Efficient clearing of frost formed on automotive side window glass during cold conditions is crucial for maintaining visibility and ensuring passenger safety. Conventional systems often employ dedicated side demisters, which increase system complexity, production costs and vehicle weight. This study explores an alternative approach to defrosting side window glass by optimizing airflow from the defroster, thus eliminating the need for separate side demisters.
The Study leverages optimized airflow dynamics and strategic design of defroster to direct a portion of the air towards the side glass. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and actual Tests to analyze the airflow patterns, temperature gradients, and defrosting efficiency of this configuration. Results indicate that the front defroster airflow can effectively clear frost from the side windows, achieving comparable performance to conventional side demisters. Key design parameters, including defroster geometry and airflow velocity, were optimized to ensure efficient coverage of the side glass surface. The absence of dedicated side demisters reduces the overall HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system complexity, resulting in less costs. Furthermore, the streamlined design contributes to improved cabin aesthetics.
This approach offers a practical and sustainable solution for automotive manufacturers seeking to balance functionality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This paper details the methodology, design considerations, and performance evaluation of side glass defrosting using the front defroster system. The findings highlight the potential of this innovative approach to redefine current HVAC system designs, providing a safer and more cost-efficient alternative for modern vehicles.