I was watching an episode of Rozzoli and Isles this weekend. While Rozzoli and Isles were on a stakeout the car was getting a bit hot. Dr. Isles turned on solar panels that were on the roof of her car. The panels fueled the ventilation fans inside the car.
I thought it was so cool, but I've never heard of such a car. Does anyone know if it really exists?
| Create a Free Account or Sign In to connect and share in green living and alternative energy forum discussions. |
20
Car Rooftop Solar Panels?
Started by Hardison, Mar 26 2012 03:44 PM
41 replies to this topic
#3
Posted 26 March 2012 - 08:28 PM
Several car makers have introduced concepts that include solar panels on top of the car to aid in providing additional power for plug in electric cars. The two largest factors have been the ability to provide rigidity to the car frame and of course aerodynamics. The possible benefits for recharging are however minimal because of the current battery configurations. That said the integration of either thin film or integrated rooftop solar as part of the top may be a way to increase the output of heating, ventilation and air conditioning in the car.
In Australia several owners have integrated thin film to aid in overall mileage and report approximately a 10 to 15% increase in range. Unfortunately no independent certification has been done yet to verify these increases.
Just so you know there was a electronic voltage regulator that was developed to step up the voltage from solar to allow better charging to overcome the trickle charge issues of integrating solar recharging, it is currently being funded by the department of transportation. We will see how successful this will be.
In Australia several owners have integrated thin film to aid in overall mileage and report approximately a 10 to 15% increase in range. Unfortunately no independent certification has been done yet to verify these increases.
Just so you know there was a electronic voltage regulator that was developed to step up the voltage from solar to allow better charging to overcome the trickle charge issues of integrating solar recharging, it is currently being funded by the department of transportation. We will see how successful this will be.
#4
Posted 27 March 2012 - 12:28 AM
I've never heard of this before either, so thanks for the explanation, E3 Wise. Even if solar power could only be utilised for working the aircon in the car, it would help to improve fuel economy, as it uses up to 20% more fuel to run it. The problem is, the cost of incorporating the technology is likely to outweigh the saving on fuel, which means people probably won't go for it, unless there are incentives.
#6
Posted 27 March 2012 - 01:31 PM
A smaller system that works well has been selling here for many years.
http://www.sportsimp...opoaucofan.html
One of these devices on a window will cool down a car on a hot day, especially if you park it in the shade. I don't see a need for roof-top panels just to power a tiny computer-style fan.
Airconditioning is a whole different issue. Air conditioners run on huge amounts of rotational force supplied by your vehicle's turning engine; not just electrical power. This is why your air conditioner only works when the engine is running.
http://www.sportsimp...opoaucofan.html
One of these devices on a window will cool down a car on a hot day, especially if you park it in the shade. I don't see a need for roof-top panels just to power a tiny computer-style fan.
Airconditioning is a whole different issue. Air conditioners run on huge amounts of rotational force supplied by your vehicle's turning engine; not just electrical power. This is why your air conditioner only works when the engine is running.
#7
Posted 27 March 2012 - 10:05 PM
E3 wise, on 26 March 2012 - 08:28 PM, said:
Several car makers have introduced concepts that include solar panels on top of the car to aid in providing additional power for plug in electric cars. The two largest factors have been the ability to provide rigidity to the car frame and of course aerodynamics. The possible benefits for recharging are however minimal because of the current battery configurations. That said the integration of either thin film or integrated rooftop solar as part of the top may be a way to increase the output of heating, ventilation and air conditioning in the car.
In Australia several owners have integrated thin film to aid in overall mileage and report approximately a 10 to 15% increase in range. Unfortunately no independent certification has been done yet to verify these increases.
Just so you know there was a electronic voltage regulator that was developed to step up the voltage from solar to allow better charging to overcome the trickle charge issues of integrating solar recharging, it is currently being funded by the department of transportation. We will see how successful this will be.
In Australia several owners have integrated thin film to aid in overall mileage and report approximately a 10 to 15% increase in range. Unfortunately no independent certification has been done yet to verify these increases.
