  We show that electrowetting (EW) with structured electrodes significantly
modifies the distribution of drops condensing onto flat hydrophobic surfaces by
aligning the drops and by enhancing coalescence. Numerical calculations
demonstrate that drop alignment and coalescence are governed by the drop
size-dependent electrostatic energy landscape that is imposed by the electrode
pattern and the applied voltage. Such EW-controlled migration and coalescence
of condensate drops significantly alter the statistical characteristics of the
ensemble of droplets. The evolution of the drop size distribution displays
self-similar characteristics that significantly deviate from classical breath
figures on homogeneous surfaces once the electrically-induced coalescence
cascades set in beyond a certain critical drop size. The resulting reduced
surface coverage, coupled with earlier drop shedding under EW, enhances the net
heat transfer.
