ES2321574B1 - EXTRUDED THERMAL SOLAR RECEIVER. - Google Patents

Abstract

Extruded thermal solar collector consisting of one or more extruded modules (1) and two collectors (4) one of inlet and outlet of fluid. Each extruded module (1) It has at least one hole (2) with its threaded ends (3). The manifolds (4) have a hole (5) with their threaded ends (3) for connections, and so many holes (6) and circular pockets (7) present the set of extruded modules (1) as holes. The screws (9) have a longitudinal hole (10) and one or several transverse holes (11), as well as a recess (12). The screws (9) are inserted in the holes (6) and fixed in the thread (3) of the manifold (1). Between the screws (9) and the manifold (4) a gasket (8) is introduced and the same occurs between the collector (4) and the extruded module (1) thus ensuring the tightness of the system once mounted the solar collector.

Description

Extruded thermal solar collector.

       \ global \ parskip0.950000 \ baselineskip
    

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a sensor thermal solar manufactured by extrusion, thanks to which get a series of improvements in relation to the sensors known to date. These improvements refer to a simplification of the manufacturing and assembly process of the sensor with the consequent reduction of manufacturing costs, in addition to eliminate all welds that the solar collector may need thermal.

State of the art

If we study the different types of collectors thermal solar we observe that they can be divided into the following groups:

-

\ vtcortauna Non-glazed solar collectors: they are those collectors that do not have a cover that insulates the collector from the outside, presenting greater heat losses. On the market they are available in the form of polypropylene blankets.

-

\ vtcortauna Glazed solar collectors: are those collectors that have a cover that insulates the collector from the outside, which causes the greenhouse effect to occur inside, presenting a lower loss coefficient. This classification includes solar thermal collectors, CPCs and vacuum tubes.

If you look at the different types of glazed solar thermal collectors and we do a study of state of the art we observe the following:

-

\ vtcortauna Vacuum tubes are characterized by having a glass ampoule that insulates from the outside. In these tubes, four types are distinguished:

-

\ vtcortauna Heat pipe: consists of a tube on which the absorber is mounted. A small amount of fluid circulates inside the tube that evaporates under the action of solar radiation, rising to the top, and condensing when heat is transferred.

-

\ vtcortauna Direct flow: In this tube the fluid passes directly through the tube, which is welded to a fin. The welded fin and tube assembly has been embedded in a glass ampoule in order to isolate it.

-

\ vtcortauna Sydney: This tube was developed as a double ampoule, which avoids possible vacuum losses through the glass-metal junction. Because the absorber surface is cylindrical in shape, a reflector is necessary.

-

\ vtcortauna Schott: it consists of a glass tube inside another glass tube, which performs the functions of the absorber and on which a selective substance has been deposited. The fluid flows through the inner glass tube, without the need for metal-crystal junction. Being a cylindrical absorber, a reflector is necessary.

-

\ vtcortauna The CPC type sensors consist of a series of glass tubes, arranged parallel to each other, through which the fluid circulates and located on a cylindrical reflector that concentrates the sun's rays on the tube.

-

\ vtcortauna Flat solar collectors consist of an absorber consisting of a series of tubes or holes through which the fluid circulates, through a formed circuit.

The present invention is included in the sector of flat solar collectors.

If you look at the different types of developed flat solar collectors, from their first developments to the present, you can see what next:

-

\ vtcortauna The first developments used electrowelded stainless steel sheets that left inside channels in the form of conduits through which the fluid circulated. These absorbers greatly increased the performance since they favored the turbulent circulation regime inside. However, it has the disadvantage of a high loss of load and of not being able to withstand medium pressures inside the grill.

-

\ vtcortauna With the passage of time, circuits with copper pipes were developed, this being the most commonly used configuration. In this type of absorbers two main configurations are distinguished. Grill tubes and coils or collectors in meander.

       \ global \ parskip1.000000 \ baselineskip
    

quad

The most used configuration is the grill of tubes that start and end in two larger diameter tubes and arranged transversely to the grill. While the coil or meander absorbers achieve greater heating at cost of a greater loss of load limiting the number of equipment which can be connected in parallel.

