Solar powered ventilation system - Page 2 - Toyota Yaris Forums

Yarisduder · 07-23-2010, 01:18 PM

Yup it is, just checked. I thought of that when I suggested to run it in reverse but didn't check. Sorry.

Just saw some solar panels, for 5 watts you've got a unit that's about 8" x 8" and roughly $30.

CTScott · 07-23-2010, 02:17 PM

As an FYI, the fan draws 1.94A @ 12VDC. Running it at one of its lower speed settings doesn't reduce the current draw, it divides it between the blower motor and large resistors (A.K.A. heaters) to make the motor spin at lower speeds. So, theoretically, a 24W solar panel could run it, but more realistically, you'd need a 50W one, as the ratings are based on perfect conditions. You'd also need an appropriately rated diode to prevent the battery from back feeding the solar panel when the ignition is on.

I really don't think that this would be very effective though, as the air intake is the black plastic wiper cowling, which would do a good job of heating the relatively slow flow of air into the car. Also, unless you left your windows partially open, the hot air wouldn't escape from the car.

Having a moon roof on my Yaris (and a sun roof on my Xterra), I would have to say that a roof opening is by far the best way to let some of the heat out of a parked car.

rytis · 07-30-2010, 03:16 PM

I bought a windshield solar reflector (which specially fits the Yaris's windshield) and it seems to do a pretty good job, so I lost some motivation for this solar powered ventilation idea.

Thanks for all the info.

I'm wondering, so when I'm using the fan, it has the same power draw no matter which 1-4 speed I use?
Wouldn't it be possible to connect those 5 watts of power directly to the fan, and not having it pass through those large resistors (A.K.A. heaters)?

Yarisduder · 07-31-2010, 10:12 PM

If the fan is set on 4 then it bypasses the resistors, if it's set any lower then (other than 0) it uses the resistors to limit the speed. You could bypass the normal circuitry using a relay or something, in fact you probably should.

Here is a solar powered vent, you could drill a big hole in the roof and pop one of those in. It would be easier and the extra chrome would look pretty slick!

07-23-2010, 01:18 PM	#19
Yarisduder Drives: 2007 4dr Sedan Silver Streak Join Date: May 2010 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 73	Yup it is, just checked. I thought of that when I suggested to run it in reverse but didn't check. Sorry. Just saw some solar panels, for 5 watts you've got a unit that's about 8" x 8" and roughly $30. __________________

07-31-2010, 10:12 PM	#22
Yarisduder Drives: 2007 4dr Sedan Silver Streak Join Date: May 2010 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 73	If the fan is set on 4 then it bypasses the resistors, if it's set any lower then (other than 0) it uses the resistors to limit the speed. You could bypass the normal circuitry using a relay or something, in fact you probably should. Here is a solar powered vent, you could drill a big hole in the roof and pop one of those in. It would be easier and the extra chrome would look pretty slick! __________________

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Electrical System Upgrade Advice	sqcomp	In Car Entertainment + Electronics (audio / video / alarm)	6	03-23-2016 01:15 AM
The Nitrous Thread	ChinoCharles	Performance Modifications	116	02-16-2016 03:07 PM
ACRONYM thread	Shroomster	Off-topic / Other Cars / Everything else Discussions	44	08-23-2014 03:55 PM
Solar powered High Bright LED lights replacing the fog lights	alan1828	Canada	10	05-14-2010 12:34 AM
Intake Systems Decision Maker..	Blenjar	Performance Modifications	25	09-15-2007 10:07 PM

07-23-2010, 02:17 PM	#20
CTScott ULTIMATE View User's Garage Drives: 09 5dr LB, 2x 08 3dr LB Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: USA, CT Posts: 13,460	As an FYI, the fan draws 1.94A @ 12VDC. Running it at one of its lower speed settings doesn't reduce the current draw, it divides it between the blower motor and large resistors (A.K.A. heaters) to make the motor spin at lower speeds. So, theoretically, a 24W solar panel could run it, but more realistically, you'd need a 50W one, as the ratings are based on perfect conditions. You'd also need an appropriately rated diode to prevent the battery from back feeding the solar panel when the ignition is on. I really don't think that this would be very effective though, as the air intake is the black plastic wiper cowling, which would do a good job of heating the relatively slow flow of air into the car. Also, unless you left your windows partially open, the hot air wouldn't escape from the car. Having a moon roof on my Yaris (and a sun roof on my Xterra), I would have to say that a roof opening is by far the best way to let some of the heat out of a parked car.

07-30-2010, 03:16 PM	#21
rytis Drives: 2010 Yaris Hatchback 5dr Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 35	I bought a windshield solar reflector (which specially fits the Yaris's windshield) and it seems to do a pretty good job, so I lost some motivation for this solar powered ventilation idea. Thanks for all the info. I'm wondering, so when I'm using the fan, it has the same power draw no matter which 1-4 speed I use? Wouldn't it be possible to connect those 5 watts of power directly to the fan, and not having it pass through those large resistors (A.K.A. heaters)?