Systems, methods, and devices for providing low energy defrosting and heating to multiple surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface deicing and defogging systems in vehicles and refrigeration equipment require significant energy consumption, strain the power source, and are inefficient in providing simultaneous defrosting and defogging across multiple surfaces, leading to reduced efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of heating elements connected to multiple surfaces, a power unit, and a controller unit that manages the selective heating of these elements based on ambient conditions, using pulsed electrothermal deicing (PETD) to minimize energy use and optimize power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional resistive heating systems are used for defrosting surfaces, then sufficient heat can be generated to remove ice and frost, but significant energy consumption occurs and the system strains the power source
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs pulsed electrothermal deicing (PETD) technology that applies electrical current in periodic pulses rather than continuous flow. The controller unit activates heating elements in sequential pulses across multiple surfaces, providing sufficient thermal energy to melt ice and frost while minimizing overall energy consumption by allowing heat dissipation between pulses and avoiding continuous power draw from the battery or alternator.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surfaces are heated simultaneously using traditional systems, then comprehensive defrosting coverage is achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the heating task into segmented zones across multiple surfaces (windshield, side windows, rear window, mirrors). The controller unit manages heating elements in each zone independently, activating them in a coordinated sequential manner rather than simultaneously. This segmentation allows comprehensive multi-surface defrosting coverage while distributing energy consumption over time, preventing peak power demands that would strain the vehicle's electrical system.
3Reliability
If high power is used for rapid defrosting, then safety and visibility are improved quickly, but the battery and alternator are strained
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsing of electrical current to heating elements, delivering high power in controlled bursts that rapidly melt ice and frost for quick visibility improvement. Between pulses, the system allows thermal dissipation and reduces power draw, preventing continuous high-power operation from straining the battery and alternator. The controller adjusts pulse duration and frequency to balance rapid defrosting effectiveness with electrical system capacity.
4Reliability
If continuous defrosting operation is maintained in extreme cold or high humidity, then surfaces remain clear, but electrical power is continuously drained
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor surface conditions (ice, frost, fog detection) and environmental parameters (temperature, humidity). The controller unit receives this feedback and dynamically adjusts heating element activation accordingly. In extreme cold or high humidity conditions, the system maintains surface clarity by activating heating elements only when and where needed based on sensor input, rather than continuous operation, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while ensuring reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system efficiently defrosts and defogs multiple surfaces with minimal energy consumption, reducing strain on the power source and improving the operational efficiency and range of electric vehicles, while maintaining safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The electrothermal surface defrosting and defogging systems operate on the principle of resistive heating encountered by conductive coatings or films placed at various surfaces such as windshields and side mirrors of vehicles
Implementation Method 2
using pulsed electrothermal deicing (PETD) to minimize energy use and optimize power distribution
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for detecting and removing frozen accumulation from a plurality of surfaces is provided. The system comprises: a plurality of heating elements connected to the plurality of surfaces; a powering unit conductively connected to each of the plurality of heating elements, the powering unit configured to heat each of the plurality of heating elements; and a controller unit connected to the powering unit, the controller unit configured to activate the powering unit for selective heating of each of the plurality of heating elements. The system further comprises activating the controller unit automatically based on detection of an ambient condition on the each of the plurality of heating elements, wherein the ambient condition includes ice, frost, fog, moisture, or a temperature threshold.