supercoupes

OK, no idea if something like this could be done and be of any benefit ... but anyway.

Some of the Audi's come with the option of a "warm weather package", where a solar panel drives fans to cool the car's interior while parked outside in the sun. I was thinking about doing something similar. My questions are:

1. Do you think there's enough room to fit something like this on the sunroof cover, and still be able to open / close it? Is there any room at all between the sunroof cover and the roof itself?

http://www.batterystuff.com/battery/...r/flexible.htm

2. I guess you would have to install fans that draw outside air into the car and / or move air to the outside (just stirring hot interior air won't really help). Do you think something like this could be used, and where exactly would you install it? (Schematics of the a/c piping anyone?)

http://www.coolerguys.com/840556041108.html
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556035015.html

3. Do you think something like this would be of any benefit at all, i.e. make a noticable difference

OK, let the flames begin

Pen

You can already buy these:

http://www.wdrake.com/(filzw4yynouemr55igzon555)/product_detail.aspx?affid=2&item_no=1004303&AID=10273933&PID=279014&SID=AutoventCooler

http://www.gadgetuniverse.com/cgi-bi...477&PID=279014

No idea how effective they are.

supercoupes

Hmmm ... thanks for the links. But if I am not mistaken, that requires you to leave the window open. Besides, doesn't look very nice. If I do something like this, it will have to be much more "oem style".

abboushi

this sounds very interesing, post pics and setup on how you will do it. this would be great idea but what if you tinted windows will the solar powered fans be affected or not.

makenzie70

The audi systems draw air from the outside via the ventelation system (IIRC) from the outside. The only way to get a similar system to work on the Lexus, or any other vehicle for that matter, find a way to open the fresh air duct (some vehicles it stays open after the car is shut down, some don't) and then power the blower from a rechargable 12v battery. This battery will have to be charged either by the car's charging system (no source of juice after the car shuts down) or via solar panels placed in the rear window (best place, IMHO). But it will be fairly expensive and time consuming...and you won't accomplish that much.

supercoupes

Bwahahaha ... moved to "forced induction"???? Oh well, guess I should choose better titles for my threads

Abboushi ... don't have pics of anything yet. Not even sure if I'm going to attempt this or not. I'm sure the tinting will affect the efficiency of the solar panels.

makenzie70, any idea if the air duct stay open on the SC400 with the ignition off? Are there schematics of the a/c system in the repair manual? (have one on order right now)

makenzie70

I don't know about the SC400, I'm only researching the 300 at the moment (I6 fan), but the systems should be the same. One way, if the switching mechanism isn't too quite, to tell is to run the car with the AC on full and "fresh air" and turn the car completely off. If you here a slight buzz or anything from the pass. area the vent probably closes when the system is off.

makenzie70

Tint reflects ultra-violet light...which, IIRC, is what feed photocells. Tint will have an obvious effect on their effenciency.

abboushi

why was this thread moved here to forced induction anyway its about cooling the interior not cooling the engine the MODS probably got bored. but you can prolly work around the tint maybe cut a section off for the panels or placement of mechanism.

makenzie70

or you could install a black light above them...I wonder if that would be the same as perpetual motion...lol...


The tint is one reason why I think either across the dash or back window would be good. Quality photo-cells are pretty low profile and wouldn't reall obstruct anything on the dash...but they might look awkward. You might want to look into purchasing some male and femal two-wire plugs and build a harness across your dash that could be easily hidden...then plug the cells in when you're out of the car and store them in the glove box or something while you're in it.