Vehicle Windshield Condensation Prevention via Coolant Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles parked outdoors during cold conditions experience condensation and frost on windows due to thermal inertia, requiring engine startup to clear, which increases fuel consumption and time.
Innovation Solution
A method using a controller to monitor ambient and vehicle conditions, activating an electric coolant pump and thermostat to transfer heat to the windshield via the powertrain or ambient air, preventing condensation without engine startup by circulating coolant through a heater core and using an electric blower fan to direct hot air onto windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine is started to clear condensation and frost on windows, then the windows can be cleared, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the windshield before the driver needs to use the vehicle. The controller monitors ambient temperature and dew point, and activates the coolant pump and heater core in advance to prevent condensation and frost formation, so that when the driver starts the vehicle, the windows are already clear and no additional engine running is needed for defrosting
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing cooling system components (coolant pump, heater core, blower fan) are utilized to serve the dual purpose of engine cooling and windshield defrosting. The system automatically monitors conditions and activates these components to maintain the windshield temperature above the dew point, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for separate defrosting operations
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine is started to clear frost on windows, then the windows can be cleared, but additional time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is programmed to activate the windshield heating system in advance based on monitored ambient conditions. By continuously monitoring ambient temperature and comparing it to the dew point, the system activates the coolant circulation and heater core before condensation or frost can form, ensuring windows are clear before the driver needs to enter the vehicle, thus eliminating time loss for manual clearing
3Use of energy by moving object
If the windshield temperature is maintained below ambient dew point, then fuel consumption is reduced, but condensation forms on windows
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors ambient temperature and calculates the dew point, then uses this feedback to control the coolant pump and heater core activation. When the monitored windshield temperature approaches or drops below the dew point, the system automatically activates the heating components to maintain the windshield temperature above the dew point, preventing condensation while minimizing energy consumption by only heating when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature parameter of the windshield by controlling the coolant flow and heater core activation. Instead of maintaining a fixed temperature, the system adjusts the windshield temperature parameter to stay just above the dew point based on real-time ambient conditions, optimizing the balance between preventing condensation and minimizing energy consumption
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
Prevents condensation and frost formation on vehicle windows, reducing fuel consumption and saving time by maintaining the windshield temperature above the ambient dew point without engine startup.
Implementation Method 1
transferring heat to a windshield of the vehicle via a coolant if a powertrain temperature is higher than the windshield temperature
Implementation Method 2
the coolant may extract heat from ambient air when the ambient temperature is higher than the windshield temperature... the coolant may be circulated through a radiator while operating an electric radiator fan to draw ambient air across the radiator, thus enabling the coolant within the radiator to absorb heat from ambient air
Implementation Method 3
The warm coolant may be circulated through a heater core and an electric blower fan may be activated to direct hot air onto the interior surfaces of the windshield and other windows
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for preventing condensation on a windshield and other windows of a parked vehicle. One method includes following the vehicle shut down, and when a temperature of a windshield is lower than ambient dew point, transferring heat from a powertrain of the vehicle to the windshield via a coolant if a powertrain temperature is higher than the windshield temperature, and transferring heat from ambient air to the windshield via the coolant if the powertrain temperature is lower than the windshield temperature, and ambient temperature is higher than the windshield temperature.