Numerical Analysis of Rear Windshield Deicing with Heating Wires

Motivation: Windshield deicing is a crucial safety feature in vehicles, typically associated with the front windshield. However, the rear windshield also plays a significant role in ensuring safety and needs to be clear. Deicing of the front windshield is usually done using the hot air nozzle from the HVAC system. Modern rear windshields are equipped with heating wires that generate heat upon electrical supply to facilitate deicing. However, excessive use of these heating wires can lead to unnecessary energy consumption, impacting the vehicle's overall efficiency. This is the key motivation behind the development of an optimized heating system for the rear windshield. Problem: Design an optimized heating system for rear windshields that balances effective deicing with minimal energy usage, enhancing both safety and energy efficiency in vehicles. Methodology: This paper explores the numerical application of heating methods using CFD software to deice the rear windshield. The study involves: 1.Modeling the rear windshield with heating wires. 2.Simulating the heat transfer process using CFD tools. 3.Analyzing the efficiency and effectiveness of the heating wires in deicing. Predictions and Results: The simulation method is developed to predict, 1.Time required for clearing ice from the rear windshield. 2.Power consumption required, enhancing energy efficiency. 3.Heating wire pattern, spacing and thickness for effective heat distribution. These digital evaluations help in designing an optimized heating system for rear windshields at early stages of the development process. Conclusions: In this paper, we conclude that simulations can be used for evaluation of rear windshield deicing using heating wires and helps in arriving at an optimized heating system for rear windshield deicing, which when implemented, significantly contributes to energy savings by reducing unnecessary power consumption. The strategic design of heating wires at the early stage of the vehicle development cycle ensures effective heat distribution and targeting critical zones efficiently. This approach not only enhances deicing performance but also improves overall vehicle safety in adverse weather conditions and energy efficiency.