Re: 6x14 Build Log
Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2017 7:36 am
Thanks for all the comments everyone!
Yesterday I took another load down to the storage unit, and I'm guessing I was pretty close to my full 3,500# limit (I moved my weights and power rack, plus a few filling cabinets full of books/papers, and a bunch of other stuff). I took back roads only though, and probably averaged 45 or 50mph. If I did my math right, I got 17.5mpg! Which is incredible considering my truck is supposed to get 18mpg just running around town on its own. And it was a mountain road with plenty of hills and such (14 south from Santa Fe to Abq, along the eastern Sandias). That's really encouraging for me to know that if I have the time, I can just slow it way down and get decent mileage.
Also, I'm very happy to report that my panels are still attached.
Yeah, the more I think about it, the more sure I am that since I don't really know what I'm doing (and don't have access to a wind tunnel), I'm just as likely to make things worse as better.
I like this idea quite a lot, thank you hank. Adding it to the list!
Thanks again! Yes I'm excited for the potential of the racks as a platform for Cool Stuff. Exterior security floods, a few cameras, a black tube solar shower setup, some retractable poles I can use to create a shelter over the 'back balcony', are the ideas I've had so far.
My source for the entire PV system is Recycled Solar: http://www.solarrecycled.com/
Marion the owner somehow gets lightly used and discounted solar gear (for example, I think my solar panels were part of an order that someone screwed up and it would have cost to much to ship back, so they sold them for cheap... that sort of thing). Not all of the gear is used - actually only my batteries and panels are used/discounted, everything else is new.
Here's the deal though: the owner, Marion, just retired (again) and moved to India for a year. I believe I was one of his very last customers. But I understand that he sold the business to an acquaintance of mine, a carpenter and vanbuilder. If the contact info on that website doesn't work anymore for anyone who is interested, PM me and I'm pretty sure I can get you in direct contact with the new owner.
My panels are Conergy 250P's. http://www.solardesigntool.com/components/module-panel-solar/Conergy/1906/PH-250P/specification-data-sheet.html used. I paid $200 for both, somehow.
Yesterday I took another load down to the storage unit, and I'm guessing I was pretty close to my full 3,500# limit (I moved my weights and power rack, plus a few filling cabinets full of books/papers, and a bunch of other stuff). I took back roads only though, and probably averaged 45 or 50mph. If I did my math right, I got 17.5mpg! Which is incredible considering my truck is supposed to get 18mpg just running around town on its own. And it was a mountain road with plenty of hills and such (14 south from Santa Fe to Abq, along the eastern Sandias). That's really encouraging for me to know that if I have the time, I can just slow it way down and get decent mileage.
Also, I'm very happy to report that my panels are still attached.
aggie79 wrote:Love the work! Maybe some day I'll get to build a CT conversion.
I'm not an engineer, but I'm wondering that, if you add a front "air dam" below the solar panel that doesn't seal to the roof, have you now created a wing/airfoil profile? Would this cause more lift/drag than the flat profile of the solar panel itself?
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Yeah, the more I think about it, the more sure I am that since I don't really know what I'm doing (and don't have access to a wind tunnel), I'm just as likely to make things worse as better.
hankaye wrote:tylerjd, Howdy;
I not an aeronautical engineer but I stayed in my RV last night ...
To try to fabricate something that would work with the curve and the angle needed
for an effective deflector will require a good amount of head scratching. You'll also
need to bridge the gap between the two or there will be a void that will create a
vacuum and increase the drag (not good). That said, the amount of open space between
the panels and the roof creates air flow (good stuff), my suggestion would be to add
a section of angle (>), to the front of both to divert the air instead of having it hit the
flat frontal area of the panel. may not look like much help but it will help prevent lift
which is something you don't want (now where did that panel go ).
Only some idle thoughts with a cup-o-coffee.
hank
I like this idea quite a lot, thank you hank. Adding it to the list!
McDave wrote:Hey tylerjd,
I'm McLovin' that stuff. Those racks are nice and look as if they could be easily added on to and modified for additional cargo, lights, awnings etc. The space between panels and roof looks good for air flow and the roof paint looks great as well.
The issue of lift can be your friend or foe. Become familiar with the principles and then use the physics to your advantage. Kind of a Fung Ku/Judo thing, Grasshopper. Those Grande Panels del Sol are muy bueno! Can you give me the 411? Source and $$$ ?
Doin' great work, Amigo. Keep that stuff up.
McDave
Thanks again! Yes I'm excited for the potential of the racks as a platform for Cool Stuff. Exterior security floods, a few cameras, a black tube solar shower setup, some retractable poles I can use to create a shelter over the 'back balcony', are the ideas I've had so far.
My source for the entire PV system is Recycled Solar: http://www.solarrecycled.com/
Marion the owner somehow gets lightly used and discounted solar gear (for example, I think my solar panels were part of an order that someone screwed up and it would have cost to much to ship back, so they sold them for cheap... that sort of thing). Not all of the gear is used - actually only my batteries and panels are used/discounted, everything else is new.
Here's the deal though: the owner, Marion, just retired (again) and moved to India for a year. I believe I was one of his very last customers. But I understand that he sold the business to an acquaintance of mine, a carpenter and vanbuilder. If the contact info on that website doesn't work anymore for anyone who is interested, PM me and I'm pretty sure I can get you in direct contact with the new owner.
My panels are Conergy 250P's. http://www.solardesigntool.com/components/module-panel-solar/Conergy/1906/PH-250P/specification-data-sheet.html used. I paid $200 for both, somehow.