De-icing and ice prevention of automotive headlamps and tail lamps : - An investigation of techniques and development of a test method

Abstract:

The work aims to study different methods suitable for de-icing and ice prevention of vehicle headlamps and tail lamps, especially LED-lights. Furthermore, the work aims to investigate the scale of the problem with insufficient or lack of de-icing on automotive lamps depending on the region and the environment the vehicle operates in.

The problem with insufficient de-icing in automotive lamps was investigated by observations, tests of various lamps and a driver survey. Deicing methods were identified through a litera-ture review. The methods were studied in detail, and some were also evaluated by tests. The tests were narrowed down to temperature measurements and de-icing measurements. The latter were performed using a test method especially developed for the task. The collected data was used to evaluate whether actions are needed to be taken and to form recommen-dations for future developments.

The number one priority should be to improve the tail lamps de-icing ability. Headlamps can also be improved but there is no imminent need. Insufficient de-icing of headlamps and tail lamps can potentially be a problem in all areas subjected to cold winter climate. Tail lamps should be fitted with electrical heating in order to improve the de-icing ability. They should be positioned so that snow and ice does not stack on top of them. The de-icing time of tail lamps should be less than 10 min. Truck drivers needs to be better in scraping their headlamps and tail lamps.

The time needed for de-icing Scania’s H7 headlamps is 20 min for halogen version and 35 min for xenon version at -18 °C. This should be compared to the BMW LED-headlamp which needs 65 min to complete de-icing. LED-headlamps are probably limited to a de-icing time of approximately 60 min unless additional heat is added to the headlamp lens. The fastest and most efficient way to de-ice the headlamps is to use hot washer fluid. Electrically heated lenses are also effective but the de-icing process is slower. The proposed test method is a simple and effective way to compare and evaluate headlamps and tail lamps without knowing internal airflows and light sources. The way the ice layer is created on the device under test is unique to this method. The created ice layer is extremely uniform and the results are easy to evaluate.