Ice Hazard on Windshields of Modern Automobiles and Aircraft

From: Lance (Automotive Safety Issues)
Remote Name: 65.88.106.1
Date: 06 Mar 2004
Time: 01:05:05

Comments

Let’s discuss some new innovations in Auto Safety, which are currently in the news. I found this invention to be interesting, as I have studied Ultra-Sonic Mini-Blind Cleaning as an add-on market for Window Washing. http://www.windowwashguys.com . Now then before we start discussing this newest technology, let us talk about some of our previous discussions on this inter-related subject. HUD displays in racing. http://www.parthe.net/_cwg0803/0000000c.htm and HUD displays and human interface. http://www.parthe.net/_cwg0803/00000033.htm and http://www.parthe.net/_cwg1003/00000054.htm . This is happening as predicted: OSRAM supplies LEDs for BMW head-up display Compound Semiconductor - Bristol, UK The display can be programmed and is easy to read day or night in all conditions thanks to an Osram light sensor which automatically adjusts the brightness. http://compoundsemiconductor.net/articles/news/8/3/4/1 . Now then lets discuss the issues of this newest technology, which has to do with clean windshields and getting rid of ice as you drive or off your car without scraping. And I suggested that we Integrate into the SmartVehicle System with net-centric sensors a de-icing unit using high frequency bursts. A temperature system for controlling cabin comfort has a sensor on the windshield. Then disperses this other system. Depending on the frequency used to free the ice, it shouldn't interfere with electronics. And how about the cross over applications to Private Jets, Airlines and Military for the HUD displays? Here is the Press Release Describing this technology: -------------------------- Ice Surface Development, Inc. Ice surface Development, Inc. (ISDI) is a development company, focused on Ice Technology. Our mission is to increase the value of our principal asset -- the rights to Ice Technology developed by Dr. Victor Petrenko and owned by Dartmouth University. Our strategy for improving the value of this technology is by further advancing the proof-of concept for specific, high value applications. ISDI owns the exclusive rights to this extremely valuable and innovative technology for all motorized, land based vehicles world-wide. The applications ISDI is developing will improve the driving experience for industrial, commercial and consumer vehicle users by reducing safety risks, increasing productivity and eliminating the hassle of ice removal and loss of traction. The most significant applications include: de-icing of glass surfaces, and improving the grip of tires to ice and snow. The market is already showing considerable interest in de-icing. A J.D. Power and Associates report on emerging automotive technologies released this February 20, 2002 states: “Heated windshield (windscreen) glass garners the highest interest among European consumers. Nearly 90 percent of consumers express strong interest in the feature, which evenly clears away ice, snow and frost from the front windshield within three minutes, improving visibility. Heated windshield glass was also well received by U.S. consumers, however, not to the same extent as by the Europeans.” Our technology can actually outperform the hypothetical, emerging technology described to the over 6,000 participants in this study. Increased tire adhesion is an even newer, more revolutionary concept that will follow de-icing. ISDI has joined forces with the best expertise from the relevant disciplines to move these applications forward. We are also in active discussions with a handful of interested strategic investors to help us execute our financial strategy. The essence of the strategy is to advance the development within a time frame of relatively high shareholder returns. We believe this point will be reached for de-icing when we have completed sufficient prototyping work to demonstrate in very specific applications the functional, cost and industry safety requirements. This process is well underway. Our plan also calls for tire adhesion applications to follow by about 6 months. In this application we anticipate scaling up our 1/3 scale lab model to a full sized prototype and testing it in a larger variety of adverse conditions. Altering Ice adhesion - starting with de-icing Dr. Petrenko of Dartmouth, the world's foremost expert on ice technology, has discovered how to radically alter the adhesion of ice to conductive surfaces, either increasing or decreasing depending on the application. In the de-icing example above, the initial action, 1, is to deliver a low energy electric impulse to the glass surface creating within a few seconds a non-adhesive barrier between the ice and glass. The second action, 2, the dispersal of the ice, occurs immediately -- creating an ice free surface. Our principal near term objective is to establish these de-icing applications for autos/trucks -- including windshields, side and rear windows, external mirrors, headlights, wipers and perhaps bodies. In the above diagram, demonstrating our High Frequency Approach, the technology de-ices surfaces in 0°C to -30°C temperature range. Power requirements range from 0.25 kw/m2 to 4 kw/m2 depending on temperature and wind speed (up to 200mile/h). In low-wind conditions this de-icer keeps protected surfaces unfrozen at a power rate of 0.25 kw/ m2 to 0.3kw/m2. (These power requirements are well within a standard automobile power supply). The net effect is to initially de-ice and then maintain ice free conditions for drivers, improving safety, convenience and driver/equipment productivity. Improving Tire Grip Our other significant application is improving the grip of tires on ice or snow. Again, this application of the technology has been proven in the lab, and is supported by a 1/3 scale prototype and testing rig, with an example