Study on latent heat of fusion of ice in aqueous solutions

In this study, latent heat of fusion of ice in aqueous solutions was measured to understand latent heat of fusion of ice slurries. Propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, ethanol, NaCl and NaNO3 solutions were used as aqueous solutions. For measurements, pure ice was placed into solution, and temperature variations of the solution due to melting of ice were measured. Effective latent heat of fusion was calculated using an energy balance equation. Concentration of the solution varied due to ice melting, and dilution heat was considered. Therefore, latent heat of fusion of ice in aqueous solutions was predicted by considering the effects of dilution and freezing-point depression. We found that effective latent heat of fusion of ice decreased with increasing concentration of the solution, and effective latent heat of fusion was derived from latent heat of fusion of pure ice, effects of freezing-point depression, and dilution heat.