FR2491599A1 - Solar heating panel using air as working fluid - has forced air circulation through triangular section chambers defined by absorber panels - Google Patents

Abstract

The solar heating panel consists of an insulated enclosure (C) with a transparent cover (B). The absorber (A) is arranged within the enclosure in an inclined manner, diagonally from the base to the top to form two compartments of triangular cross section. The inlet compartment (E1) is supplied with air through the inlet (D) with the aid of a fan (V). The air passes into the outlet compartment (E2) through the absorber (A) which is constructed of expanded metal or woven wire. The warm air is discharged through the outlet branch (E). A telescopic support strut (B) is used to adjust the inclination of the absorber.

Description

 The invention relates to a solar collector using commkfluid heat transfer air, and its components.

 The object of the invention relates to the technical sector of heating and of the production of heat by capturing solar energy.

 Many solar collectors have been proposed which generally use water or other liquid fluid as the heat transfer fluid. These sensors have certain drawbacks with regard in particular to their yield, their cost price, their durability, their maintenance. Sensors have also been proposed in which air is used as the heat transfer fluid, which eliminates some of the aforementioned drawbacks. However, despite the apparent theoretical simplicity of these sensors, many problems are posed in particular by improving the absorption capacity by avoiding pressure drops, and still others if one wishes to achieve at the same time efficiency, yield, feasibility, reliability and sustainability.

 It is for this purpose that the sensor which is the subject of the invention has been designed and developed, for which better absorption and a considerably improved thermal efficiency have been desired by the use of certain absorbent materials. , by reducing pressure losses as much as possible; a rational concept to authorize economic industrial production; better conditions of use, of cleaning the solar energy absorbing element and its rapid replacement if necessary; a self-assembly between sensors used in battery and their waterproof incorporation when they are mounted on the roof.

 For this purpose and according to a first characteristic, the solar air collector according to the invention comprises a box in which there is an absorbing element, the said box having at least one side or transparent face so that the absorber receives the radiation or the solar radiation, the other faces of the box being thermally insulated, at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening being formed in the box so as to allow the entry of air and also the evacuation of air clau ~ - fé until use, a turbine or fan system being preferably but not exclusively mounted, in order to ensure a circulation and a suitable flow rate of the heated air, the sensor being characterized by an assembly of the absorber in the box by forming a first circulation space into which the air which enters the box arrives, and a second circulation space which communicates with the outlet or openings for the outlet of the heated air, both spaced these being separated by the absorbent material formed as a panel which is included in the air circulation circuit while being traversed in its thickness by the circulating air.

 According to another characteristic, the absorber panel is a ventilated and organized structure, capable of being produced industrially and mechanically, constituted by one or more similar or composite layers of them, metal ribbons, alloys, conductive plastic with metallic charge or other materials or materials with good thermal conductivity.

 These caracristic and others will emerge from the following description.

To set the subject of the invention, without however limiting it, in the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 is a sectional view of the sensor with an absorber panel mounted inclined between the transparent face and the bottom of the box.

 Figure 2 is a sectional view of the sensor with an absorber panel mounted parallel or substantially between the transparent face and the bottom of the box.

 Figure 3 is a sectional view of the sensor with, mounted in the housing, two absorber panels inversely inclined.

 Figure 4 is a sectional view of the sensor, with several absorber panels mounted in succession in the calluses.

 Figures 52 6, 7 and 8 show different embodiments of the absorber panels.

 Figure 9 shows a partial view in perspective and in section, an example of mounting the absorber panel in a rigid frame.

 FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the sensor illustrating a removable mounting of the absorbent panel or panels relative to the box, according to a first embodiment.

 Figure II is a perspective view of the sensor before mounting the various elements of the external structure of the box.

 FIG. 12 shows in a perspective view, the coupled coupling on a roof of two sensors executed according to the embodiment of FIG. 11.

 FIG. 13 is, on a larger scale, a view in longitudinal section, considered along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

 Figure -14 is a cross-sectional view, on a larger scale, considered along line 14-14 of Figure 12.

 FIG. 15 shows by a sectional view, on a larger scale, the transverse coupling of two sensors, the boxes of which conform to those of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

 FIG. 16 schematically shows the mounting on the front of the sensor according to the invention.

 In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it will now be described in a nonlimiting manner with reference to the exemplary embodiments of the figures of the drawings.

 In a known manner, the sensor comprises a box designated as a whole by (C), in which there is an element or absorbing material CA). The box has at least one transparent face (B) to form the single or double wall cover ensuring the greenhouse effect with regard to the absorber (A) which receives the radiation or solar radiation -; the other faces of the box are thermally insulated. At least one inlet opening (D) and at least one outlet opening (E) are formed in the box (C) so as to allow the entry of air and also the evacuation of the heated air up to 'to use'Lion. In a preferred manner, although not exclusive, a fan (V) or turbine system is mounted in the box in order to ensure circulation and a suitable flow rate of the heated air.

