Archives

Hi Manuel:

___Holy smokes is that a nice write-up!!! Let us do a “News” format on it and move it into the article forum!

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Thanks Wayne. I still have to produce and add a few more photos this weekend but I have absolutely no objections if you believe this can cut it as an article.

Cheers;

MSantos

Manuel,

This is awesome!!!! Any suggestions on how we could possibly connect the panel(s) to the big battery to trikle charge it?

Nice work!!! Sweet!!!

...Any suggestions on how we could possibly connect the panel(s) to the big battery to trikle charge it? ...

Hi Ed;

Option 1: It would take close to a dozen such panels along with a NiMH charge controller to trickle charge the pack. Also, charge controllers are lossy active components that still hog a portion of the solar energy so less of it actually gets to the pack :(

Option 2: It would take a higher wattage solar panel (close to 120W) that would be accompanied by a step up transformer unit and a NiMH charge controller. Again, two active components that hog some of the captured solar power. :(

As you can tell, no free meal here and in the absence of a more thoughtful design, things can still be pretty messy and somewhat costly. :)

Cheers;

MSantos

The post that started this thread has been moved to its final location. You may now find it in the articles section or by simply clicking in the following link:

http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10872

Cheers;

MSantos

Manuel,

Thanks for the update. I keep hoping we can figure out a way to do this. Oh well, perhaps in the future.


Hi Ed;

Option 1: It would take close to a dozen such panels along with a NiMH charge controller to trickle charge the pack. Also, charge controllers are lossy active components that still hog a portion of the solar energy so less of it actually gets to the pack :(

Option 2: It would take a higher wattage solar panel (close to 120W) that would be accompanied by a step up transformer unit and a NiMH charge controller. Again, two active components that hog some of the captured solar power. :(

As you can tell, no free meal here and in the absence of a more thoughtful design, things can still be pretty messy and somewhat costly. :)

Cheers;

MSantos

Also, we are assuming the same is true for our Prius as well??????

Manuel,

Thanks for the update. I keep hoping we can figure out a way to do this. Oh well, perhaps in the future.

Ed, it would be approximately the same issues except the generated solar power has to be somewhat "larger" to be truly effective.

There are some shops and individuals that have done just that. And depending on the elegance of the design it can be pretty costly especially if one of the design goals is to preserve the vehicle's aerodynamics.

Cheers;

MSantos

Looks like BMW has the same idea.
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/technical/bmw-looks-at-exhaust-gas-and-solar-energy-for-efficiency-gains/