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Latent heat storage system* Rain sensor*
The latent heat storage system accu-
mulates and stores engine heat – even
for several days at extremely low out-
side temperatures. After the engine is
started, this accumulated heat can be
utilized immediately to defrost the
windshield and side windows and to re-
move condensation from them. In addi-
tion, the time required for warming the
interior of the vehicle and for warming
up the engine (arrow) are significantly
reduced.
The latent heat storage system consists
of an accumulator reservoir that is ex-
tremely well insulated. It is connected
with the engine's cooling system.
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The principle is based on the utilization
of latent heat that is released during the
conversion of an environmentally-com-
patible salt mixture from a liquid to a
solid state. In a process analogous to
the latent heat fusion of ice, the heat
produced by the warm engine is stored
by the liquefaction of the salt mixture.
An "empty" latent heat storage system
is ready for operation again after ap-
prox. 15 minutes of driving.
The latent heat storage system thus en-
hances driving safety and comfort with-
out producing environmental pollutants.
Active operation is not required since
the system is electronically controlled.
The rain sensor controls windshield
wiper operation, depending on how wet
the windshield is.
Infrared light is carried along the surface
of the windshield in an optical conductor
in such a manner that it is reflected com-
pletely when the windshield is dry. The
quantity of reflected light is measured.
If there is moisture on the glass, the
amount of light reflected is reduced
since the infrared light at the surface of
the windshield can escape. The quan-
tity of reflected light is thus a means of
gauging the degree of wetness on the
windshield.
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Online Edition Part-No. 01 41 0 155 062 - © 07/99 BMW AG