applied

sciences
Article
Analysis and Optimization of Truck
Windshield Defroster
Zhilong He 1, * , Xide Qu 1 , Lantian Ji 1 , Weifeng Wu 1 and Xiaolin Wang 2
1 School of Energy and Power Engineering, Department of Compressor Engineering,
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; [email protected] (X.Q.);
[email protected] (L.J.); [email protected] (W.W.)
2 School of Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; [email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected]




Received: 12 June 2020; Accepted: 9 August 2020; Published: 15 August 2020


Abstract: Frosting and fogging of automobile windshields is a common problem that emerges in
daily driving. It is important and essential to quickly and completely defrost the windshield for
safety purposes. In this study, a three-dimensional mathematical model was applied to investigate
the flow distribution and flow characteristics on the windshield of a medium-size Model N800 truck.
The simulation results were first compared with experimental data. The results showed that the
simulation model could reliably predict the defrosting performance on the windshield. This model
was then used to optimize the design of the defrosting duct that comprised the main part of the
defroster. It was found that the guide plate and outlet position of the defrosting duct were the two
major factors affecting the defrosting performance. Therefore, the guide plate was first optimized and
the defrosting performance was analyzed. The results showed that the average pressure loss dropped
by 21.56%, while the defrosting efficiency at the front white zone was improved to 89%. The position
of the outlet of the airflow was further studied. The results showed that the defrosting efficiency at
the front zone could be further improved to 99%.

Keywords: defrosting; computational fluid dynamics; numerical simulation; optimization

1. Introduction
Frosting and fogging of automobile windshields are major problems that commonly occur in
vehicles during daily driving. If a vehicle has a poor defrosting capability, the front windshield’s
occlusion will interfere with the driver’s line of sight and could lead to a potential accident [1]. It is
important to comprehensively understand the structure of the defroster system to test its capacity to
defrost the front windshield and side window.
In automobile defrosting systems, the heated air of the air conditioning system defrosts the
automobile windshield through the defrosting duct. Air passing through the defrosting air duct
inevitably causes the distribution of air on the windshield [2]. Therefore, it is necessary to study the
air flow distribution and velocity distribution on the windshield of the defrosting duct, reasonably
distribute the air flow in the defrosting duct, and achieve the best windshield defrosting efficiency.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques allow researchers to use mathematical models to
simulate real systems and hence reduce the experimental cost in laboratory tests [3]. AbdulNour et al. [4]
used the CFD general-purpose software package Fluent/UNS to numerically evaluate the defrosting
performance of a vehicle. The velocity field of the defroster near the windshield was quantified, and the
defrosting performance of the windshield was predicted accordingly. Aroussi et al. [5] performed
a relative assessment of fluid flow, heat transfer, and defrost modes. YueYang et al. [6] focused on
the process of condensation and defogging in the cabin of a truck model. Where the outside heat

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5671; doi:10.3390/app10165671 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5671 2 of 14

dissipation and internal air conditioning system were considered together, it was found that the
mass flow rate, inlet, temperature, and humidity could influence the dewing film thickness directly
at the windshield. Sugano et al. [7] proposed a three-dimensional (3D) airflow analysis model and
verified it using experimental data. This model was used to predict defrosting performance under
different working conditions. AbdulNour et al. [8] conducted a numerical simulation of the surface
flow of a defroster and windshield to simultaneously obtain the direction and value of the airflow
velocity. Taro Ono et al. [9] performed a transient numerical simulation of the interior of a vehicle and
analyzed the relationship between its performance and air supply temperature and flow. A control
strategy for the air temperature and flow distribution is derived by considering the transient and
steady-state conditions.
There have been many other valuable contributions to these studies in the literature. Kitada et al. [10]
used the CFD software Star-CD to numerically simulate the defogging performance of transient vehicles.
Liu et al. [11] presented a method to solve condensation problems by using a CFD method. It was found
that proper exhaust port location helped reduce the risk of frost. However, the specific parameters were
not described, so this study optimized the position of the exhaust port and the geometric parameters
to make the defrost effect more obvious. Kai et al. [12] proposed a new condensation model for
CFD simulation. Compared with the existing condensation model, this model had higher accuracy.
Karim et al. [13] improved the defrosting performance of automotive windshields by adjusting their
defroster duct structures. Xu et al. [14] conducted a joint numerical simulation of a blown air duct.
By adding a guide vane in front of the inlet of the blown air duct and changing the cross-sectional
area of the inlet surfaces of the four air outlets, they optimized the air volume and flow rate of the
blown air duct exit for uniformity and noise reduction. Yang et al. [15] evaluated various duct design
configurations by analyzing the defrosting mass flow distribution at each outflow and observing
the flow structure near the windshield and left front window. Serrano et al. [16] proposed that the
condensation of the body flow produced by the mixing of airflow at different temperatures and
humidity was a thermodynamic process, which proved the commercial application of CFD simulation.
Li et al. [17] ensured reasonable wind division by optimizing an original blown air duct. Chen et al. [18]
used CFD software to numerically simulate an automobile air conditioning duct with equal inlet areas
for the balanced distribution of air volume in each duct. Li et al. [19] used the CFD method to establish
a typical car air duct model with a complex structure. The main part of the air duct was analyzed in
Fluent to optimize the uniformity of the air outlets of the central air duct.
However, in the above studies, the influence of the defrost duct design on the defrosting
performance and the optimization of the defrost duct were rarely reported. In this study, a 3D CFD
model was applied to investigate the performance of a defroster in a medium-size Model N800 truck.
The inner surface of the windshield, the inner surface of the vehicle, and the air duct were integrated
into a simulation domain. The pre-processing software was adopted to generate a 3D volume mesh in
this calculation domain, then the appropriate calculation method and turbulence were selected for
further analysis. The simulation model was first verified using the experimental data and then used
to evaluate the performance of the defroster. A new structure of the defroster was proposed and its
performance was compared with that of the commercial defroster design applied in the medium-size
Model N800 truck.