According to a first important characteristic of the invention, the absorber (A) is mounted inside the box (C), forming a first circulation space (E1) into which the air which enters the box through the or the openings (D), and a second circulation space (E2) which communicates with the outlet opening (s) (E) of the heated air. The two circulation spaces
E1 and E2) are separated by the absorber material tA) formed as a panel, which is included in the air circulation circuit while being traversed in its thickness by the circulating air.

 It can be seen in FIG. 1 that the absorber panel (A) is mounted inclined between the transparent face (B) and the bottom of the box (C), forming two triangular sections (1 and 2) of air circulation, for each circulation space E1 and E2), on either side of the absorber panel (A). The largest cross-sectional dimension (la) of the first circulation space (1) is located on the side of the inlet opening (s) (D). Conversely, the largest dimension in section (2a) of the second space (2) is on the side of the opening or openings (E) for the outlet of the heated air.

 The absorber panel (A) cooperates with adjustment means (3), known in themselves, to give it different possible inclinations.

 For example, the adjustment means (3) can be produced from sliding telescopic elements, with less locking in position or by shims of standard thickness.

 In the embodiment of Figure 2, the absorber panel (A) is mounted parallel, or substantially parallel, between the transparent side (B) and the bottom of the box (C), forming two sections (4 and 5) of circulation on both sides of the absorber panel CA). The two sections (4 and 5) are equal or not, being rectangular or substantially rectangular.

 The absorber panel (A) is mounted in the box (C), with on the side of the inlet opening (s), a partition (6) forcing the air to circulate between the transparent side (B) of the catis sound and the absorber (A) by crossing the latter to reach the outlet opening (s) (E) passing through the second circulation space (5) (arrows in FIG. 2).

 In this embodiment, as in the previous one, the position of the absorber panel (A) relative to the transparent side (B) and the bottom of the box, is adjustable by means known in themselves.

 For example, the partition (6) can also act as an adjustable support for the absorber panel (A).

 It is obvious that from these two embodiments constituting at least two air circulation spaces (E1) and (2), other alternative embodiments are possible. For example, in FIG. 3, in the box (C), two inversely inclined and contiguous absorber panels (A1 and A2) are mounted with a central suction turbine (T). Or, as shown in Figure 4, several absorber panels (A3, A4, A5) are mounted in succession in the box (C) by combining their heat exchange capacity between the inlet (s) (D) and the outlet (s) ( E) circulating air.

 According to another important characteristic of the invention, the absorber panel (A) is an airy and organized structure, capable of being produced industrially and mechanically. This structure consists of one or more similar or composite layers of wires, metal ribbons, alloys, conductive plastics with metallic charges or other materials or materials with good thermal conductivity.

To this end, we have illustrated some examples which are in no way limited
tifs of the absorber panel in Figures 5, 5 7 ct O.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the absorber panel (A) is
made of expanded metal (7), while in Figure 6, the panel
absorber is made of woven or braided threads or ribbons. The
structure of the absorber panel is then obtained by superposition,
flat, in several layers (of expanded metal or woven or braided threads or ribbons) or in a single layer suitably folded in accordion (Figure 8).

 As shown in FIG. 7, the absorber can also co-distribute a benchtop (9) in the form of woven cords, otherwise formed braids, in threads or ribbons allowing good air circulation by a general structure which is sufficiently ventilated.

 In a preferred manner, the layer or layers previously described, are mounted in a rigid frame (10) with retaining means in this frame, such as for example, spaced wires (g) fixed to the frame (10) (figure 9), a mesh or a weld G. a bonding of the layer or layers to the internal sides of the frame.

The absorber panel (s) with their mounting frame (10),
are removable relative to the box (C) which may have laterally, one or more openings (11) for engaging or removing the absorber panel (s) (Figure 10). The opening (s) (11) of the case
its are closed by the frames (10) in place, or by added means.

However, in a preferred manner, the absorber panel or panels
are removable by a removable assembly on the transparent side (B) of the box (C), which gives access to the said absorber panels.

Retaining means', such as hooks or the like, are also provided for keeping the sides or removable sides trans
parents (B) of the box.

Illustrated in Figures 11 to 15, a technological achievement
favorite of the box. We see Figures II and 14 in particular that the callus
sound is obtained from a longitudinal U-shaped interior profile
rement of an insulating material such as polyurethane foam (M).

To this end, the longitudinal U-shaped profile includes an integrated shell.
upper (12) and an outer shell (13). The inner shell (12:
forms two vertical wings (12a and 12b) doubly squared in (12c) while the outer shell forms two vertical wings (13a, 13b) of height greater than that of the siles (12a, 12b). In addition, as shown in Figure 13, the outer shell (13) transversely forms, on one side, a vertical squared edge (13c) and on the other side, a vertical flange square (13d) with a tray transverse support rim (13e) .The transverse sides of the box are each obtained by two U-shaped profiles (14 and 15) internally lined with polyurethane foam or other insulating material.

 Each transverse U-shaped profile (14 and 15) is fixedly positioned in abutment between the internal wings (12a and 12b) of the longitudinal U-shaped profile and against the squared transverse edges (13c and 13d) (FIG. 13).