Just so you know there was a electronic voltage regulator that was developed to step up the voltage from solar to allow better charging to overcome the trickle charge issues of integrating solar recharging, it is currently being funded by the department of transportation. We will see how successful this will be.
Thanks for the education!
Quote
Prius offers it, check their web page.
I did checkout the webpage. The Toyota Prius definitely has the solar panel car ventilation system. I think it's the same car as shown in the show, but I can't be sure. Also, it's a lot more affordable than I thought. I also assumed a hybrid would be out of reach.
Quote
A smaller system that works well has been selling here for many years.
http://www.sportsimp...opoaucofan.html
One of these devices on a window will cool down a car on a hot day, especially if you park it in the shade. I don't see a need for roof-top panels just to power a tiny computer-style fan.
Airconditioning is a whole different issue. Air conditioners run on huge amounts of rotational force supplied by your vehicle's turning engine; not just electrical power. This is why your air conditioner only works when the engine is running.
http://www.sportsimp...opoaucofan.html
One of these devices on a window will cool down a car on a hot day, especially if you park it in the shade. I don't see a need for roof-top panels just to power a tiny computer-style fan.
Airconditioning is a whole different issue. Air conditioners run on huge amounts of rotational force supplied by your vehicle's turning engine; not just electrical power. This is why your air conditioner only works when the engine is running.
Thanks for the link. I think I may have seen one of these in an auto supply show a couple of years ago.
#8
Posted 28 March 2012 - 07:27 PM
Yes you are right the prius does offer a solar top but the designs I was thinking of were some of the following.
The 2010 element c solar electric concept car by marcelo ag link- Which is a hybrid SUV diesel /electric available in Europe.
Link is www.ecofriend.com/entry/element-c-hybrid-concept-suv-promises-emission-free-ride
and the Kia Ray Plug-in Hybrid Concept Car With Solar Roof-2010 concept
link is-www.ubergizmo.com/2010/02/kia-ray-plug-in-hybrid-concept-car-with-solar-roof
the Saab Hybrid Concept Car
link –www. reviews.carreview.com/solar-roof-panels-on-Saab-hybrid-concept
Yes- I know Saab is no more, gone the way of the dow dow bird, but since they were owned by General Motors since- GM owns the actual concept, feasibly it could be added as a feature to say the Chevy volt, if GM wanted or the Buick or Cadillac lines, personally I say don’t hold your breath, but I could be wrong, problem is GM is a giant black hole that sucks up great EV technology, never seen again- I give you the EV 1 as an example ( as in who killed the electric car) but I digress.
The Italian made Pinifarian five door hatchback Solar Powered Blue Car
Link –www. inhabitat.com/transportation-tuesday-the-solar-powered-blue-car/
the
Toyota Auris- hybrid
link www. blog.toyota.co.uk/frankfurt-motor-show-new-auris-hybrid-breaks-cover
if you want to see more you can go to an article on
12 Awesome Solar-Powered Concept Cars at-
www. webecoist.momtastic.com/2009/03/12/solar-powered-concept-cars/
my favorite is the Lotus because well come on, if you want an electric car why not spend $250,000 on it- dream big baby, as my momma always said, sorry sounding cynical again.
Anyway folks the technology has been being researched for years mostly driven by the Europe and Japan markets where gas prices are much, much, higher- yes these are concepts but my point is that these technologies are possible and out there, hopefully someone will put the electronic controlled step up/ transformer/voltage regulator, (I spoke of in my first post) together with segmented zone battery charging and we will see some real solutions for charging EVs, then when your car is sitting for 8 hours while you are at work you can really reap some rewards. Right now the market is just too soft and as a designer it makes me crazy, knowing that if you put technology A + B + C together we could boost EV’s by 25-30 % but hey that’s the curse of being ten years ahead of the market, fact is though you want to recapture the auto market in the United States, well this would be a great start.
Finally just because I am involved with the work, I am going to put a plug in for a real solution, and I know many of you have not had the benefit I have of driving these cars, but honestly in 3 years I will be buying a Fuel Cell Vehicle and fueling it from solar or wind/ hydrogen.