2. Mathematical Model

2.1. Geometric Model and Computational Grid

Figure 1 shows a 3D computational domain model of a truck cabin consisting of the truck cabin
body, front windshield, side windshield, and defrosting duct. Defrosting area A represents the
defrosting area in front of the driver, and defrosting area B represents the total defrosting area of the
windshield. The inner surface of the windshield and defrosting duct were peeled off to form a closed
computing area with the vehicle body. Figure 2 shows the geometric model of the defrosting duct.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 15
Appl. Sci.
Sci. 2020,
2020, 10,
10, x5671
FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 15
14
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 15
The
The simplified
simplified geometric
geometric model
model was
was also
also meshed
meshed toto generate
generate 2D
2D and
and 3D
3D volumetric
volumetric meshes
meshes in
in the
the
The
The simplified
computational
simplified geometric
domain.
geometric model
Figure
model3 was
shows
was also
the
also meshed
local
meshed to
meshes
to generate
of the
generate 2D and 3D
defrosting
2D and 3D volumetric
duct surface.
volumetric meshes
meshes inthe
in the
computational domain. Figure 3 shows the local meshes of the defrosting duct surface.
computational domain. Figure 3 shows the local meshes of the defrosting duct surface.
computational domain. Figure 3 shows the local meshes of the defrosting duct surface.

Figure
Figure 1.
1. Three-dimensional
Three-dimensional computation
computation domain
domain model
model of
of the
the truck
truck cabin.
cabin.
Figure1.1.Three-dimensional
Figure Three-dimensionalcomputation
computationdomain
domainmodel
modelofofthe
thetruck
truckcabin.
cabin.

Figure
Figure 2. 2. A
A three-dimensional
A three-dimensional computational
three-dimensional model of
computational model of the
the defrosting
defrosting duct.
defrosting duct. LH (left
duct. LH (left hand),
hand), CL
CL (center
(center
Figure
left),
left), CC
CC 2. A three-dimensional
(center
(center center),
center),CR
CR computational
(center
(centerright),
right),RH
RH model
(right
(right of the defrosting duct. LH (left hand), CL (center
hand).
hand).
left), CC (center center), CR (center right), RH (right hand).
left), CC (center center), CR (center right), RH (right hand).

