumption was analyzed.•With ice mass increased by 45%, average distribution coefficient maximum rose 39%•With solute residue increased, the deicing energy consumption rose 6.6%•The deicing energy consumption diagram of freeze regeneration system was proposed. During the process of regeneration, freeze concentration exhibits high energy efficiency. The performance of regeneration is directly affected by the separation effect and salinity level of ice under different regeneration conditions. In order to evaluate the energy efficiency of deicing under different conditions, a freeze concentration solution regenerator unit was constructed and equipped with a heat pump system. Based on experimental data, the theoretical model of average distribution coefficient and deicing energy consumption is established to study the influence of ice separation efficiency and solute residue on the deicing energy consumption. Results show the ice salinity reduces the effect of ice amount on regeneration concentration. The increase of icing difficulty and ice salinity are the two main reasons that affect the decrease of deicing operation efficiency of high concentration solution. As the amount of ice separating decreases, the deicing energy efficiency is more sensitivity to the solute residue. The reduction rate of energy consumption is equal to the proportion of influence of solute residue in deicing energy efficiency. From 6%, 8%, 10% and 13% concentration, solute residue increases the deicing energy efficiency by an average of 2.4%, 3.4%, 4.6%, and 6.6%, respectively. The influence of solute residue on deicing operation efficiency can be reduced by increasing separation efficiency. The deicing energy consumption diagram of anti-frost solution freeze concentration system is proposed. The investigations will be helpful to improving the energy efficiency and steadiness of the heat pump with freeze concentration.