AT13268U1 - ROLL AND FOLDABLE INSULATED SUN COLLECTORS WITH BUILT-IN SELF-PROTECTION - Google Patents

Abstract

The aim of the presented inventions is to be able to store and transport a high-quality selective-but nevertheless protected against overheating at standstill solar collector in a compact form. The presented invention solves the problem by venting one or more air chambers of the shell to the absorber parts, which may have their own covers as well as the collector. The solar collector is characterized in that a) the effective absorber surface is reduced directly by deformation of the absorber parts or indirectly by shading b) the insulation of the collector, whereby the standstill temperature drops. These measures can also be implemented in embodiments with reflector and single tubes or with flat absorber become. In addition, a multi-part solution for the absorber parts and the collector is described, which is dense by the inflation of the air shells. In addition, it is proposed to use a buffer of inexpensive plastic and with a thermal inner insulation to protect the same, in which small collectors can be packaged.

Description

Austrian Patent Office AT13 268U1 2013-09-15

Description The topic of cost-effective solar thermal collectors is a very topical, after the cost of photovoltaic have fallen sharply and solar thermal collectors have received strong competition in the use of solar energy. Solar thermal collectors are still mainly produced in high-wage countries, since the transport is expensive. To circumvent this problem, the furniture industry has long used the advantages of dismantling to implement a global value chain. Also in the field of tube collectors, this concept has arrived. Foldable or inflatable solar collector solutions with transparent cover and different media management have long been known and protected without her having been on the market in appearance. The known inventions are divided into the following groups.

[0002] Concentrators for water treatment e.g. United States Patent D307,460 [0003] Concentrating collectors e.g. WIPO Patent WO / 2008 / 119094A2 or United

U.S. Patent Nos. 4,440,149 and 4, 051, 834 [0004] - air collectors e.g. United States Patent 4,203,425 or Brindle et. al. United States

U.S. Patent 4,182,307 [0005] - Water filled collectors e.g. DE202005001488U1 - Multi-chamber systems mainly for heating water, e.g. Crombi et. al., United States Patent 4,151,830 [0007] Solar collector assembly DE 19916418A1, ism engineering office for special measuring technology [0008] - Solar collector WO 2011/041818 A2 XOLAR Renewable Energy Gmbh Furthermore, the venting of the front and rear chambers has been avoided Overheating disclosed (Sharpe, United States Patent 4,485,804), wherein in claim 10, a thermally actuated valve is called.

Furthermore, the use of honeycomb (matrix) for the stabilization of inflatable collectors has been registered (Kircus, United States Patent 4,328,790 and Leitner 4,033,326).

Finally, in Harrison, United States Patent 3,989,032, ideas are described of filling the main chamber with the heat transfer medium and creating sufficient internal pressure in this insulating air-filled inner chamber.

Fraunhofer IDE Germany has designed an absorber that dispenses with collectors according to bionic criteria, however, the construction in aluminum or steel called FRACTERM® is rigid. Transparent polymer absorbers were also invented at the same institute, where the absorption of sunlight takes place in the colored heat transfer medium. This gives a direct heat transfer without excessive temperatures in the ribs.

The subject invention works with conventional opaque absorbers, as they are used for the heating of pools. Also, other absorbers should be used, which allow a direct drinking and showering water heating.

Due to the extensive disclosures details are here evolved to help collapsible collectors with transparent cover and rear insulation to breakthrough. The front and rear covers form an insulating component into which the absorber is inserted or inserted during production, allowing selective absorption of the absorber and achieving higher standstill temperatures while protecting against destruction by overheating.

The main advantage of the collapsible high-efficiency collectors is the ability to sell them on DIY rail - ie hardware stores - but also in short-term deployments in tent cities from the air to be able to throw in 1/13 Austrian Patent Office AT13 268U1 2013 -09-15

Crisis also a hot water and possibly also a disinfection of drinking water or heating of vapors for desalination to allow.

As the development of polymers progresses (e.g., fluorocopolymers), it is possible to utilize plastic collectors even at higher temperatures. Nevertheless, it is necessary to prevent extreme temperatures (so-called temperature excursions). Plastics have also recently been patented, which, although of biological origin, nevertheless withstand higher temperatures (Biome Bioplastics), and thus the subject of plastic collectors is becoming increasingly important in terms of resource conservation. The extent to which bionic high-pressure absorbers can be produced by welding polymer mats must show attempts, it is very conceivable for pressureless systems.

It is the object of the present invention to enable the use of a made of separate material selective absorber in a low-cost polymer collector. In this case, findings from the field of air mattresses and so-called Air-Beds be used where similar manufacturing technologies and materials are used (see United States Patent Application US 2002 / 0083528A1 and US2002 / 0050010 A1). At the same time, the entire system is to be shipped in a compact package to the customer or can be picked up by him in a small car or with a bicycle trailer in the DIY market. Furthermore, overheating during a longer standstill in blazing sun should be avoided.

