A recent article in the Scientific America stated that a group of researchers have "developed technology designed to electronically zap ice off surfaces within in seconds. Unlike conventional windscreen defrosters that rely on gradual warming to liquefy snow and ice, the IceController delivers a swift jolt of high-power electricity that immediately melts ice at its interface with an object's surface. Once the bond between the ice and surface is broken, the ice slides away."
"The IceController," SciAm explains, "can be connected to any device or structure that can be coated with ice and uses electrodes or a thin film of stainless steel, copper or aluminum foil placed on the surface to deliver a jolt of electricity whenever it senses ice buildup."
The list of possible uses includes nearly any solid surface where ice buildup can create a hazard. But the one we're most looking forward to is automotive. Ice Engineering are currently testing a thin, transparent, electrically conductive film applied to the windshield. With about four seconds of high voltage energy, the ice loses its bond with the windscreen.
The great advantage to us all is that it will eliminate the need to start your car and let it idle in the driveway (keys left in the ignition makes your car vulnerable to theft too!), and you're saving several minutes of wasted fuel, while also cutting your CO2 footprint. Besides, no one likes standing outside deicing a windscreen!
There is no timetable on when the technology might reach new cars, but I am sure you will agree that it will be a welcome addition to cars during the cold months of UK winters!
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