I have driven 10 different FCV’s from 10 different auto makers and boys and girls being able to get between 280 miles per fill up (Honda clarity) or 375 miles per fill up from the (Toyota AFCV –SUV) both averaging $18.00 a fill up using today’s prices is a real solution, don’t believe me go to this link and See Top Gears James May video on YouTube at this link www. youtu.be/y3V3trzcKQk
That’s a real solution that fits America because it’s just like the cars we have today- his words not mine, but I agree 100%. And I know all about solar and wind to hydrogen programs because our company is working with Sun Hydro and a few more and the NREL (national renewable energy lab) for the rollout, cause that’s what I do for a living, one of the few benefits of being 10 years ahead of the market.
Honestly though the wait is literally killing me.
#9
Posted 30 March 2012 - 07:37 AM
Just learned about such car on this thread and it really seems to be a good invention. ;)
Although I first think that car is most probably costly having the solar panels and the technology. I will be nice to see cars fully run by solar energy since it will not product smoke or pollution.
Although I first think that car is most probably costly having the solar panels and the technology. I will be nice to see cars fully run by solar energy since it will not product smoke or pollution.
#10
Posted 30 March 2012 - 02:01 PM
Wow, I do learn something new everyday. When you first mentioned it, I had never heard of them. Thought maybe it was just a thing for the show you were watching. Pretty cool that they do have them, it means that I am sure they will come up with even better options down the road. At least a step toward the right direction.
I have noticed more people getting the solar panels for their homes lately too.
I have noticed more people getting the solar panels for their homes lately too.
#11
Posted 30 March 2012 - 08:38 PM
I have already heard of solar power being used to power a car but not using it to power the aircon or something. It would be great if solar power's output is enough to power the lights, AC and other non-essential electronics in your car because it can save you on gas.
#12
Posted 31 March 2012 - 10:56 AM
E3 wise, on 28 March 2012 - 07:27 PM, said:
12 Awesome Solar-Powered Concept Cars at:
www. webecoist.momtastic.com/2009/03/12/solar-powered-concept-cars/
There are some crazy cars at that link. I didn't realize solar-powered cars have been around for awhile. I'm a bit partial to the Antro Solo.
#13
Posted 01 April 2012 - 07:04 AM
Since you liked those, let me give you a couple of more links of some other vehicles using solar, these include some planes and motorcycles with most of the cars we were already discussing. (to accept the posting software for Alt Energy shift I have to leave a space between the www. and the address, when cutting and posting the link to a search engine you may have to close the space to find it, just a heads up.)
23 Remarkable Solar Powered Vehicles
Link- www. travelinsurance.org/22-wicked-solar-powered-vehicles/
Also I have to include the Solar Ship that we wrote about earlier this year here on Alt Energy Shift it’s one of the most important developments for a way to get medical and relief supplies to disaster areas because of its range and short take off and landing abilities. ( I tried to find the blog posting but could not locate it)
Solar Ship
Link www. /solarship.com/ Make sure you read about this one, it’s off subject but really does demonstrate what can be done. They have integrated zonal charging batteries to provide the ability to increase range or store electricity for refrigeration on the plane.
23 Remarkable Solar Powered Vehicles
Link- www. travelinsurance.org/22-wicked-solar-powered-vehicles/
Also I have to include the Solar Ship that we wrote about earlier this year here on Alt Energy Shift it’s one of the most important developments for a way to get medical and relief supplies to disaster areas because of its range and short take off and landing abilities. ( I tried to find the blog posting but could not locate it)
Solar Ship
Link www. /solarship.com/ Make sure you read about this one, it’s off subject but really does demonstrate what can be done. They have integrated zonal charging batteries to provide the ability to increase range or store electricity for refrigeration on the plane.
#14
Posted 03 April 2012 - 01:20 PM
I don't know whether that kind of car exists, but I should would love to have one. Its about time car manufacturers start getting with the program and developing futuristic cars like that. I would like to have a solar-powered house in the future.
#15
Posted 04 April 2012 - 06:33 AM
Fantastic posts E3!
