I see a lot of companies selling the materials so us DIY types can make our cars better, for less sound from outside, or less heat from outside...
But, it seems to me that a car manufacturer ought to realize how important a car that stays cooler in the hot summers would be to advertise
But, it seems to me that a car manufacturer ought to realize how important a car that stays cooler in the hot summers would be to advertise
Coincidentally, I just had some insulation for my car roof delivered this past Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteThere are too many variables involved. Automakers don't brag in ads about how well their A/C systems work for the same reason. Once you "set a standard", you have to live by it.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of variables in how well they insulate a car. It's either damn good, mediocre, or lousy.
DeleteA really good insulation layer would be self evident, and easily tested and easily compared to another similar car. Like, two mini vans, two sports cars, two 4 door commuters, etc. Cars are very similar regardless of manufacturer, I've posted several examples of how they are the same size and shape, so close that a profile view is identical.
What variables are you thinking of?
The quantity of heat given off by the engine and exhaust would be proportional to the amount of fuel burned. That could be calculated. The quantity of heat absorbed from the sun would be the variable. Insulation would add weight, complexity and cost that may not be recoverable to the manufacturer in profit.
ReplyDeleteIf it were profitable to do this, it would be happening - particularly since customers are more aware of noise/vibration/harshness than ever before.
JMO, not an engineer...
umm... right. I was simply thinking the insulated car that absorbs the least heat, and stays coolest longest, would be the best insulated. I was disregarding the engine heat and exhaust heat issue, as a well insulated car would also be insulated from that heat, as well as solar, and ambient.
DeleteAlso, engine heat is reduced by thermal paint on the exhaust system, using aluminum vs iron block, and the location of the radiator.
I agree also that it they could make more money at it, they would already do it.
But doesn't it seem that most of the driving population of the world is in a climate of temps higher than comfortable, and that is why most all cars have airconditioning now? Therefore a better insulated car follows that AC trend to making the passenger temp comfort a higher priority than it used to be.
I also thought about those factors, engine waste heat, exhaust conduction heat, convection heat, and solar... and I think that while they may vary from season to season, or sunny day to overcast, they are constant in the perspective of them being a known quantity.
But just as making cars faster, more powerful, or more cupholder friendly has become a recent trend, as well as basic creature comforts like less plastic interior, and more dvd players, that the insulation factor will be something they can bank on as being important to buyers
Just found these: http://en.volkswagen.com/en/innovation-and-technology/technical-glossary/waermeschutzverglasung.html
ReplyDeletehttp://www.6speedonline.com/forums/997-turbo-gt2/278018-nano-ir-transitional-window-film-vs-porsche-ir-thermal-glass.html
Factory thermal glass (where the option is available) is expensive...
thanks!
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