Charging In The Hot Summer Sun

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by iRun26.2, May 2, 2012.

  1. iRun26.2

    iRun26.2 Active Member

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    The manual specifically states that it is not good to leave the PiP battery , charged and sitting in the hot sun.

    But what I am to do when I charge my car in the summer at work? There are no shaded areas and I'm still going to want to charge on those hot August Minnesota afternoons (90F to 100F).

    So far, I've left the windows down slightly on the warmer days... but I don't want lots of bugs either! Should I close the windows and turn on the remote climate control every 10 minutes?! That would use lots of energy!

    Am I worrying about this too much?
     
  2. crewdog

    crewdog Acting Ensign Prius Prime

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    Since battery uses air cooling, it might be worth an experiment.

    Do you have access to a digital cooking thermometer that you can put the temp sensor into one of the 2 battery vents?

    I charge at home in the garage and have not noticed any warming of the air on either vent while charging with the battery cooling fan on, but have not checked on the rare occasion i charge outside in the sun.
     
  3. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Take advantage of the timer, so the charging won't be complete until right before you are ready to leave.

    Use the old school way of keeping the vehicle cool. Face the nose of the car at the sun and put up a windshield cover, so the pack remains least exposed to heat.

    Stop worrying. :)
     
  4. iRun26.2

    iRun26.2 Active Member

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    Naturally, I would be using the charging timer (and only charging right before I plan to go home). However, when it is warm and sunny, I know from previous cars that the interior can get very hot and would probably be very warm the whole charging cycle.

    I've never used one of those reflective things you put in your front windshield. Personally, I think they are incredibly ugly and I've always suspected that they didn't work very well anyway (since a car will be in both morning and afternoon sun when the side windows heat up the car too).

    What do Volt and Leaf owners do (or is their cooling mechanism so different than the PiP's that nothing can be gained from their experience)?
     
  5. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Interesting question.
    The more I use and learn about HSD, the more conservative I get when it comes to battery heat. So I would err on safe side and keep the cabin cool during charging, even it meant using energy.

    As an aside, those ugly reflectors work GREAT. Crack the windows if it is not raining/threatening, and you will be amazed. As John said, park your car with the nose towards the sun (S). If I am using the car in the late morning I part SE, or SW for the afternoon.

    Your super duper PiP has a compass, right ? ;)
     
  6. mitch672

    mitch672 Technology Geek

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    The Leafs onboard charger is liquid cooled, with a front radiator, so that takes car of the charging electronics, however, the pack is mounted below the Leaf, and is essentialy at whatever the ambient outside temerature is.
     
  7. crewdog

    crewdog Acting Ensign Prius Prime

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    The front windshield reflectors work great, imho, and will reduce the interior temp of the car by at least 5 degrees F from not having it.

    That as living in the sunny south, with occasional temps over 100 and humidity to match.

    The one sold on PC shop is extremely sturdy, and has little ear flaps for the tiny front side windowlets. works great.

    Fortunately, they put a free public charging station near our favorite tequila/margarita bar so we can cool down......