Researchers have discovered water repelling from hydrophobic metal surfaces have a tendency to carry an electric charge. This electric charge is produced from the sudden release in surface energy when the water particle jumps from one surface to another. When used correctly, the hydrophobic sheets can create a "wall of water particles" being transferred back and forth between the sheets as the electric charge of the sheets is reversed. Condenser systems within most power plants can use this idea to create a higher rate of heat transfer from the superheated steam to the cooling water running through the condenser tubes. The articles estimates that the hydrophobic sheets could increase the efficiency of the condenser by .02%. .02% does not seem much on a small scale, but to a power plant that is circulating millions of gallons/day through the condenser tubes, the increase in efficiency seems attractive.
This picture shows the water particles repelling from the hydrophobic surface.
A picture of a basic Power Plant condenser. Cooling water travels through the horizontal tubes, cooling the steam traveling vertically.
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