Solar Shields and Ground Temperature

Plant a dense grass ground cover and you will sharply reduce the surface temperature. What is the typical dew point temperature at your location?

solar flux is not really significant to performance of these units. They do require free movement of air. Putting a 'solar shade' over them may actually impair performance if it in any way restricts air flow.

The measured air temperature (thermometer in the shade at least 4 feet off the ground, freely exposed to air currents) is going to be the factor impacting the performance. As the ambient temperature goes above 110F, the coefficient of performance (COP) drops almot exponentially. By 120F, it will be reduced by at least 50% from that at 100F. THe 'specification temperature' of 120F means the unit WILL product the rated cooling capacity at 120F ambient air temperature. Elevating the units even 3' above the ground will improve performance somewhat, but not dramatically.

Hello szwasta,

"What effect would the size and location of a solar shield have? Could its placement relative to the unit be detrimentall If, for instance, the tent conopy were only a few inches above the cooling unit and only overlapped a few inches, could the surrounding ground temperature convect into the shaded area? Would the fan be drawing in the much hotter air from unshaded area? Would elevating the cooling units help? To what elevation (within reach) would be optimal?"

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If you are going to invest in a 'solar canopy', you should get a proper canopy directly over the machine so no sun gets through whatsoever. I would get one to cover at least ten feet (~ 3 Mitres) radius if the heat is over 100° (37.7 C°). It may be that a 'parasol' type with 'flaps' may provide more air movement, but that is just a thought.

It may also help to have a good sized water supply, like a 'blow up swimming pool' in the shade perhaps keep it filled with ice?

Depending if you have room, I would also get a raised platform to say at least 6' (~ 2 m). If it gets really desperate, then 'piggy-back' two machines, so the output of one machine goes directly through the 'front' one?

None of this is confirmed, as I live in a pretty cool climate, (mostly UK), all intuitive.

bb