AML Systems and Gore presented their technology last week at the Conference SIA VISION 2018 in Paris. The technology actively prevents condensation and put headlamps on a new level of protection. AML’s Condensation Management Device (CMD) enabled by GORE leverages electrical power and regenerative desiccants to actively remove recurring moisture from automotive headlamps.
Condensation in automotive exterior lamps occurs when the internal lamp dew point is higher than the lens temperature. Condensation is omnipresent and LED technologies, which change the thermodynamic conditions inside the lamps, increase the risk of condensation formation.
The Condensation Management Device (CMD) is designed to actively reduce the humidity level inside the headlamp and significantly reduce the risk of condensation. It is an electromechanical device installed on the headlamp housing with one side inside the housing and the other side outside. Being equipped with a breathable membrane and a radial seal, it allows the headlamp to remain completely sealed and to provide pressure equalization at the same time. No other venting system is needed in addition.
The CMD works as a moisture pump and is operated in cycles. It incorporates a desiccant material that adsorbs the moisture from the inner headlamp and desorbs (releases) it to the external environment when saturated. In the adsorb stage the adsorb gate is opened to the inner headlamp and the desorb gate is closed. The desiccant adsorbs moisture from the inner headlamp, lowering the dew point inside the lamp. In the desorb stage the adsorb gate is closed and the desorb gate is open to the environment. In parallel, the desiccant is regenerated. The breathable GORE® Vent on the outside of the CMD reliably allows pressure equalization in each stage and protection from dust and water ingress into the headlamp.