Figure
Figure 3.
3. Local
Local meshes
Local meshes of
meshes of the
of the defrosting
the defrosting duct
defrosting duct surface.
surface.
Figure 3. Local meshes of the defrosting duct surface.
2.2. Numerical Model
2.2. Model
2.2. Numerical
Numerical Model
2.2. Numerical Model
2.2.1. Turbulence Model
2.2.1.
2.2.1. Turbulence
Turbulence Model
Model
2.2.1. Turbulence
Calculation inModel
this study involved the steady numerical simulation of the air conditioning and
Calculation
Calculation in
in this study
this the
study involved
involved the
the steady
steady numerical
numerical simulation
simulation of the
the air conditioning and
defrosting duct,
Calculation where
in thisthe computational
study involved thefluid was
steady incompressible.
numerical Theofof
simulation Shearair conditioning
Stress
the air Transfer and
conditioningk-ω
and
defrosting
defrosting duct,
duct, where
where the computational
computational fluid
fluid was
was incompressible.
incompressible. The
The Shear
Shear Stress
Stress Transfer
Transfer k-ω
k-ω
(SST k-ω) two-equation
defrosting turbulence
duct, whereturbulence model was
the computational used
fluid for incompressible.
was the numerical study. The continuity
The The
Shear equation,
Stress Transfer k-ω
(SST
(SST k-ω) two-equation
k-ω) two-equation turbulence model
model was
wasareused
used for the numerical
for the numerical study. continuity equation,
study. The continuity equation,
momentum
(SST k-ω) equation, and
two-equation turbulence
turbulence model
model was presented
used for thebelow:
numerical study. The continuity equation,
momentum
momentum equation,
equation, and
and turbulence
turbulence model
model areare presented
presented below:
below:
(1) Continuity
momentum equation:
equation, and turbulence model are presented below:
(1) Continuity equation:
(1) Continuity equation: ∂Ui
(1) Continuity equation: =0 (1)
∂Xi
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5671 4 of 14

where Ui is the component of the average velocity in the i direction (i = x, y, z), m/s.
(2) Momentum equation:

∂Ui U j ∂ P 2 ∂ ∂U j ∂U j ∂Ui
= ( + k) + [ νt ( + )] − (2)
∂X j ∂X j ρ 3 ∂X j ∂X j ∂Xi ∂t

(3) k equation:
∂k ∂kU j ∂ νt ∂k
+ = ( ) + νt S − ε (3)
∂t ∂X j ∂X j σk ∂X j
(4) ε equation:
∂ε ∂εU j ∂ νt ∂ε ε
+ = ( ) + (C1 νt S − C2 ε) (4)
∂t ∂X j ∂X j σε ∂X j k

Cµ k2
νt = (5)
ε
∂Ui ∂U j ∂Ui
S=( + ) (6)
∂X j ∂Xi ∂X j
where U j is the component of the average velocity in the j direction (i = x, y, z), m/s; k is the kinetic
energy; ε is the dissipation; ρ is the density and νt is the viscosity; P is the pressure, Pa; and the constant
Cµ = 0.09, C1 = 1.44, C2 = 1.92, σk = 1.0, σε = 1.3.

2.2.2. Defrosting Model

This study used the enthalpy equation to solve the transient problem of windshield defrosting.
The cyclic solution of the equation could obtain the temperature and heat flow of the windshield.
In each step, the total energy from heat conduction, convection, and radiation (usually negligible)
was calculated and compared with the melting heat required for the frost layer to melt. Suppose that
when the total energy is the same as the heat of melting, the frost layer begins to melt. When the
total energy in the grid cell is enough to melt all the frost into water, it is considered that there is
no frost in the grid cell. In this study, the ice–water solid–liquid mixture was treated as a fluid,
and the liquid phase fraction β was defined according to the solid temperature TS and the liquid
temperature TL to determine the phase change status of each unit. This model is simplified; in the
phase change process, the molten water moves slowly, and the static ice–water mixture is directly
used to approximate the simulation. In this study, the heat transfer of the heating curve (Figure 4)
is introduced to solve the energy Equations (7)–(10) of the temperature field to obtain the frost layer
distribution on the windshield.
H = h + ∆H (7)
Z T
h = hre f + Cp dT (8)
Tre f

where H is enthalpy, J/kg; href is reference enthalpy, J/kg; Tref is reference temperature, ◦ C; Cp is constant
pressure specific heat, J/(kg·K); and ∆H is latent heat, J/kg.
Define the liquid phase fraction β as:

If T < TS , β = 0.
If T < TL , β = 1.
T−T
If TS < T < TL , β = TL −TS .
S

The energy equation for the defrost model:

