BlueHeat - Possible "thermos" coolant for TCH owners?

Discussion in 'Toyota Hybrids' started by Tideland Prius, Oct 25, 2008.

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    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North

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    For those who want a thermos to keep the coolant warm, there is this solution

    BlueHeat® FAQ


    It runs off the 12V battery to pre-heat the coolant and circulate it around the engine. The problem? well it's a hefty price over an engine block heater.
    Tideland Prius, Oct 25, 2008
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    hill High Fiber Member

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    WOW !! $1,700 for a device that drains the battery AND the fuel tank, in order to warm the car. It's GOT to be a gag, right?
    hill, Oct 25, 2008
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    Flying White Dutchman New Member

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    OOo webasto..

    that runs on fuel to and 12volt battery

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    Once activated, BlueHeat® Coolant Heater draws power from the vehicle's battery and fuel from the vehicle's fuel tank. BlueHeat® burns the fuel to create heat. Circulating the engine's coolant,
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    Flying White Dutchman, Oct 25, 2008
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    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North

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    i know.. i was wondering about that.. oh you're not idling.. but you're still using fuel???
    Tideland Prius, Oct 25, 2008
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    Ogo Prius Owner since 2008

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    Yes, you are using the fuel. But usually those little heaters are much more efficient in terms of providing the heat compared to the internal combustion engine running.
    So for heating up the car and not freezing your butt off during winter, it makes sense.
    Regarding fuel economy, it does not necessarily as the little heater consumes around deciliter or two fuel for heating up the car. ICE consumption will of course be lower due to it being heated up already, but overall fuel consumption will still probably be higher. It depends on your expectations ...
    Some of those can also be started by timer or even radio operated remote control.
    Ogo, Oct 25, 2008
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    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North

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    but wouldn't an EBH work just as well? and about 1/10th the cost?
    Tideland Prius, Oct 25, 2008
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    Ogo Prius Owner since 2008

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    Some people do not have access to electricity plug with their Prius for EBH to work.
    Also fuel heaters make heat while on the road even for those having a possibility to "plug in" but do not have extension cord long enough for EBH to work while on the road. :)
    In Europe most people who have installed additional heater in the car, usually install a fuel powered one. Some newer cars, mostly diesel, already come with additional heater pre-installed as diesels are more difficult to heat up and more susceptible to cold at same time. Including Toyotas. ;)
    Ogo, Oct 26, 2008
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    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North

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    makes sense... The Prius has a mini electric heater.
    Tideland Prius, Oct 26, 2008
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    Stefx New Member

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    I wonder where they would install it on a Prius, but I assume they can't install it on small cars.
    Their application list on the website pretty much only lists large trucks
    Stefx, Nov 4, 2008
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