If you look at the shape of the absorber it will They observe mainly three configurations:

-

\ vtcortauna A single absorber plate arranged on the grill tubes. This form is widely used as it allows welding. The contact between the absorber plate and the tube occurs on a very narrow strip of the tube.

-

\ vtcortauna A single absorber plate located on the collector tubes, partly surrounding the perimeter of the tubes. This configuration allows contact between the tube and the absorber belt on a larger surface than the previous one. But it has the complexity of having to have a very wide laminator and not be a favorable arrangement for welding.

-

\ vtcortauna Another configuration is to have a fin for each tube, which may or may not hug the perimeter of the tubes. This configuration together with the first are the most used today.

One of the problems that arises in the solar thermal collectors is the presence of welds, since the manufacturing process has an extra cost and we also have to ensure the tightness of the system very well, as well as the welds do not present any type of fissures and guarantee life of welding.

Over the past few years they have proposed different solutions in order to make solar collectors thermal that are cheaper.

Carrying out a study of the technique of different solutions proposed the following is observed patent:

-

\ vtcortauna US 4098261 (Watt) that presents a piece that hugs the tube and by means of screws is fixed to a plate, in this way it is about getting the heat to be transmitted from the piece that hugs the tube to the tube itself. In this patent it is observed that the heat transmission is not total although it is substantially improved. It is also observed that the union of the collector with the tubes is done by welding.

Description of the invention

With the system of the present invention, get a solar thermal collector manufactured by extrusion thus solving the problem mentioned above, that is, the presence of welds.

The present invention is characterized by fact that it consists of one or several extruded modules in whose ends are coupled two collectors that function as input-output of the heat transfer fluid.

Each of the extruded modules has a through hole that allows heat transfer fluid to pass communicating with each other the collectors of entrance exit. It is also observed that the extremes of these holes have their corresponding thread. These Extruded modules have a shape that allows solar energy collection, it being desirable that said collection be the maximum possible in order to obtain a better performance.

Thus it is observed that this extruded manifold can present virtually any geometric shape as long as present a hole that allows the passage of fluid through it. It is noteworthy that this geometry can go from a simple sheet flat extruded with its corresponding hole either in central, upper, lower or any of the possible arrangement  combinations, the hole being centered or offset from of geometry; to a more complex geometric shape than allow the maximum possible collection of solar radiation. So by example can be in the form of a tile with its corresponding hole. This is intended to increase energy collection by increasing the area of incidence that is affected by the sun's rays.

It is noteworthy that this extruded module can be extruded unitary or a module that can be extruded present several holes, that is, as if from several modules United will be.

Moreover the collectors of fluid inlet-outlet are hollow allowing the passage of the heat transfer fluid through them. Turn these collectors have one or several through transverse holes, as many as holes present the set of modules extruded It is noteworthy that these holes are presented in transverse arrangement and are concentric to the holes that present the extruded modules.

The union of the extruded modules with the input-output collectors is done by known fasteners such as screws or studs threaded Each of these screws or threaded studs features  a longitudinal hole and in turn has one or more holes or cross holes. These holes that present the Screws or threaded studs allow the passage of fluid heat transfer through them thus communicating the collectors extruded with the input-output.

The fasteners or screws go housed in the transverse holes of the collector entrance exit. These fasteners are fixed in the threaded holes of the extruded modules.

To guarantee the tightness, a or several o-rings, or any known element that you make A similar function. These O-rings are housed:

-

\ vtcortauna between each of the screws and the inlet-outlet manifolds of the heat transfer fluid, and in turn,

-

\ vtcortauna between the extruded modules and the inlet-outlet manifolds of the heat transfer fluid.

       \ vskip1.000000 \ baselineskip
    

In order to ensure that the o-rings settle correctly and work in optimal conditions They can make two different configurations:

- The first of these configurations consists of in making one or several circular pockets on both sides of the fluid inlet-outlet manifold. It is note that these circular pockets are concentric to the transverse manifold holes fluid inlet-outlet So you get one or several circular pockets arranged:

-

\ vtcortauna on the face between the screws or fasteners and the input-output manifold, and in turn,

-

\ vtcortauna on the face between the extruded modules and the input-output manifold.