∂
(ρH ) + ∇ · (ρvH ) = ∇ · (k1 ∇T ) + S1 (9)
∂t
2.3. Boundary Condition
Three boundary conditions were defined: inlet boundary, outlet boundary, and windshield
surface boundary conditions. They are listed in Table 1.
(1) Inlet boundary condition: the velocity inlet boundary condition (velocity-inlet) was used, and
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5671
the inlet speed was determined according to the flow rate of the blown surface and the defroster5duct of 14

inlet area. The inlet air temperature was introduced according to the Heating, Ventilating and Air
Conditioning
where v is the (HVAC) heating
fluid velocity, curve,
m/s; and kas shown in Figure 4, and the initial temperature was 253 K.
1 is the thermal conductivity, W/(m·K);
The HVAC heating curve was measured during the experiment.
(2) Outlet boundary condition: a pressure (outlet 1 − β)2(pressure-outlet) was applied. The pressure at
the outlet was equal to the working pressure S =
1 (101.325 Am φ (10)
(β3 + δ)kPa).
(3) Windshield surface boundary condition: the glass surface was defined as a stationary wall,
where
and theβinitial
is the temperature fraction, δ of
liquid phase condition is the
a very small
glass constant
surface (0.001)
was 255 to avoid
K. The initialdivision byof
thickness Am iswas
0, frost the
1 mm. and φ is the solved turbulence (k, ε, ω, etc.).
areatoconstant,
set

Figure 4. HVAC heating curve of air temperature.

Figure 4. HVAC heating curve of air temperature.
2.3. Boundary Condition
Table 1. Boundary conditions.
Three boundary conditions were defined: inlet boundary, outlet boundary, and windshield surface
Boundary Conditions Setting
boundary conditions. They are listed in Table 1.
Working fluid Air ideal gas
(1) Inlet boundary condition: the velocity inlet boundary condition (velocity-inlet) was used,
Inlet Velocity-inlet
and the inlet speed was determined according to the flow rate of the blown surface and the defroster
Pressure-outlet
Outlet
duct inlet area. The inlet air temperature was introduced according to the Heating, Ventilating and
(101.325 kPa)
Air Conditioning (HVAC) Windshield
heating curve, as
surfaceshown in Figure 4, and
Stationary walltemperature was 253 K.
the initial
The HVAC heating curve was measured during the experiment.
(2) Outlet boundary condition: a pressure outlet (pressure-outlet) was applied. The pressure at
the outlet was equal to the working pressure (101.325 kPa).
(3) Windshield surface boundary condition: the glass surface was defined as a stationary wall,
and the initial temperature condition of the glass surface was 255 K. The initial thickness of frost was
set to 1 mm.

Table 1. Boundary conditions.

Boundary Conditions Setting

Working fluid Air ideal gas
Inlet Velocity-inlet
Outlet Pressure-outlet (101.325 kPa)
Windshield surface Stationary wall (No-slip wall)

3. Model Validation
Figure 5 shows a qualitative comparison between the simulation results and experimental data
for a medium-size Model N800 truck. It shows that the first area to defrost was near the outlet nozzle
of the defrost duct from the bottom of the windshield and generated a few defrosting spots next to the
outlet nozzles. These defrosting spots gradually expanded, and the defrosting areas became larger
as the defrosting continued. For comparison of the defrosting area results at 20 min, the defrosting
area of the CFD simulation result accounted for 46% of the total windshield area. The defrosting area
of the experiment was calculated by drawing the defrosting area diagram, and the defrosting area
 Figure 5 shows a qualitative comparison between the simulation results and experimental data
for a medium-size Model N800 truck. It shows that the first area to defrost was near the outlet nozzle
of the defrost duct from the bottom of the windshield and generated a few defrosting spots next to
the outlet nozzles. These defrosting spots gradually expanded, and the defrosting areas became larger
as the defrosting continued. For comparison of the defrosting area results at 20 min, the defrosting
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5671 6 of 14
area of the CFD simulation result accounted for 46% of the total windshield area. The defrosting area
of the experiment was calculated by drawing the defrosting area diagram, and the defrosting area of
thethe
of experimental
experimental results accounting
results accountingforfor
thethe
total
totalwindshield
windshieldarea was
area wasabout
about48%.
48%.The
Thesimulated
simulated
defrosting flow distribution agreed well with the experimental distributions. This
defrosting flow distribution agreed well with the experimental distributions. This indicates indicates that the
that the
model can be used to evaluate the defrosting performance on the
model can be used to evaluate the defrosting performance on the windshield. windshield.

(a)

(b)

FigureFigure 5. Qualitative
5. Qualitative comparison
comparison of the of the defrost
defrost effect effect
between between the numerical
the numerical resultsresults and
and experimental
experimental
data: (a) 15 min defrostingdata: (a)(b)
effect; 1520min
mindefrosting
defrostingeffect; (b) 20 min defrosting effect.
effect.

