Here are some thoughts on a project I've been considering to vent the interior using solar cells while parked in the sun on a hot day.

First would be the solar cells. I dont care much for the two grilled ponds behind the rear window so I would locate the solar panels over them. Here is what I'm considering for that.
http://www.youseeitnow.com/tractorsaver.htm

The car grills are 2-3/4" X 13-7/8" and these waterproof solar panels are 3-7/8" X 14" so they will completely cover the grills. I would probably epoxy the panels to the grills or epoxy mounting screws to the bottom of the panel. I think I would also need to cut a thin gasket to keep the water out of the pond.

These panels Output 80mAmps@15volts so I could use two 80mAmp computer fans or wire the panels in parallel and use a single 160mAmp computer fan.

After a little research on Ebay I found I could use:
Two 60mm Delta EFB0612MA, an 80mAmp fan that moves 15.54 CFM
Delta fan

Or one 80mm PowerMax, a 140mAmp fan that moves 32.5 CFM
Powermax fan

I would control the fans with a thermostat so it would only vent above a certain temperature. Here is a thermostat kit.
Thermostat kit
I'm still looking for a pre-made 12V thermostat module but I may have to get the kit.

An alternative to the thermostat would just be a switch.

I could mount the fans through the rear bulkhead above the interior light. probably on the outside with some sort of rubber or plastic flap so air could only go one way. Then a nice grill on the inside.
Mesh grill
Dragon grill

Another alternative would be to open up the area behind the drivers side kick panel and blow the air in.

Or if using two 80mAmp fans one fan at the kick panel blowing in and one in the rear blowing out (maybe the best alternative).

This is just an idea I'm kickin around.

Just a side thought: wouldn't these make great grills for 4" round speakers?
120mm dragon grill

David

 

The Audi A8/S8 has this as an option. Have you looked into how they do it? I never researched it.

 

Seems like a good project to keep your car interior cool, but a lot of work.
I'd take the easy way out, dig a hole plant a tree (shade)
Wish you luck with your project.

 

I just put the top down...

 

are you doing this as a DIY "fun" project as much as anything??

 

I just leave the top down.

Sounds like a fun project, good luck.

 

Beat me to it.

 

Yeah - but Dave's vent idea keeps the air in and the people out.

... so you don't like the kind that simply hang on the window ?
http://www.ajprindle.com/index.jhtml...608&src=TLNXTG

 

Crack the windows!

 

Those window deals look pretty "cool". Think I'll order a couple for my truck, came outside the other day and the interior temp was 123F! I have the window "vents" installed so I think two fans in the front windows with the rear windows cracked might help. I'll let you know how they work. Thanks for the link NHvette.

ltlevil

 

Not sure I get it, it just blows the hot air around without venting it out of the car?

 

No ... look closely ... it hangs over the edge of the glass and
blows the hot air out. Look more closely and you'll see there are
perforated spacers that fill on either side ... letting cool air in.

I have never used these - being in a climate that rarely needs AC.

123 ?!?! WTF.

How about the flip side ... went swimming the other morning and the water
was down to 61 - but the air was 39 !!! ... makes 61 feel really warm.

 

I don't think it will work--the BTU input far exceeds the fans ability to keep up. Look how much the air conditioning struggles on a really hot sunny day.

 

123? that's it! here in phoenix the inside temps can get up to 140!

your fan idea reminds me of something my dad did once. he put one of those small fans in his hard hat(he did construction) and used a cordless drill battery to power it. all it really did was fill his hair with saw dust.