of test data to the left indicating the increase in effective friction when power is applied. The adhesion of tires to ice have been magnified by as much as 20-fold, providing a grip on ice similar to asphalt or concrete. http://www.icesurfacedev.com/ . ---------------------- Sounds spectacular right? Yes. Very good and think of the tire safety on school buses and critical vehicles? Now then Jeff a systems man for an automotive company, which specializes in Smart-Car Systems in modern automobiles says; “Another method for de-icing could be similar to windshield washer fluid dispersion. A selector switch located in the vehicle cockpit for windshield washer fluid or de-icing fluid. The fluid could be the same that the airline industry uses - of course, environmentally safe. This would eliminate the necessity for windshield design changes and problematic electrical issues associated with high current heating.” Now then he is also correct because it would be simple that way with less chance of Murphy-ism. I agree. The high-frequency thing also has issues with the bandwidth it might use. Frequency pollution, causing issues with electronics of other sorts. But from what they say, the high frequency, would only send a couple of pulses and it is really quick as liquid to melt ice away takes longer. Sometimes ice forms so quickly it can catch you off guard like a quick fog sometimes does when the out side air and cabin temperature are quite different all of a sudden of course this is also due to change in barometric pressure, but ice can also form rapidly, especially in an aircraft where the temperature changes on average of 2 degrees per thousand feet. Another problem they did not talk about or may not be aware of is that the glass these days is quite impressive with different layers of film, self-cleaning http://parthe.net/_cwg1203/00000061.htm and hydrophobic coatings http://www.parthe.net/_wwg/00000002.htm as well as after market appearance people like the "Detail Guys," etc. Some of the products put on windows are done at the factory level and can come off as easy as with vinegar and water, but a storm water blast, ice or even acid rain they will not (well not as easy-depends). And if the Global Warming Debate is real enough then as things get worse weather will get less predictable from past Farmer's Almanac Data and more fierce storms. (Climate Cliff). The electric windows work the best in aviation where they heat off the ice. When the liquid is shot onto the windscreen of an aircraft the slip stream of airflow sends it all the way back across the aircraft making it a problem for aircraft paints which are quite high performance for instance PPG has an aircraft paint which weighs in at less than 200 lbs, for an entire color scheme on a Southwest Airlines 737, no kidding. Such de-ice fluid when concentrated sends a constant flow across the fuselage and it looks bad and is hard to clean off. www.AircraftWashGuys.com . If you put a car in a wind tunnel and cross-shot the de-ice fluid against the window and had a small flair piece on the corners of the windshields, then you could get the fluid to depart the boundary layer and slip stream of the car. This might cause a small decrease in efficiency from parasite drag, but a car going less than 130 mph, would hardly notice since the hyperbolic curve of drag would not be top end yet. Also two NASA style air scoops could suck the fluid back into the openings and send it under the car. I guess the problem is more the sensor to anticipate the driver's needs before it is an issue and then use very little fluid so as not to be a problem. Rather than getting too fancy as I am discussing. KISS is the best method so in fact the systems SmartCar Software individual is correct. Now then there has been issues on fighter jets where ice broke off and was sucked into the intake and then hit the fan blades and cause the engine to go out and some where the engine came apart, causing a fire and led to ejection and loss of aircraft as the pilot went for the ride of his life in the ejection seat. So simply breaking the ice is the first issue, some believe melting the ice is better. Because when the ice breaks off where does it go? Who will it hurt and what will it hit? Antennas, back trunk lids, wings on the back trunk? Any comments on this auto technology email us; lance@carwashguys.com .

Site hosted by CCG

Site design by CCG Studio

DISCLAIMER:
Although we exert control over all articles written by our staff and consultants, we are in no way able to assure the accuracy of any content generated by our readers. Any information or advice provided by our readers should be used cautiously, and should be considered as an opinion of such, and not the views, ideas, opinions, or advice of Washguy.com. Washguy.com., its staff, and consultants shall in no way be held liable or responsible for any false or misleading information or injurious advice obtained from our readers, including any information posted to this Bulletin Board forum. Any information or advice obtained from other readers through Bulletin Board postings shall be used at the reader's own risk. The Bulletin Board forum functions as a discussion group for the exchange of views, information and opinions on issues related to the Car Wash Guys, Franchising and their associated topics. Washguy.com, its staff, and consultants will not be held liable for any incidental or consequential loss or damage sustained as a result of this information or advice. No user shall be entitled to claim detrimental reliance on any views received from the staff, consultants or other readers. By using this Bulletin Board and it's related forums, you agree to indemnify and hold Washguy.com, its staff and consultants harmless from any claims arising as a result of your use of the information or materials you download from or upload to the Bulletin Board.