4. Results and
4. Results and Discussion
Discussion

4.1. Performance Evaluation of the Existing Defrosting Duct System

4.1. Performance Evaluation of the Existing Defrosting Duct System
Table 2 shows the airflow distribution, outlet volume flow rate, outlet air speed, and pressure loss
Table 2 shows the airflow distribution, outlet volume flow rate, outlet air speed, and pressure
at the outlet of the defrost duct based on the specification of the truck. The total air volumetric flow
loss at the outlet of the defrost duct based on the specification of the truck. The total air volumetric
was 250 CMH (cube meters per hour). It shows that around 48% of the air flow was from the center
flow was 250 CMH (cube meters per hour). It shows that around 48% of the air flow was from the
outlet and another 52% of the air flow was almost equally distributed to the other four outlets, with a
center outlet and another 52% of the air flow was almost equally distributed to the other four outlets,
slightly lower distribution in the side outlets. It was also found that the difference of the pressure
with a slightly lower distribution in the side outlets. It was also found that the difference of the
losses of the air flow at the five outlets was very small. This indicates that the design of the defrost
duct is based on the equal pressure loss method in this truck.

Table 2. Defrosting duct calculation results.

Air Distribution Outlet Volume Outlet Air Speed Pressure Loss—Static

Outlet Number
(100%) Flow Rate (CMH) (m/s) Pressure (Pa)
LH 12.2 30.5 6.8 204.73
CL 13.6 34 1.7 217.67
CC 47.9 119.75 3.5 217.68
CR 14.1 35.25 1.7 217.70
RH 12.2 30.5 7.8 201.56
 Outlet Number Flow Rate Static Pressure
(100%) (m/s)
(CMH) (Pa)
LH 12.2 30.5 6.8 204.73
CL 13.6 34 1.7 217.67
CC 47.9 119.75 3.5 217.68
Appl. Sci. 2020,CR
10, 5671 14.1 35.25 1.7 217.70 7 of 14
RH 12.2 30.5 7.8 201.56

Figure
Figure 66 shows
showsthethedefrosting
defrostingperformance
performanceduct ductforfor
2525
min,
min, which
which is the testtest
is the time required
time in the
required in
national standard (GB11555-2009). It can be seen that the defrosting performance
the national standard (GB11555-2009). It can be seen that the defrosting performance was not ideal was not ideal since
the frost
since the did
frostnot melt
did not at theat
melt two
thetriangle zoneszones
two triangle as highlighted in theinfigure
as highlighted (black
the figure circle).
(black These
circle). two
These
positions could
two positions affect
could the driver’s
affect vision.
the driver’s These
vision. two
These twozones
zoneswere
werefound
foundmainly
mainlydue dueto tothe
the low
low air
volume flow
flow rate
rate and
and the
the low
low speed
speed at at the
the air
air outlets
outlets center
center left
left (CL)
(CL) and
and center
center right
right (CR).
(CR).

Figure 6. Frost thickness of the windshield surface at 25 min.

4.2. Optimization of the Defrosting Air Duct

4.2. Optimization of the Defrosting Air Duct
As discussed above, the poor defrosting performance was mainly due to the low air volume flow
As discussed above, the poor defrosting performance was mainly due to the low air volume flow
rate and air velocity at the outlet nozzle CL and CR. To improve this, the first step was to optimize the
rate and air velocity at the outlet nozzle CL and CR. To improve this, the first step was to optimize
position of the guide plate in the defrost duct using the pressure loss reduction simulation. Figure 7
the position of the guide plate in the defrost duct using the pressure loss reduction simulation. Figure
shows the geometry of the defrosting duct before and after optimization; in order to show the position
7 shows the geometry of the defrosting duct before and after optimization; in order to show the
change of the defrosting air duct deflector more clearly, Figure 7 is only a cross-sectional view of the
position change of the defrosting air duct deflector more clearly, Figure 7 is only a cross-sectional
central area of the defrosting air duct at the center thickness (outlet center center; CC), where the black
view of the central area of the defrosting air duct at the center thickness (outlet center center; CC),
line is the position of the guide plate before optimization, the yellow line is the position of guide plate
where the black line is the position of the guide plate before optimization, the yellow line is the
after optimization, the green line is the edge line of the defrosting duct, and the blue line is the auxiliary
position of guide plate after optimization, the green line is the edge line of the defrosting duct, and
Appl.for
line Sci. modeling.
2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 15
the blue line is the auxiliary line for modeling.
The position of the deflector was extended to the entrance of the defrosting air duct, which
avoided the pressure loss of the original defrosting air duct at the deflector due to the gas shunt.
Through continuous optimization, the angle of the deflector was finally adjusted to 48°, which
avoided the generation of the vortex, making the structure of the deflector play a role in guiding the
air flow, and minimizing the pressure loss caused by the vortex.