This whole topic seems intriguing, I look out the window and see hundreds of car roofs each day - none with solar panels.
And living in the UK many will scoff at such an idea.
BUT as oil runs out, the prices will rise, the alternatives will become more viable.
It's been fascinating reading on the companies that have already taken steps in this direction.
PS: I would LOVE a go on that Solar ship!
This whole topic seems intriguing, I look out the window and see hundreds of car roofs each day - none with solar panels.
And living in the UK many will scoff at such an idea.
BUT as oil runs out, the prices will rise, the alternatives will become more viable.
It's been fascinating reading on the companies that have already taken steps in this direction.
PS: I would LOVE a go on that Solar ship!
#16
Posted 04 April 2012 - 02:13 PM
I would love to ride in a solar ship also, but what is really important is that this craft can go into disaster relief areas very easily and also has the ability to take off and land on a runway that is very short. I would love to see relief groups start using it. I wish I could locate the article I wrote on it for the forum; I will keep looking for it.
Now on roof top solar for cars. In 2005 a proposal was given to the Department of Transportation for recharging hybrid batteries, and plug in electrics from solar.
What it said was that there would have to be a way to isolate the charging battery from the batteries being used for propulsion. The reason was that it is very difficult to charge a battery as it is being discharged or used. This is why I keep bringing up zone separation. By having say 4 zones, each could be charged while others were being used.
That said you have to realize that standard plug in electrics use either 110 volt (taking 12-15 hours to recharge) or 220 volt (taking 6 – 8 hours to charge). Solar alone might take as much as 24-36 hours to recharge standard plug in electric.
However if you are using laptop batteries the ability to recharge is much easier. Tesla uses this technology and both Mercedes and Toyota are working on similar designs. What remains to be seen however is how well they can do.
Now on roof top solar for cars. In 2005 a proposal was given to the Department of Transportation for recharging hybrid batteries, and plug in electrics from solar.
What it said was that there would have to be a way to isolate the charging battery from the batteries being used for propulsion. The reason was that it is very difficult to charge a battery as it is being discharged or used. This is why I keep bringing up zone separation. By having say 4 zones, each could be charged while others were being used.
That said you have to realize that standard plug in electrics use either 110 volt (taking 12-15 hours to recharge) or 220 volt (taking 6 – 8 hours to charge). Solar alone might take as much as 24-36 hours to recharge standard plug in electric.
However if you are using laptop batteries the ability to recharge is much easier. Tesla uses this technology and both Mercedes and Toyota are working on similar designs. What remains to be seen however is how well they can do.
#18
Posted 09 April 2012 - 06:26 PM
E3 wise, on 01 April 2012 - 07:04 AM, said:
Solar Ship
Link www. /solarship.com/ Make sure you read about this one, it’s off subject but really does demonstrate what can be done. They have integrated zonal charging batteries to provide the ability to increase range or store electricity for refrigeration on the plane.
Link www. /solarship.com/ Make sure you read about this one, it’s off subject but really does demonstrate what can be done. They have integrated zonal charging batteries to provide the ability to increase range or store electricity for refrigeration on the plane.
The Solar Ship is completely awesome. If I wasn't afraid to fly, I would love to ride in it. I am really surprised that this technology is available and has been for some time. It's really said because I think these vehicles would generate a lot of interest from the public.
Quote
I have heard of some Nissan Leafs having solar panels too. I don't know if this was a production car or just a concept add on
I had never heard of the Nissan Leaf. I went to the website and checked it out. It's an amazing car. It priced a lot lower than I expected. According to the video, it doesn't have the solar AC. It may be in development.
I am so glad that I found this forum! I amazed at the technology that's available. I know I keep saying that, but I am! LOL!
#20
Posted 16 April 2012 - 12:57 AM
I love these new ideas and concepts. I just hope they become the norm soon enough rather than later. There is definitely a lot of sunlight that we come across day to day that should be put in better use. Being in a moving car is one of those times and I am glad technology is available for us now to maximize this. Hopefully, they do become norms soon. :) Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users