Experimental Investigation of Electrosprays and Rayleigh Jets for Marine Cloud Brightening

For marine cloud brightening (MCB) to be realised, key technological challenges related to the generation of salt crystal cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) must be addressed. This technology needs to be developed and demonstrated within the next five years should deployment of marine cloud brightening be required to prevent the collapse of the most vulnerable ecosystems such as the Arctic and tropical coral reefs.
A suitable CCN generator for MCB must be capable of spraying submicron droplets of seawater with the following requirements: i) generating a very narrow size range of submicron salt crystals (50-200nm), ii) achieving spray rates of at least 1015 droplets/s, iii) minimising power demand for feasible operation from the back of a ship or aircraft, and iv) ensuring the device systems are robust enough for continual usage in harsh marine environments.
This research evaluates the suitability of using either electrosprays or Rayleigh jets for droplet generation for MCB. An investigation into the performance and practicality of each droplet generation method will be made through laboratory experiments and prototype development. The outcomes will provide comprehensive recommendations regarding the use of either droplet generation method. Should either prove viable for MCB, the necessary design parameters for a field-ready prototype sprayer will be established, with development and demonstration to be completed by 2028.