Figure 7. Original and optimized wind duct geometry.

Figure 7. Original and optimized wind duct geometry.
The position of the deflector was extended to the entrance of the defrosting air duct, which avoided
Figure 8loss
the pressure shows theoriginal
of the pressure losses ofairthe
defrosting ductairatflow in the defrosting
the deflector due to theductgas before
shunt. and after
Through
optimization. It shows that the pressure loss of the air flow at the outlets in the ◦optimized
continuous optimization, the angle of the deflector was finally adjusted to 48 , which avoided the defrosting
duct was significantly lower than that in the original duct. The average reduction in pressure loss at
each outlet nozzle was 21.56%. By comparing the positions of the guide plates in Figure 6, the
optimized model could increase the air volume flow rate at the outlets, CL and CR, and hence
increased the defrosting performance, as shown in Figure 8. The figure also indicates that the pressure
loss at the five outlets was different, as the design was based on the minimum pressure loss method.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5671 8 of 14

generation of the vortex, making Figure 7. Original

the and optimized
structure wind duct
of the deflector playgeometry.
a role in guiding the air flow,
and minimizing the pressure loss caused by the vortex.
Figure
Figure 8 shows
8 shows the pressure
the pressure losses
losses of the airofflow
theinairtheflow in theduct
defrosting defrosting
before andduct before
after and after
optimization.
optimization. It shows that the pressure loss of the air flow at the outlets in
It shows that the pressure loss of the air flow at the outlets in the optimized defrosting duct wasthe optimized defrosting
duct was significantly
significantly lower than thatlower than
in the that induct.
original the original duct. reduction
The average The average reduction
in pressure in at
loss pressure loss at
each outlet
each was
nozzle outlet nozzleBywas
21.56%. 21.56%.the
comparing By positions
comparing the guide
of the positions
plates ofinthe guide
Figure plates
6, the in Figure
optimized 6, the
model
optimized model could increase the air volume flow rate at the outlets, CL
could increase the air volume flow rate at the outlets, CL and CR, and hence increased the defrosting and CR, and hence
increased the
performance, asdefrosting performance,
shown in Figure 8. The as shown
figure alsoinindicates
Figure 8.that
The the
figure also indicates
pressure thatfive
loss at the theoutlets
pressure
loss at the five outlets was different, as the design was based
was different, as the design was based on the minimum pressure loss method. on the minimum pressure loss method.

Figure 8. Comparison of pressure loss before and after optimization.

Figure 8. Comparison of pressure loss before and after optimization.
Figure 9 shows the distribution of frost thickness on the glass surface after defrosting for 25 min
Figure 9 shows the distribution of frost thickness on the glass surface after defrosting for 25 min
in the optimized duct. It shows that 89% of the windshield was defrosted. However, the defrosting
in the optimized duct. It shows that 89% of the windshield was defrosted. However, the defrosting
effect of the side window glass was still not ideal. After 25 min of defrosting, the defrosting area of
effect of the side window glass was still not ideal. After 25 min of defrosting, the defrosting area of
the side window was about 80%. This may have been caused by the low air flow rate and velocity
the side window was about 80%. This may have been caused by the low air flow rate and velocity
distribution
Appl. Sci. 2020, of
10, the left
x FOR hand
PEER (LH) and right hand (RH) defrosting air ducts, which requires further
REVIEW 9 of 15
distribution of the left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) defrosting air ducts, which requires further
optimization of the defrosting air duct.
optimization of the defrosting air duct.

(a)

Figure 9. Cont.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5671 9 of 14
(a)

(b)

Figure 9. Frost
Figure Frost thickness
thicknessof
ofwindshield
windshieldsurface
surfaceatat2525min
minafter optimization.
after (a) (a)
optimization. Front windshield;
Front (b)
windshield;
sideside
(b) windshield.
windshield.

