Adding an additional fan to the Traction Hybrid Battery?

Prius_Boriqua · Sep 27, 2014

I wish I had a ScanGauge so I dont have any data to prove my point with this add on. I 100% understad that data is a must to prove any point but in some cases common sense works almost as well. I have read a lot on battery temps and function on the Prius and a lot of forum members state the same. The battery temps are stable while the car is on but when you turn the car off the temps skyrocket especially in the summer heat. If its 110 degress here in AZ the inside of your car will climb to 120's easy....just imagine what the battery temps are. Theres a reason why the Nissan Leaf's reliability didnt cut it in Arizona.

bisco · Sep 27, 2014

great job pb! very creative and inspiring. i think you're on the right track with the cooling idea, i hope you get a scan gauge someday to detail your temps. all the best!

prinut · Sep 27, 2014

Prius_Boriqua said: ↑

KennyGS said: ↑

So if you're driving 350 miles per week, this will save you $1.34 on gas - disregarding the cost to charge your portable battery.
Click to expand...

Hi Kenny
Using your example would equal about 5 bucks a month granted I drive more or less (10 months to pay itself off). By the way wouldn't it be nice to save an extra 5 bucks of gas when you fill up ? This modification wouldn't make sense if your keeping your car for a short period like a lease. But what if your planning on keeping it for the next 8-10 years? Prius owners in this forum (those that are planning on owning their cars for a long time) change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles just to give them a piece of mind that their transmission wont give them issues in the LONG RUN. Isn't that a huge jump vs the 100,000 miles Toyota recommends? What about the benefits of keeping your hybrid battery in better conditions? Doesnt that matter? Doing what you can to keep your battery functioning beyond 250,000 miles. Fuel savings aren't the only things we are looking for. We are looking for anything that will make our vehicle run like new for longer. In this case keeping the battery in best shape possible to make it last longer. From this long term point of view it makes good sense.
Click to expand...

Prius_Boriqua said: ↑

KennyGS said: ↑

So if you're driving 350 miles per week, this will save you $1.34 on gas - disregarding the cost to charge your portable battery.
Click to expand...

Hi Kenny
Using your example would equal about 5 bucks a month granted I drive more or less (10 months to pay itself off). By the way wouldn't it be nice to save an extra 5 bucks of gas when you fill up ? This modification wouldn't make sense if your keeping your car for a short period like a lease. But what if your planning on keeping it for the next 8-10 years? Prius owners in this forum (those that are planning on owning their cars for a long time) change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles just to give them a piece of mind that their transmission wont give them issues in the LONG RUN. Isn't that a huge jump vs the 100,000 miles Toyota recommends? What about the benefits of keeping your hybrid battery in better conditions? Doesnt that matter? Doing what you can to keep your battery functioning beyond 250,000 miles. Fuel savings aren't the only things we are looking for. We are looking for anything that will make our vehicle run like new for longer. In this case keeping the battery in best shape possible to make it last longer. From this long term point of view it makes good sense.
Click to expand...

I commend you on your efforts!
I do think common sense does prevail even in the absence of any empirical data.
Kudos to you for taking the initiative for this.

john1701a · Sep 28, 2014

Here's some temperature-related real-world data, detail to consider when collecting it for the regular model:

Sezy · Apr 15, 2019

Came across this post months ago and am now trying a similar setup in my 2006. However I've thrown a thermal trigger and solar USB charger into the mix. Still playing around and nothing is mounted besides with twist ties. Ideally I'd like to have the fan running directly off solar when possible then switch to USB battery power pack when low and shut off based on the temperature. Trouble I'm having is giving solar power to the fan and USB battery pack at the same time while having the fan connected back into the USB battery pack to run when solar is too low. All devices flash when connected in a loop.

Not opposed to having these devices charge or run over 12 then go to solar when car is off either if that is possible. Maybe even 1 fan to be solar only and another run off the USB battery power pack that gets charged when the car is running or I unplug it and charge at home.

JimboPalmer · Apr 15, 2019

Sezy I am doing something similar with my attic vents. As light hits the solar panels, the fan begins turning. If the temp exceeds the limit, a relay switches and house current powers the fan, until the temp drops below the limit.

There is no thermostat in the solar circuit, if it has sun, the fan spins.
It only uses house current if it can't spin the fan fast enough to keep the temp down via solar. It often spins after sunset if it is still hot.
Mine are GAF Master Flow Dual Powered EcoSmart.

You may find similar solutions in a existing device.

GAF | Master Flow® Dual-Powered Roof Vent - PRHYBRID1

Joe martinez · Mar 1, 2020

Prius_Boriqua said: ↑

Quick update. Its been a month since I installed the fan. Before my avg was 50-51 mpg's. Now its 53-54 mpgs. The temps are still in the 100's here in Phoenix, AZ. I havent changed anything else on the car that would help boost the numbers. I really think that the extra cooling works.

One thing to notice is that I leave this fan on running at least 30 minutes after I turn the car off to help cool off the battery faster. If Im doing short trips where Ill get back in the car in 15-20 minutes I just leave it on. Ive read threads in the Priuschat community where the excessive heat will prevent the battery from charging fast (even drain it a bar or 2). The normal fan stops cooling when you turn off the car which leaves the battery "cooking" in heat. When you get back to your car the battery is hotter than when it was on 15 minutes ago. I beleive that aiding the cooling post battery operation helps it cool faster keeping it in a better charging enviroment for the next time you turn on your car as well as when you use the car in EV mode. A cool battery (not cold) will operate and charge better.

Ive been doing the same 50 mile route everyday. The only change is that I routed call the cables under the rug and made a small hole inside the center console to keep the portable battery in there. The fan is no longer at the exterior of the vent. I moved it inside the vent and removed the metal covers. I can charge the battery in about 8 hours with a 3.5 amp charger and it will last me about 2 weeks of everyday use. If you have questions let me know. I can provide pictures if necessary.
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I would love pics of your set up! I live in Az also, thks!

judoman09 · Mar 10, 2020

Any more pics or updates?

Kevin Manstein · Feb 21, 2021

I'd love to see how it's mounted, and/or videos...Has anyone else tried adding an external cooling fan? or successfully mounted a cooling fan inside the duct or input vent?

AzusaPrius · Feb 22, 2021

@Kevin Manstein

Here is what I did to my duct, which is powered by usb from a solar charger tapped into my solar roof panel.

https://plugoutpower.com/

Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus

Home - Pulstar Spark Plugs

Adding an additional fan to the Traction Hybrid Battery?

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Adding an additional fan to the Traction Hybrid Battery?

Prius_Boriqua Junior Member

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prinut Pri Nut

john1701a Prius Guru

Sezy Active Member

JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

Joe martinez New Member

judoman09 Junior Member

Kevin Manstein New Member

AzusaPrius Senior Member