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The Anotherm Windscreen Module from IRC Wire and Film mounts under the hood of an automobile or other vehicle to quickly supply heated windshield-washer fluid on demand. |
A module from TT electronics IRC Wire and Film Technologies Div., in cooperation with its AB Automotive Electronics division, produces almost instant hot washer fluid for cleaning and deicing windshields. Unlike conventional reservoir-based heating systems, the Anotherm Windscreen Module uses an anodized aluminum substrate with a thick-film resistive element to form a tubular heater that quickly provides a continuous supply of heated washer fluid.
The module uses no power until there is a demand for heated washer fluid, which it can supply 5 sec after power is applied. The module typically draws 50 A from a vehicle's 14.5-V electrical system. The short-preheat time, coupled with the heating element's low thermal mass, gives the module a heat-transfer efficiency greater than 95%.
Fast heating also keeps washer-fluid additives such as methanol and ethanol from boiling away. This improves cleaning and keeps the fluid from freezing when the heating element is off.The module includes controls and is packaged for underhood environments. It's slated to appear in 2009-model vehicles.
MAKE CONTACT
IRC Wire and Film Div.,
TT electronics plc,
(828) 264-8861,
irctt.com