Film heaters solve the problem of defogging and anti-fogging cars

A car that runs in snow

Film heaters are recommended for anti-fogging and anti-icing of vehicles.

In recent years, the lamps used in cars have been transitioning from halogen lamps to LED lamps. LED lamps have advantages such as lower power consumption and higher design flexibility. However, this transition has led to a significant issue. Previously, the heat from halogen lamps was sufficient to melt the snow on headlights, but with LED lamps, the reduced heat generation is not enough to defrost the snow.
Snow accumulated on cars can be a major factor leading to accidents, so it requires attention.
For example, the accumulation of snow on headlights can result in insufficient brightness. Having inadequate visibility due to snow in already poor conditions can be extremely dangerous. Even if you remove the snow before driving, it quickly accumulates during the journey, increasing the level of danger.
Moreover, the accumulation of snow on sensors, such as the ones for proximity detection and collision prevention, can decrease their accuracy. This poses a risk of the sensors, which you rely on during slippery conditions, not functioning properly. Additionally, ice formation can lead to fogging on mirrors and cameras, creating similar risks.
Our film heaters help solve these snow-related problems by melting ice and preventing fogging.

Film heaters are "power-saving."

You may wonder if using a film heater contradicts the goal of energy efficiency achieved by switching from halogen lamps to LED lamps. However, please rest assured. Our film heater is energy-efficient, so even with LED lamps + film heater, it consumes less power compared to halogen lamps.

[Power consumption of typical automotive electrical components]
Table of Electricity Consumption of Automotive Electrical Components

※The values are based on our experiments using a film heater with ΔT≒10℃. If a higher temperature film heater is used, the power consumption will increase.


◆Difference in power consumption
Halogen lamps: 53.3W
LED lamps + film heater total: 30.1W
53.3W30.1W =23.2W power-saving.

Film heater is very energy saving!

Available in various parts of the car

Recommended areas for using film heaters in cars

[Examples]
・ windshield
・ headlamp
・ Fog lamp
・ Side mirror
・ Tail lamp

 and more.

Effectiveness of film heaters

We will introduce the effects of our film heaters based on demonstration experiments.

Experiment content

Experimental diagram of film heater ONOFF

It is possible to raise the temperature to approximately 55°C within 5 minutes with the heater turned on.

Process diagram of heater heating time

It provides fast de-icing speed (white light).

◆Conditions
Both red and white LED lights were used.
Ice was formed on the surface using a spray.
 
◆Atmosphere
The film was stored in a -20°C atmosphere for approximately 1 hour and then subjected to ice formation on the surface. After that, the heater heating was performed under the following conditions.

◆Heater conditions
Heater: 50μm Cu wire
Voltage: 12V
Current: 1.9A
Power: 22.8W

Temperature rise is possible in a short time

Film heaters can thaw ice to some extent in just 60 seconds, which helps ensure visibility and restore sensors that are obstructed by freezing, etc.

Example of installation

Headlamp installation example

Film heater is attached to the headlamp. Thin metal wires are used, so there is little affect on the appearance.


Our film heater can be helpful for preventing fogging and defrosting in cars. Please feel free to contact us.

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