       \ vskip1.000000 \ baselineskip
    

In order to ensure the tightness of the solar thermal collector the joints must be housed in these Circular pockets mentioned in this first configuration.

- The second of these configurations consists of in performing:

-

\ vtcortauna one or more circular pockets in one of the transverse walls of the heat transfer fluid inlet-outlet manifold, specifically in the transverse wall comprised between the extruded module and the heat exchanger fluid inlet-outlet manifold. It is noteworthy that these circular pockets are concentric to the transverse holes of the fluid inlet-outlet manifold.

-

\ vtcortauna a recess or recess in the flat seat of the screw head, specifically in the inner face of the screw head.

In order to ensure the tightness of the solar thermal collector the joints must be housed in said circular pockets and in the recesses of the screw head or any known element that performs the same functions.

In both ways it is guaranteed that the joints They settle perfectly in these circular pockets thus guaranteeing a correct tightness, and it is also guaranteed that if it occurs an excessive increase in temperature and with it the pressure the joints do not suffer excessive dilation, that is, the joints They do not expand. This ensures a correct tightness

It is noteworthy that the collectors of fluid inlet-outlet can be performed by extrusion, machining or any other process of feasible manufacturing You can also submit any type of geometry such as rectangular, quadrangular, tubular, etc...

On the other hand it is observed that these collectors input-output present in each of their ends its corresponding thread in order to couple the tubes input-output of the installation; as well as the plugs or necessary elements (fittings), in addition to facilitating the connection between two or more sensors either in series, parallel or any other possible provision. It is noteworthy that the fluid inlet-outlet can be performed both from longitudinal manner, as described above, or It can be done on the top or bottom side of the collector or transversely. All this will depend on the configuration of how they intend to place the solar thermal collectors.

The arrangement of the solar thermal collector can be both longitudinal and transverse. Depending on the design by the one that is chosen will cut the different profiles to a length That will be determined by the design. It is also observed that sensors can be made to the desired extent.

It is noteworthy that the thickness of the modules Extruded is determined by the design of the solar collector thermal, thus being able to have more or less thickness, or even, have a non-uniform or continuous thickness.

On the other hand it is observed that the absorber It can be made in any material that can be extruded such as: aluminum, magnesium, copper, etc. as well as any plastic that can be extruded.

Finally, it is observed that in order to improve the collection performance can take a bath or selective surface treatment to the absorber.

The fact that the present patent consists of a Extruded collector presents a number of advantages among which Note the following:

-

\ vtcortauna Increase in the collection or transmission of energy to the internal heat transfer fluid due to the direct contact between the collector and the hole through which the fluid passes, that is, due to the absence of welds since the collector is a single piece.

-

\ vtcortauna Perfect tightness due to the absence of welds.

-

\ vtcortauna Economical since the design can be optimized so that the absorber weighs as little as possible making it more economical.

-

\ vtcortauna Reduction of costs and assembly times due to the absence of welding, it is also noted that no special welding machinery is needed.

       \ vskip1.000000 \ baselineskip
    

Brief description of the drawings

Next and in order to do more understandable the description is going to proceed to the list of each of the parts that make up the extruded solar thermal collector of The present invention.

one.-

Extruded module

2.-

Through hole for the passage of heat transfer fluid through the extruded module (1).

3.-

Thread.

4.-

Inlet-Outlet Collector fluid.

5.-

Through hole for the passage of heat transfer fluid through the collector (4).

6.-

Hole or through hole in the manifold (4) for screw housing (9).

7.-

Circular pocket concentric to the hole (6) and the holes (2) of the extruded modules (1).

8.-

O-ring or any known element that perform the same function as a flat washer, a board, etc.

9.-

Fixing element known as for example screw or threaded stud.

10.-

Hole or longitudinal screw hole (9) to allow the passage of the heat transfer fluid.

eleven.-

Hole / s or transverse screw holes (9) to allow the passage of the heat transfer fluid.

12.-

Recess in the head of the screw or element of fixing (9) for the joint housing (8).

13.-

Housing or solar collector frame thermal.