Since very expensive polymers have to be used at higher operating temperatures, the flexible parts can also be kept to a minimum, e.g. Separation points of longer collectors are reduced in case the absorbers are just as rigid. Otherwise, the absorbers can be collapsed or bundled together with rigid collectors.

These objects are achieved by a suitable construction, in which a rigid or flexible absorber part is held in position in an air chamber while being thermally insulated therethrough against the environment.

- Rigid collector tubes are made collapsible at certain points by flexible connector bar or the absorber is completely flexible, - insulating air chambers can be emptied, whereby the hot absorber heat me via heat conduction can and / or the absorber part partially against the solar radiation is shielded, - air chambers are arranged in the collector so that despite ventilation of the insulating air chambers a sufficient overall rigidity of the construction is maintained.

Preferably, the front and back of the air chambers are connected by bands to ensure a flat design after inflation.

Conveniently, at least two air chambers are provided to not endanger the stability of the overall construction in case of leakage in one The outer air chamber can then serve both for insulation and to increase stability.

Optionally, inexpensive but up to ΙδΟΌ (180 ° C on the air-touched side) can be used flexible rubber absorber with high EPDM content from the pool area used and achieved the stability of separately inflatable air chambers.

Conveniently, the valve is dependent on the absorber temperature automatic air pressure control of the insulating air chambers at the highest point of the absorber and is screwed instead of a collector cap.

Advantageously, the power supply for the control of the air pressure is self-sufficient and obtains energy via one or more photovoltaic cells or thermoelectric generators. [0029] Conveniently, the hose or signal line used for pressure control from a distance in the insulating air chambers is laid together with the colder return line.

The presented invention allows [0031] to ship high-quality collectors with selective absorber parts in compact packages [0032] If necessary, to package the collector also in the tank (open storage) and thus the

Further reduce transport volume - to bring collapsible low-cost collectors on house walls or roofs without that these are damaged in operation by overheating or rubbing.

- To achieve high media temperatures in the flow from the collector, without kieren to ris that damage to the collector occurs due to overheating during prolonged absence and lack of heat loss.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary cross section through the collector with three variants of the embedding of any absorber parts. In the first variant on the left, an absorber part with longitudinal ribs 2 is inserted into a non-pressurized bag, in the second variant in the middle represented by upper 13 and lower 23 air chamber held in position (and protected by the collector against rotation). The stabilization of the entire construction takes place with flexible absorber parts on separately inflatable edge chambers 1, otherwise the pressurized air chambers are connected via channels 6. The non-pressurized bags vent when merging, for example, to the collector in the third variant on the right, an absorber tube 3 is inserted into a cylindrical bag, which is present in the air chamber 14. The solar radiation reaches the absorber tube via the concentrating reflector 15 at the bottom and from the back. The collector is advantageously protected from damage by a back cover 12 integrated in the collector.

Fig. 1a shows a simplified solar collector shown in emptied air chambers 13 and 14, whereby the absorber 2 and 3 can direct the heat directly to the environment.

Fig. 1b shows a new variant in which the aperture i. the sunlit absorber area is reduced (xi <x0). In this case, separate air chambers 27 are used around flexible absorber ribs, e.g. from EPDM to bend upwards. Conveniently, with pressure drop in the front air chamber whose bottom 26 hold the pipes against the pressure of the rear air chambers 27, whereby a separate compressed air supply for an additional action triggering air chamber deleted.

Fig. 1c shows another variant where an opaque and mirrorable interface 22 perpendicular to operation rises between the air chambers, which chatters the absorber part and throws the sunlight back (x2 <xo) · Gravity is not sufficient to lower the surfaces - which is the case with vertical installation - the action can be supported by a spring band 24. The absorber part is held against the moderate pressure from above through the top 26 of the rear air chambers.

Fig. 1d finally shows a variant in which in the front transparent air chamber 13 mirrored opaque strips 28 in the inflated state direct the light into the collector. When the air is released, they discard and reflect some of the sunlight. In this variant, the ribs of the absorber part are not bent and thus the rear air chamber 23 can be vented, whereby heat here can be more easily discharged to the environment to prevent overheating. This variant has the further advantage that no typical solar system appears on facades from the direction of the sidewalk.

Fig. 2 shows two variants for the fixation of the absorber. In the left part, the absorber is held over strips 4, which are inserted through slots 5 in the absorber and connect the bottom and top of the air chamber. The absorber is secured in the horizontal position by pins 25. The construction thus provides even for a connection between the air chambers. On the right is a solution to see where two marginal chambers 7 which fix the absorber via connection opening 6 are supplied with air. Especially with vertical installation can advantageously be dispensed spline.

Fig. 3a shows a bionic solution where flexible absorber tubes 8 are paired and gradually merged. Thus, the entire collector including transparent cover and insulating rear air chamber along the axes a and b collapsible when it is made of plastic.

Fig. 3b shows a rigid absorber with flexible connection 9 between the collectors, whereby the collector can be folded at these points along the axis b.