In
In addition
addition to to the
the optimization
optimization of
of the
the guide
guide plate
plate in
in the
the defrosting
defrosting duct,
duct, Figure
Figure 1010 shows
shows the the
further improvement of the defrosting duct by optimizing the outlet structure, which
further improvement of the defrosting duct by optimizing the outlet structure, which was also based was also based
on
on pressure
pressuredrop drop method
methodsimulation. By changing
simulation. the outlet
By changing structure
the outlet of the defrost
structure of the duct, theduct,
defrost injectionthe
angle of the jet flow could be changed, affecting the air distribution on the windshield.
injection angle of the jet flow could be changed, affecting the air distribution on the windshield. As As shown in
Figure 10a,b, the optimized model increased the horizontal angle between the duct
shown in Figure 10a,b, the optimized model increased the horizontal angle between the duct and the and the windshield
in theSci.
middle
windshield
Appl. 10,of
2020, in thethe defrosting
middle
x FOR of theduct,
PEER REVIEW and changed
defrosting thechanged
duct, and angle and thedirection
angle and of direction
the jet flow, to improve
of the jet10flow,
of 15
the airflow distribution on the windshield and hence improve the defrosting
to improve the airflow distribution on the windshield and hence improve the defrosting performance.
performance.

(a)

(b)

Figure 10.
Figure 10. Defrosting
Defrosting duct.
duct. (a) Original defrosting duct; (b) optimized
optimized defrosting
defrosting duct.
duct.

Figure
Figure 11
11 shows
shows the
the comparison
comparison ofof the
the velocity
velocity distribution
distribution of
of the
the frost
frost layer
layer before
before and
and after
after
optimization after defrosting for 25 min. In the original duct before optimization, an obvious
optimization after defrosting for 25 min. In the original duct before optimization, an obvious “V” “V”
(highlighted area in
(highlighted area inFigure
Figure10a)
10a)shape
shape appeared
appeared onon
thethe windshield
windshield withwith
slowslow defrosting.
defrosting. This VThis V
shape
disappeared in the optimized defrosting duct. This was mainly due to the increase in air flow
distribution at the outlets CL and CR, as shown in Table 3. Air flow distribution in the CC outlet
decreased from 47.9% to 37.1% while the air distribution at the CL and CR outlets increased from
13.6% to 20% and from 14.1% to 17.1%, respectively. This increase in the air flow rate at air outlets
CL and CR in the optimized model improved the defrosting performance. Furthermore, the purpose
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5671 10 of 14

shape disappeared in the optimized defrosting duct. This was mainly due to the increase in air flow
distribution at the outlets CL and CR, as shown in Table 3. Air flow distribution in the CC outlet
decreased from 47.9% to 37.1% while the air distribution at the CL and CR outlets increased from
13.6% to 20% and from 14.1% to 17.1%, respectively. This increase in the air flow rate at air outlets CL
and CR in the optimized model improved the defrosting performance. Furthermore, the purpose of
the deflector plate is to diffuse the airflow over the windshield to both sides, thus achieving better
defrosting performance on each side of the windshield. The air deflector of the original model was
located close to the CC air outlet, and the separation distance was close, so that the air volume of the CL
and RL air outlets could not be evenly distributed on the windshield, so that the original air channel
had a wind speed of less than 1.5 m/s in a V-shaped area. The optimized model made the air volume of
the air outlet more uniform, and reduced the angle of the deflector to 30◦ , which increased the airflow
velocity on the
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, windshield, making the airflow velocity at the V-shaped area and the side windshield
x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 15
increase and improve the defrosting performance of the defrosting air duct, as shown in Figure 11.

(a)

(b)
Figure 11.
Figure 11.Velocity distribution
Velocity on the
distribution onwindshield surface surface
the windshield at 25 min:
at(a)25Original
min: model; (b) optimized
(a) Original model;
model.
(b) optimized model.

Figure 12 shows the frost thickness distribution on the windshields. By reducing the angle
between the deflector and the horizontal outlet, and the position of the deflector, as shown in Figure
9, the defrosting flow could be more evenly distributed on the windshield, as shown in Table 2.
Therefore, the defrosting performance was improved. It is obvious that defrosting efficiency
increased. Comparing Figures 9 and 12, the defrosting efficiency in the field of view of the white box
in Figure 8 was about 89% after 25 min defrosting, while it was 99% in Figure 11. This indicates that
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5671 11 of 14

Table 3. Defrosting duct flow distribution calculation results.