14.-

Glass or plastic sheet or any other known element that performs the same functions.

fifteen.-

Sheet or closure of the box.

16.-

Thermal insulator.

17.-

Sealing gasket to fix the glass.

To complete the description that is being performing and in order to help a better understanding of what is written in this report and of the characteristics of the invention, is accompanied herein descriptive, as an integral part of it, a set of drawings or figures where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, represented the following:

Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.- Show a series of non-limiting and illustrative examples of different types of arrangements of the extruded module (1). In these figures the extruded module (1), the through hole (2) is observed of the extruded module (1) and its threaded end (3). Figure 6 shows an arrangement in which more than one hole is observed through (2) with its threaded ends (3), in this case they are shown two holes (2), being able to be more holes. The figures shown below, figure 9 and later, have been based on the form of the extruded module (1) of Figure 8.

Figure 9.- Shows a perspective view of the extruded module (1) partially sectioned. In this figure you clearly observe the extruded module itself (1) with the hole through (2) and its corresponding threaded end (3).

Figures 10 and 11.- Show a view exploded in perspective of the sensor assembly process solar thermal extruded. These views have been made since different angles in order to observe the different elements that make up both figures. In these figures it has performed an exploded view of:

-

\ vtcortauna the extruded modules (1) with the through hole (2) and the threaded end (3);

-

\ vtcortauna the input-output manifold (4) with its through hole (5) and its corresponding thread (3). In addition, the through transverse holes (6) for the housing of the screw (9) and the circular pocket (7) are observed in one of its transverse faces, specifically in the face between the extruded module (1) and the input manifold- output (4) (see figure 11);

-

\ vtcortauna the screws (9) with their corresponding threads (3) and the holes (10) and (11) that allow communication between the hole (2) and (5) of the extruded modules (1) and the manifolds (4). Each screw (9) has a recess (12) on the inside of the head (see figure 11);

-

\ vtcortauna the seals (8) that guarantee the tightness of the collector. These gaskets (8) are housed in the circular pockets (7) and in the recesses (12) that have the screws (9).

Figures 12 and 13.- Show a view sectioned in perspective of figures 10 and 11 once assembled All its elements. These figures show the different elements of figures 10 and 11 assembled and sectioned, in addition to observe how the joints (8) are perfectly housed in their corresponding housings (7) and (12) of both the manifold (4) and of the screw (9).

Figures 14 and 15.- Show another possible configuration of the realization of the solar thermal collector extruded These figures show exploded views in perspective of the assembly process of the solar thermal collector. In These figures look at the same elements as in the figures 10 and 11. The variant or difference between figures 10 and 11 and the Figures 14 and 15 is that the collector (4) presents the circular pockets (7) at both transverse ends, specifically between:

-

\ vtcortauna the face between the extruded module (1) and the input-output manifold (4) (see Figure 14);

-

\ vtcortauna and the face between the screws or fasteners (9) and the input-output manifold (4) (see Figure 15).

While the screw (9) does not have the recess (12), that is, it has a flat face on the inside of the screw head (9) (see figure 14). Also I know note that the gaskets (8) are housed in the circular pockets (7) of the collector (4) thus guaranteeing the tightness of the solar collector thermal extruded.

Figure 16.- Shows a perspective view of the mounted extruded thermal solar collector.

Figure 17.- Shows a perspective view of a partial section of the solar thermal collector completely mounted with its corresponding box or housing. In this figure you look at the box (13), the glass (14), the sheet (15) at the bottom of the box (13), the thermal insulators (16), the gasket (17), the Extruded modules (1) with their corresponding elements, the manifold (4) with its corresponding elements, the gaskets (8) and the screw or threaded stud (9) with its corresponding elements.

Figure 18.- Shows a perspective view of the solar thermal collector.

Description of a preferred embodiment

As can be seen in the figures attached to the present invention, the solar thermal collector Extruded consists of:

- one or more extruded modules (1) that have one or more through holes (2) with their ends threaded (3),

- and two collectors (4) intended for input-output of the heat transfer fluid through through holes (5) with their threaded ends (3).

