Method for controlling frost on a heat transfer device

Abstract

A method for controlling frost on a heat transfer device includes the steps of providing an air flow device adapted to provide a stream of air at a high flow rate, and using the air flow device to subject a heat transfer device to the stream of air during frosting times. The stream of air interacts with the heat transfer device to remove water droplets disposed on the heat transfer device, thereby preventing frost from accumulating on the heat transfer device.

1 . A method for controlling frost on a heat transfer device, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing an air flow device adapted to provide a stream of air at a high flow rate; and   (b) using the air flow device to subject a heat transfer device to the stream of air during frosting times, such that when the stream of air interacts with the heat transfer device, water droplets disposed on the heat transfer device are removed from the heat transfer device by the stream of air, thereby preventing frost from accumulating on the heat transfer device.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the air flow device is programmed to provide the high flow rate of air during periods of time when frosting may occur and to provide a reduced flow rate of air during periods of time when frosting is unlikely to occur. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the air flow device is a variable speed fan programmed to adjust its fan speed in accordance with atmospheric conditions to prevent frost from accumulating on the heat transfer device. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , further including the step of installing the air flow device in the heat transfer device. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the air flow device is a variable speed fan adapted to replace the heat transfer device's fan and programmed to provide a high flow rate of air during periods of time when frosting may occur.