Air Flow Distribution (%)

Outlet Number
Original Model Optimized Model
LH 12.2 13.6
CL 13.6 20
CC 47.9 37.1
CR 14.1 17.1
RH 12.2 12.2

Figure 12 shows the frost thickness distribution on the windshields. By reducing the angle
between the deflector and the horizontal outlet, and the position of the deflector, as shown in Figure 9,
the defrosting flow could be more evenly distributed on the windshield, as shown in Table 2. Therefore,
the defrosting performance was improved. It is obvious that defrosting efficiency increased. Comparing
Figures 9 and 12, the defrosting efficiency in the field of view of the white box in Figure 8 was about
89% after 25 min defrosting, while it was 99% in Figure 11. This indicates that the change of the outlet
structure further improved defrosting efficiency. This provides engineers with useful information in
theAppl.
modification or design of the defrosting duct in the defrosting system for the medium-size
Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 15
Model
N800 truck and similar vehicles.

(a)

(b)
Figure
Figure 12.12.Frost
Frostthickness
thickness distribution
distributionononthe windshield
the surface
windshield at 25atmin
surface 25 after
min optimization: (a) front(a) front
after optimization:
windshield; (b) side windshield.
windshield; (b) side windshield.

Through the above analysis, the main method to optimize defrosting performance was to
optimize the air duct structure through engineering technology and effectively utilize the impact
pressure. In order to improve the defrosting performance, the air flow and the position of the
defroster outlets should be optimized according to the minimum pressure methods. This study found
that the defrosting efficiency could be improved by adjusting the angle of the guide plate and air flow
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5671 12 of 14

Through the above analysis, the main method to optimize defrosting performance was to optimize
the air duct structure through engineering technology and effectively utilize the impact pressure.
In order to improve the defrosting performance, the air flow and the position of the defroster outlets
should be optimized according to the minimum pressure methods. This study found that the defrosting
efficiency could be improved by adjusting the angle of the guide plate and air flow outlet structure.
Results showed that pressure losses were reduced, and the defrosting efficiency was improved through
the optimization. Although this was only tested in a mid-size truck (N800), the method can be used for
all different types of vehicles.

5. Conclusions
A 3D CFD numerical method was applied to investigate the defrosting performance on the
windshield of a medium-size Model N800 truck. The defrosting performance of the commercially
available defrosting duct system was first analyzed and validated using experimental data. It was
found that the defrosting performance of the original system could be improved in order to meet the
national standard. About 50% of the air flow distribution was located in the center outlet (CC) and
less air flow distribution was located at the CL and CR outlets in the standard design. This caused a
frosted zone which affects the driver’s vision.
The duct pressure loss method was then applied to optimize the flow distribution on the
windshields. The guide plate position in the ducting system was first optimized. The results showed
that the average pressure loss over the five outlets dropped by 21.56%, and the defrosting performance
was improved. The defrosting efficiency could reach 89% at the white zone which was directly
blocking the driver’s vision. Furthermore, the position of the outlet structure of the defrosting duct
was optimized. The results showed that the defrosting efficiency at the white zone was improved from
89% to 99% by optimizing the outlet structure of the defrosting duct.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, X.Q. and Z.H.; methodology, X.Q.; software, L.J.; validation, W.W.;
formal analysis, X.Q.; investigation, X.Q. and L.J.; resources, X.Q.; data curation, X.Q.; writing—original draft
preparation, Q.X. and Z.H.; writing—review and editing, X.Q.; visualization, X.W.; supervision, X.W. and Z.H.;
project administration, Z.H.; funding acquisition, Z.H. All authors have read and agreed to the published version
of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Abbreviations
2D two-dimensional
3D three-dimensional
CC center center
CFD computational fluid dynamics
CL center left
CMH cube meters per hour
CR center right
HVAC heating, ventilating and air conditioning
LH left hand
RH right hand
Symbols
Am area constant [-]
C1 constant [-]
C2 constant [-]
Cµ material constant [-]
Cp constant pressure specific heat [J/(kg·K)]
H enthalpy [J/kg]
∆H latent heat [J/kg]
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 5671 13 of 14

href reference enthalpy [J/kg]

k kinetic energy [J]
k1 thermal conductivity [W/(m·K)]
Tref reference temperature [◦ C]
TL liquid temperature [◦ C]
TS solid temperature [◦ C]
Ui average velocity in the i direction [m/s]
Uj average velocity in the j direction [m/s]
v fluid velocity [m/s]
Greek symbols
β liquid phase fraction [-]
δ constant [-]
ε dissipation energy [J]
ρ density [kg/m3 ]
φ solved turbulence [J]
σε turbulent Prandtl number of dissipative energy [-]
σk turbulent Prandtl number of kinetic energy [-]
νt turbulent viscosity [m2 /s]

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