The collector (4) has so many holes through cross-sections (6) as holes (2) present the set of the extruded modules (1). These cross holes (6) are concentric to the holes (2) of the extruded modules (1).

In addition the collector (4) presents a series of Circular pockets (7), as many as through holes (6) have the collector (4). These circular pockets (7) are concentric to the through holes (6).

These through holes (6) serve to accommodate fasteners such as screws, studs threaded or any other known fastener (9). While the circular pockets (7) serve to accommodate the gaskets (8) inside.

The screws (9) have a stem partially threaded (3), a longitudinal hole (10) and one or several holes or transverse holes (11). These holes (10) and (11) allow to communicate the holes (2) of the modules extrudates (1) and the holes (5) of the manifolds (4).

In order to mount the sensor solar thermal extruded it is observed that the screw (9) is introduced in the through hole (6) of the manifold (4) and fixed to the thread (3) of the hole (2) of the extruded module (1).

To ensure the tightness of the collector Solar thermal extruded joints are used (8). You are together (8) can be of the toric type or any sealing element known to perform the same functions and be suitable for this type of collectors. In order to ensure that the joints (8) seat correctly and avoid possible leaks it is observed that you can make two different configurations or variants (see Figures 10 and 11 and in turn Figures 14 and 15).

-

\ vtcortauna The first configuration consists of making the circular pockets (7) only at a transverse end of the collector (4), specifically on the face between the extruded modules (1) and the input-output manifold (4) (see Figure 11 ). While the screw or clamping element (9) has a recess (12) which in turn allows the joint housing (8) (see Figure 11).

-

\ vtcortauna The second configuration consists of making circular pockets (7) at both transverse ends of the collector, that is:

-

\ vtcortauna on the face between the extruded module (1) and the input-output manifold (4) (see Figure 14); and in turn

-

\ vtcortauna on the face between the screws or fasteners (9) and the input-output manifold (4) (see figure 15).

If you look at the first configuration, see figures 10, 11, 12 and 13, it is observed that to ensure the tightness of the system a series of joints are introduced (8):

-

\ vtcortauna between the extruded module (1) and the input-output manifold (4), and in turn,

-

\ vtcortauna between the screw or fastener (9) and the input-output manifold (4).

It is noteworthy that the boards (8) are housed in the circular pockets (7) of the collector (4) and in the recess (12) of the screw or fixing element (9). This way the boards (8) they are perfectly seated both in circular pockets (7) as in the recess (12) of the screw or fixing element (9).

If you look at the second configuration, see figures 14 and 15, it is observed that to guarantee the System sealing a series of joints (8) are introduced:

-

\ vtcortauna between the extruded module (1) and the input-output manifold (4), and in turn,

-

\ vtcortauna between the screw or fastener (9) and the input-output manifold (4).

It is noteworthy that the boards (8) are housed in circular pockets (7) and are perfectly seated in these circular pockets (7).

Through the two configurations described previously, a correct sealing of the collector is guaranteed solar thermal extruded, thus avoiding possible leaks that could be in the collector unions. In this way, when the gaskets (8) in the circular pockets (7) and / or in the recesses (12) of the  screw or fastener (9) prevents seals (8) can expand or open excessively. It is also noted that yes a substantial increase in fluid temperature occurs heat transfer and with it the pressure, the joints (8) will expand in its right measure always guaranteeing the optimal functioning of the joints (8) and at the same time guaranteeing the tightness of the system.

On the other hand it is observed that in order to facilitate the assembly of the collector or solar collectors thermal threads (3) are incorporated at the ends of the holes (5) of the input-output manifold (4) with in order to perform the installation either of a sensor or of multiple sensors, being able to carry out the installation of assembly of the circuit in the most appropriate way for example, in series, in parallel, etc ... It is also observed that the input-output of the heat transfer fluid can be made in longitudinal arrangement to the collectors (4) as and as seen in the figures, or in the transverse face, top or bottom of the manifold (4). The disposition of the fluid inlet-outlet will depend on the design that be carried out and of the installation requirements.

Finally, it is observed that, like it can occur in other solar thermal collectors, in order to optimize performance, improve absorption efficiency and decrease emissivity can be applied to extruded modules (1) and to the input-output manifolds (4) any selective treatment or surface coating known as either the paint, black chrome or any other type known treatment or coating.

