Title: Defrosting of automotive windshields: progress and challenges

Authors: Karim J. Nasr, Bashar S. AbdulNour

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, Kettering University, 1700 West Third Avenue, Flint, MI 48504, USA. Technology Development Department, Climate Control Operations, Ford Motor Company, 15031 South Commerce Drive, Dearborn, MI 48120, USA

Abstract: Climate control applications are of great interest to the automotive industry. The issue of windshield defrosting has received, and continues to receive, considerable attention from various investigators around the world. This paper presents an up-to-date assessment of our knowledge base on defrosting. It documents a comprehensive literature review covering experimental as well as computational efforts, accompanied by utilisation of electric heating elements, conducting films, and heat storage devices. The paper also presents a list of measurement methods for airflow and thermal patterns pertinent to defrosting. It concludes with an example on quick detection of a defroster system performance, recommends a defroster system development sequence, and addresses relevant future challenges.

Keywords: climate control; automotive windshields; defrosting; windshield clearing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2000.001901

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2000 Vol.23 No.3/4, pp.360-375

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article