Fig. 4a shows a foldable solar collector with a way as the back and the transparent cover layer are held together on individual film strips that are inserted through slots 10 in the absorber. Rigid absorbers with flexible connections between the collector parts allow the solar collector to be folded at these points. The entire solar collector is held in shape by the inflated edge chambers 11. A valve 19 bleeds air when the pressure or the fluid temperature in the accumulator rises above a threshold. Via a hose 20, the pressure can be restored remotely. Alternatively, a built-in hydraulic circulation unit 24 or photovoltaic cells or thermoelectric generators can rebuild the pressure itself or provide for a power supply of the scheme.

Fig. 4b shows a variant where also provides a separately inflatable frame-shaped air chamber 11 for stability. The feedthroughs of the collectors from the interior to the outside are self-sealing due to the pressure on the pipe surface. Valves and pressure maintenance are also possible here.

Fig. 4c shows the bionic version of the absorber without a collector, which is completely freely collapsible. The absorber tubes are merged in pairs and gradually.

Fig. 5 shows a variant in which the collector 21 are connected to the absorbers 2 only at the establishment site. In Fig. 5a the details are shown, such as by blowing the frame 20 in which the collectors are located and the absorber insulation, the gap required for the assembly is closed. Drawstrings 4 limit the curvature.

Fig. 6 finally shows how the rolled-up collector 17 can be transported in an openable storage container. Also shown are the innerliner 16 for protection against creep at elevated temperatures and optional nozzles 18 for stratifying the flow into the appropriate temperature zone. 4.13

Claims (10)

Austrian Patent Office AT 13 268 U1 2013-09-15 Claims 1. A device for using solar energy with an inflatable casing which is at least transparent to the solar radiation and comprising at least one air chamber and advantageously selective absorber parts (2), characterized in that a) rigid absorber parts (2) and collector (21) are inserted in at least one side transparent air chambers, b) the tightness between separate air chamber for the absorber and air chamber for the collector is made by the pressurization, whereby the profiled contact surfaces between the air chambers pressed together become. c) absorber parts (2) and collector (21) by a separated from the air chamber around the absorber pressurized over all four sides of the collector circulating air chamber are held in position. 2. A method for protecting inflatable solar collectors according to claim 1 from overheating characterized in that a) pressure relief from the over the absorber parts (2) located air chambers that allow the sunlight on the absorber parts (2), increases the heat loss, b) at discharge of Pressure from the air chamber (13) extending behind the absorber parts (2) air chambers (27) and press the flexible absorber ribs outside in the direction of the incoming sun and thus reduce the collector aperture and thus the heat absorption. 3. A method for protecting inflatable solar collector from overheating according to claim 2, characterized in that by a pressure release from the front of the absorber parts (2) located air chambers (13) in the inflated state parallel and normal to the absorber parts (2) standing, reflective coated Buckets (23) buckle in these air chambers, and reflect in this irregular folded state sun and thus reduce the heat input into the collector. 4. A method for protecting inflatable solar collector from overheating, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at pressure release from the surrounding the absorber air chambers, the separating surfaces (22) between the individual air chambers that surround the absorber parts, remove each other and the now separated obliquely standing on both sides reflective coated separating surfaces (22) partially cover the absorber parts and reflect back on their reflective surface solar radiation and thus reduce the heat input to the absorber parts. 5. A method for protecting solar panels against thermal damage according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure in the insulating air chambers is controlled upon detection of a risk due to overheating from a distance, preferably electrically via a signal line and an integrated in the collector air pump and in the collector integrated photovoltaic elements for power supply. 6. A method for protecting solar panels against thermal damage according to claim 5, characterized in that when increasing the heat transfer pressure in the system automatically and advantageously with self-sufficient energy supply air from the insulating air chambers is left and thus by the conductive contact of the absorber to the shell and indirectly so to the environment the insulating effect is reduced. 5/13 Austrian Patent Office AT 13 268 Ul 2013-09-15 7. A method for protecting solar panels against thermal damage according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a) the dynamic energy of the heat carrier flowing through the collector is used by means of this energy an automatic controller (24) and an associated air pump with direction of rotation reversal to operate, b) temperature-controlled at feared temperature excursion, a pressure change in certain air chambers is generated to change the aperture and insulation, c) is activated when exceeding a certain air temperature in the air chamber at least one temperature-controlled release valve, the auxiliary air without air from the air chambers leaves. 8. A method for protecting solar panels against overheating according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that a) additional heat consumers such as convectors, dishwashers or absorption chiller are connected in the flow from the collector, c) advantageously heat consumers by natural circulation in the collector circuit also at Failure of the pump to remain partially effective. 9. A method for protecting solar panels against overheating according to one of claims 2-7, characterized in that in case of failure of the measures on the solar collector, the container internal pressure receiving outer plastic structure by a non-supporting inner insulation (16) the pressure-resistant container wall from thermal Damage protects. 10. A method for transporting a device for using solar energy according to claim 1, characterized in that the collector is rolled up starting with a collector and stowed in an open buffer memory, advantageously serving to reduce the evaporation losses cover also during transport as the upper conclusion is hung up. For this 7 sheets drawings 6/13