Claims (13)

1. Extruded thermal solar collector for thermal heating of water or heat transfer fluid that understands:

-

\ vtcortauna one or more extruded modules (1),

-

\ vtcortauna two manifolds (4), one inlet and one in the heat transfer fluid outlet, one at each end of the extruded modules (1),

-

\ vtcortauna fixing elements or screws (9) having a longitudinal hole (10) and one or several transverse holes (11) allowing the passage of the heat transfer fluid,

-

\ vtcortauna seals or any known element (8) that guarantee the tightness such as o-rings,

characterized in that each of the extruded modules (1) is connected to the input-output manifolds (4) by means of a series of screws or fasteners (9), these screws (9) are inserted into the holes (6) of the manifold (4) and thread into the hole (2) of the extruded module (1); In order to guarantee the tightness of the collector, a series of gaskets (8) are incorporated. 2. Extruded thermal solar collector according to the claim 1 wherein each of the extruded modules (1) It contains one or more holes (2) with its threaded ends (3) through which the heat transfer fluid passes. 3. Extruded thermal solar collector according to the claim 1 wherein the collectors of input-output (4) contain:

-

\ vtcortauna a longitudinal hole (5) with its threaded ends (3), allowing the connection of the sensor through elements known as for example fittings.

-

\ vtcortauna As many transverse holes (6) as holes (2) present the solar collector, these transverse holes (6) being concentric to the holes (2) of the extruded modules (1).

-

\ vtcortauna As many circular pockets (7) as transverse holes (6) present the solar collector, these circular pockets (7) being concentric to the transverse holes (6).

4. Extruded thermal solar collector according to the claim 1 wherein the screws or fasteners (9) contain:

-

\ vtcortauna a longitudinal hole (10), and

-

\ vtcortauna one or more holes or transverse holes (11).

         \ vskip1.000000 \ baselineskip
      

These holes allow the passage of fluid heat carrier thus communicating the holes (2) of each of the Extruded modules (1) with holes (5) of the collectors (4). 5. Extruded thermal solar collector according to the claim 4 wherein the screws or fasteners (9) contain a recess or drain (12) on the inside of the screw head (9). 6. Extruded thermal solar collector according to claim 1 characterized in that the o-rings (8) are placed:

-

\ vtcortauna between the screws (9) and the manifold (4), and

-

\ vtcortauna between the manifold (4) and the extruded module (1).

         \ vskip1.000000 \ baselineskip
      

7. Extruded thermal solar collector according to claim 6 characterized in that the seals (8) are housed in the circular pockets (7) of the collector (4), thus guaranteeing the tightness of the collector even when the temperature of the fluid increases and with it the pressure . 8. Extruded thermal solar collector according to claim 6 characterized in that the seals (8) are housed in the recesses (12) of the screws (9) and in the circular pockets (7) of the collector (4), thus guaranteeing the tightness of the sensor even when the temperature of the fluid increases and with it the pressure. 9. Extruded thermal solar collector according to claim 1, 2 or 3 characterized in that the extruded modules are made by any known material that can be extruded such as aluminum, magnesium, copper, ..., or any plastic that can be extruded . 10. Extruded thermal solar collector according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the extruded module (1) can have any geometric shape as long as it has at least one hole (2) with its threaded ends (3). 11. Extruded thermal solar collector according to claim 1 or 3 characterized in that the input-output collectors (4) can have any geometric shape, be it quadrangular, rectangular, tubular, etc ... 12. Extruded thermal solar collector according to claim 1 characterized in that each of the extruded modules (1) and the input-output collectors (4) have a known selective coating or surface treatment, thus increasing the efficiency of the collector, that is to say , increasing the absorption coefficient and decreasing the emissivity coefficient. 13. Extruded thermal solar collector according to claim 1 characterized in that the collector is inserted into a box or housing (13) with its corresponding thermal insulator (15) and its corresponding glass (16) or any known element that performs the function of allowing the passage of solar radiation and minimize energy losses by cooling the air, reducing in turn the emissivity.