LTLFTcomposite
Well-known member
Comments about being stuck in traffic on a hot day with A/C running impacting range got me to wondering... Covering the roof with solar cells wouldn't do a lot to improve the range (although perhaps pick up a few miles of driving a day) but how close would it come to powering the A/C ? If it did you would eliminate most of the impact the A/C has on range. The beauty of this approach is the A/C load is somewhat proportional to the sun shining on panels.
Any idea what the wattage is on an automotive electric A/C compressor? You also have the fan. The fuse/breaker rating for the AC on a Prius or Civic hybrid would give a high end of the estimate.
Any idea what the wattage is on an automotive electric A/C compressor? You also have the fan. The fuse/breaker rating for the AC on a Prius or Civic hybrid would give a high end of the estimate.