URGENT NEED ANSWER BY 10 AM TOMORROW PLEASE
I have a 2010 Honda Element. It has been converted into a camper, it has everything, bed, sink bathroom, TV, solar panels, power, etc. The last stage of the project is AC. I thought about it and the best solution is to use the car's built in AC. I calculate that if I ran the engine with AC on, it would run for over 48 hours (I have no intention of doing this, just proof of concept).
here is my dilemma
Tomorrow I am having a remote starter put in. I plan to rig up a control circuit that will start the engine when it gets too hot. the remote starter will shut off after a determined amount of time (No choice, it will run a max of 45 mins). It will be used while car camping. If the temperature is still too hot, it will trigger a start again. I will be able t to set the temperature
--> I have to choose the time it runs (as they program it when they install the starter and then it is set forever)
Below are the temperature cool down times from 118 F to 71.4 F.
What is a ideal run time?
Is there a minimum time you think to start/stop the engine? Too short not good? Too long?
Auto start programming options
|
Time |
Cabin Temperature in F |
|
|
0 |
118 |
|
|
8 |
99.5 |
|
|
10 |
96.6 |
|
|
15 |
91 |
|
|
20 |
85.8 |
|
|
25 |
82.2 |
|
|
30 |
79 |
|
|
35 |
76.3 |
|
|
40 |
74.1 |
|
|
45 |
71.4 |
Max run time |
I'd go with a RV A/C unit and a generator but you can just do an experiment to see how long you'll need your Honda to run.
Hopefully you're in a place where it's going to get into the 80's today.
I'm assuming you want the vehicle to maintain a comfortable temperature and that's going to be somewhere between 70 degrees and 78 degrees.
Start the Honda and get to 70 degrees inside.
Turn it off and wait until the inside temperature gets to 78 degrees (or whatever "high temp" you're going to set the Start Command at).
Start the Honda again and time how long it takes for the inside temperature to get to 70 degrees (or whatever minimum temperature you want to have when the Honda turns off).
I'd do the experiment in direct sun and then again in the shade.
They do make remote start systems which can be controlled by a phone app and some of those allow you to adjust the run time through the app.
I like your idea of a range 70-78, that would help in rounding down the optimum run time. thank you
the best run time is between 15 and 20 mins, you get the best bang for the buck in drop of temperature.
|
Time |
Cabin Temperature in F |
Temp Drop in F from 118 |
|
0 |
118 |
N/A |
|
10 |
96.6 |
21.4 (too short of run time) |
|
15 |
91 |
27 (5.6 degrees) |
|
20 |
85.8 |
32.2 (5.2 degrees) |
|
25 |
82.2 |
35.8 (3.6 degrees) |
|
30 |
79 |
39 (3.2 degrees) |
|
35 |
76.3 |
41.7 (2.7 degrees) |
|
40 |
74.1 |
43.9 (2.2 degrees) |
|
45 |
71.4 |
46.6 (too long of run time) |