Wish list for next generation Prius Plug-in

Well, without a fan running, there's not a lot of airflow through a radiator. That's why I've never bothered blocking any radiator that has an electric fan.

No significant effect.

 

That is not true at all. With an open grill, all that air is rammed into the engine bay and then is forced out and under the car.

 

As opposed to stacking up against the grill and spilling around the edges of the car. No significant difference. I suggest conducting something like a Mythbusters test, as a remedy for continuing doubt.

 

Greg,
Stiffer lubricants are certainly involved BUT they are stiffer BECAUSE they are losing their heat to the environment and that heat loss is increased by greater air flow and reduced by grill blocking. BTW there is an aerodynamic benefit to grill blocking that is measurable in a wind tunnel and shows a reduction in the aerodynamic drag coefficient but this effect is far smaller than the effects, on fuel economy, of reducing the heat loss from ICE and transmission.

 

Seeing how often you disagree with the well-proven, it's pretty easy to acknowledge the desire for debate. It's rewarding to be part of something.

In this case, though, let it go. We have collected an overwhelming amount of data over the years clearly showing the heat-retention benefit from blocking.

It is significant.

 

"Grill blocking: you'll find plenty of people blocking grills on all sorts of cars for the aerodynamic benefit on Ecomodder. There have been several studies demonstrating the effectiveness of closing off unnecessary cooling air intake, most prominently by Volvo engineers who attributed 30% of the total drag of a typical car to the cooling system."

Read more: better coefficient of drag | Page 2 | PriusChat
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I found the above to support the Aerodynamics.

 

Plenty of claims, designed to sell over-priced auto accessories, but no actual data to support it. Testimonials don't count as actual data.

 

Evaluation of Impact of Active Grille Shutter on Vehicle Thermal Management

The opening sentence gives ample proof of the aerodynamic importance of cooling drag, they wouldn't bother if there weren't a benefit!

 

I'm not seeing any sort of proof in that abstract. Do you happen to have any actual test data?

 

Greg,
GM, Ford and Chrysler not only believe that aerodynamics are improved, they have actually invested in development and introduction of active air flow management systems.
Active Shutter Grille Vents: How They Help Improve MPG .
Time to rethink your position.

 

Not yet.

 

Here are a few manufacturers using active grille shutters Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, BMW, Honda, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes and Rolls-Royce. I wonder if they did any testing.

 

That is an article that is simply repeating your assertions. Finding other people that believe as you believe is not data. Where are the wind tunnel tests showing a significant decrease in drag coefficients? I'm not taking a position on whether blocking is significant, but just pointing out that this thread doesn't have any data.

 

Call me a denier, but I don't count assertions built on other assertions as data.

Sure it is. According to Al Gore, if you get enough people believing the same assertion, it's "all settled."

He won the Nobel Peace Prize for that .

 

Greg,
Do your own research! Prove your assertion!

 

Sad.

 

High end piston aircraft have 'Cowl Flaps'.
They restrict the exit air openings, not the inlets by the prop.
You will go slower if you are a goof and leave them open at speed and your engine will run colder.
Your engine will run very hot if you leave them closed on the ground on a hot day.

Aerodynamically you'd rather have the air go around the smooth exterior of a vehicle than sucked into the engine compartment.

On the Prius the foam pipe insulation method of grill block is so easy to close up that big opening for the season.
It keeps the cold air out. The road crud out. Keeps the engine heat in longer. Directs the air around the car instead of through it.
And,,,, it costs a buck and a half to give it a try !!!

OK, you're a Denier. There.

 

Right. my Prius is now an airplane.

 

Put mine in yesterday, took me 8 minutes. Same foam I have used for 9 years. Just call ME cheap!

 

cheap.