How to maximise cooling effectiveness on hot day???

ozboy · 10-27-2009, 05:42 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you have a solar roof panel, it is better to park it in direct sunlight than in the shade, on a hot day???

patsparks · 10-27-2009, 08:08 AM

I would think it is still better to park out of the sun. If you stop the surfaces heating up then you don't need to try to remove the heat with a fan. It is also better for your paint and upholstery.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 10-27-2009, 08:48 AM

I would agree with Pat. It would be best to avoid the sun where possible. More than just keep the car cooler, it would reduce UV wear.

Failing that, it's best to have uninterrupted sunlight on the solar panels. If you haven't yet, park your car in the sunlight and turn on the A/C. Use your hand to shade any part of the solar panel and watch the A/C shut off. It's easier to observe if you tape a piece of tissue paper to the vent. You will find that any interference with the panel shuts off the A/C.

For this reason you are correct. Parking in direct sunlight is the best way. Personally, I would also crack the windows a bit.

GreenGuy33 · 10-27-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patsparks

I would think it is still better to park out of the sun. If you stop the surfaces heating up then you don't need to try to remove the heat with a fan. It is also better for your paint and upholstery.

I agree. It is better to keep the car out of the sun and keep it cool naturally, rather than relying on the solar cooling system.

Jayhawker · 10-27-2009, 10:49 AM

You definitely want to park in the shade. The temp of a parking lot here in the summer can reach 140 + degrees. I am wondering if it's pulling that hot air through the car to cool it???

I am very lucky to have a parking garage here at work.

GreenGuy33 · 10-27-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayhawker

You definitely want to park in the shade. The temp of a parking lot here in the summer can reach 140 + degrees. I am wondering if it's pulling that hot air through the car to cool it???

I am very lucky to have a parking garage here at work.

Yes, from what I have seen, it just moves the hot air around. It doesn't provide any actual "air conditioning".

**Tideland Prius** · 10-27-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayhawker

You definitely want to park in the shade. The temp of a parking lot here in the summer can reach 140 + degrees. I am wondering if it's pulling that hot air through the car to cool it???

I am very lucky to have a parking garage here at work.

It vents out the hot air so that it doesn't build up inside the car.

OZ, I'd park in the shade if you have the option. It'll reduce the wear on your interior due to the UV and other sun effects.

xbdude · 10-27-2009, 08:04 PM

Park in the shade and get the bird crap, sap, leaves, caterpillars, and all the nasty stuff that can fall from trees (I'm in Florida and there IS nasty stuff that falls from trees). Or park in the sun and let the UV deteriorate the rubber, plastic, and paint. Ah, what difference does it make in the end? We're probably all going to trade our 2010s in for a plug-in in a few years anyway!

Manolo1 · 10-28-2009, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozboy

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you have a solar roof panel, it is better to park it in direct sunlight than in the shade, on a hot day???

All official temps are shade temps so in a 90 degree day your car will be 90 degrees inside if left in the shade, and probably just 110 in the sun (other non-sun-roof cars will be 120+) ...
so shade is always your best bet!

10-27-2009, 05:42 AM	#1
ozboy Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 59 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: N/A Package: N/A Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	How to maximise cooling effectiveness on hot day??? Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you have a solar roof panel, it is better to park it in direct sunlight than in the shade, on a hot day???

10-27-2009, 08:08 AM	#2
patsparks An Aussie perspective Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Adelaide South Australia Posts: 9,265 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: Base Thanks: 128 Thanked 185 Times in 143 Posts Friends: 33	Re: How to maximise cooling effectiveness on hot day??? I would think it is still better to park out of the sun. If you stop the surfaces heating up then you don't need to try to remove the heat with a fan. It is also better for your paint and upholstery.

10-27-2009, 08:48 AM	#3
TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 10,512 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 39 Thanked 168 Times in 109 Posts Friends: 23	Re: How to maximise cooling effectiveness on hot day??? I would agree with Pat. It would be best to avoid the sun where possible. More than just keep the car cooler, it would reduce UV wear. Failing that, it's best to have uninterrupted sunlight on the solar panels. If you haven't yet, park your car in the sunlight and turn on the A/C. Use your hand to shade any part of the solar panel and watch the A/C shut off. It's easier to observe if you tape a piece of tissue paper to the vent. You will find that any interference with the panel shuts off the A/C. For this reason you are correct. Parking in direct sunlight is the best way. Personally, I would also crack the windows a bit. __________________ Proud father of Priapus: the '04 Tideland BC9 with an OEM EV button and sense of self-righteousness Current Mileage Chicago Prius Group Website Chicago Hybrid Group on FaceBook Find me on faceBook

10-27-2009, 10:49 AM	#5
Jayhawker Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: AZ Posts: 52 My Car: Other Hybrid Model: N/A Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Friends: 0	Re: How to maximise cooling effectiveness on hot day??? You definitely want to park in the shade. The temp of a parking lot here in the summer can reach 140 + degrees. I am wondering if it's pulling that hot air through the car to cool it??? I am very lucky to have a parking garage here at work.

10-27-2009, 08:04 PM	#8
xbdude opticat Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: North Central Florida Posts: 151 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: III Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	Re: How to maximise cooling effectiveness on hot day??? Park in the shade and get the bird crap, sap, leaves, caterpillars, and all the nasty stuff that can fall from trees (I'm in Florida and there IS nasty stuff that falls from trees). Or park in the sun and let the UV deteriorate the rubber, plastic, and paint. Ah, what difference does it make in the end? We're probably all going to trade our 2010s in for a plug-in in a few years anyway!

LinkBacks (?) LinkBack to this Thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/71222-how-maximise-cooling-effectiveness-hot-day.html
Posted By	For	Type	Date
Gen III 2010 Prius Main Forum - PriusChat Forums	This thread	Refback	10-27-2009 11:01 PM

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
solar ventilation system effectiveness	rtlt	Gen III 2010 Prius Main Forum	19	05-28-2009 10:46 PM
The Global Cooling Mole (debunking the 1970s cooling myth)	F8L	Environmental Discussion	0	04-15-2008 03:24 AM
Cooling down before an EBH	Rxmxsh	Gen II Prius Main Forum	6	01-13-2008 10:36 PM
Malibu hybrid 2nd only to the Prius for cost-effectiveness with hybrids	allargon	Other Cars	12	12-06-2007 07:59 PM
Hood Deflector Effectiveness?	John in Portland	Gen II Prius Main Forum	4	01-20-2006 03:00 PM