 It can also be seen that one of the vertical wings (13a of the outer shell (13) forms longitudinally an inner edge (13f), while the other wing (13b) forms a doubly squared outer edge (13g) (Figures 11 , 12, 11).

In a known manner, the doubly squared longitudinal rim (13g) is capable of cooperating by hooking with the squared internal rim (13f) of an adjacent box for their coupling (FIGS. 14 and 15). A gasket in the form of a rod (16) is positioned at the junction of the two flanges (13f and 13g).

 The window (17) or other transparent surface is supported on transverse seals (18) mounted on each transverse profile (14 t 15) of the box and cooperates with lip seals (19) arranged longitudinally and mounted in combination with the flanges squared from the inner shell (12) (Figure 19). Note that the outer lips of the seals (19) are easily retractable manually to remove the window (17) in order to access the (x) panel (s) absorbers (A).

 As shown in particular in Figure 11, the waterproof box thus produced, has means allowing its adaptation and mounting in a sealed manner, on a roof or facade.

 For this purpose, the vertical wing (13a) of the outer shell (13) of the longitudinal U-shaped profile cooperates with a profiled element (20) successively forming a squared vertical rim (20a), a flat bearing surface (20b ), another squared vertical rim (20c) of height substantially equal to the height of the wing (13a) and finally a double horizontal rim (20d) doubly squared and cooperating with the internal squared rim (13f) of said wing (13a) The other vertical wing (13b) of the U-shaped profile cooperates longitudinally with a profiled element (21) successively forming a squared vertical edge (21a) a flat bearing surface (21b), a second vertical edge C-21c ) of height substantially equal to the height of the alla (13b) and finally an externally squared edge (21d) cooperating and positioning itself inside the squared flow edge (13g) of said wing (13b) (FIG. 14).

 We see Figures 12 and 14, that the external vertical edges (20a and 21a) allow the positioning and support of the roof elements (tiles (t)).

 The transverse face of the box, on the high side of the slope of the roof (Figures 12 and 13) cooperates with profiled element (22) which successively forms a small vertical ledge (22a), a flat bearing face (22b), a ledge squared vertical (22c), the upper part of which is doubly squared internally at (22d) while being capable of cooperating bearing on the window (17) with the interposition of a seal (23) (FIG. 13). The flat face (22b) of the transverse profile (22) bears on the transverse rim (13e) formed at the base of the vertical rim (13d) of the external shell (13) of the U-shaped profile.

 On the low side of the slope of the roof, the box cooperates transversely in support at its base with a plate (24) suitably profiled to pass and position itself above the elements for covering the roof (Figures 12, 13), view of the good flow of rainwater, for example, which are previously channeled and guided in the troughs formed by the various flat bearing faces (20b, 21b and 22b) and the various squared edges (20a, 21a, and 22a) of the profiled elements (20, 21 and 22). We also see that on the low side of the slope of the roofs the box does not present transversely in opposition to the face located on the high side, a squared edge, not to retain rain water but on the contrary to facilitate its flow and evacuation the transparent side of the sensor.

 Thus produced, the sensor can also be placed vertically on the front (Figure 16) with in this case suitable hooking and positioning means.

 It is obvious that the box could be produced in an equivalent manner from a transverse U-shaped profile internally lined with Insulating material instead of a longitudinal profile.

 It is interestingly pointed out that this technological design of the box, by the continuous U-shaped profile and the direct injection of polyurethane foam which gives an adherent one-piece connection, constitutes "load-bearing" boxes whose structures can partially play the role of frame by being likely to allow a realization of roof opening entirely by means of sensors.

 In addition, it is expected that the sensor according to the invention constitutes a complete assembly integrating the means of assembly, fixing, ventilation, regulation ... to be ready for use and directly mounted by the user.

 The advantages emerge clearly from the description, in particular it is emphasized - The mounting of the absorber panel (s) in the box by being two air circulation spaces, makes it possible to balance the pressure losses and to avoid heat losses by glazing; thermal efficiency is improved.

- The ventilated structure, organized homogeneously, of the absorber panel (s), helps to balance the pressure losses while giving a maximum heat exchange capacity with good circulation of the heat transfer fluid; in a known manner, the structure of the absorber panel or panels is painted superficially in black or another dark color.

- The ease and speed of manufacture of the sensor casing and the resulting economy (long length injection).

- The possibility and ease of adaptation to different lengths.

- The junction of different sensors with reduction of the thermal bridge by the joint.

- has the possibility of making boxes or bins in great lengths and of cutting them to the desired dimensions.

- Battery mounting of several sensors, the whole being powered by a single turbine; a single regulation which is also sufficient.

 The invention is in no way limited to that of its modes of application or more than those of the embodiments of its parts which have been more especially indicated; on the contrary, it embraces all variants.

Claims (3)

-1- Solar collector using 1 aIr as heat transfer fluid, and its components, this collector comprising a box (C) in which there is an absorbing element or material (A), said box (C) having at least one side or face transparent (B) so that the absorber (A) receives solar radiation or radiation, the other faces of the box being thermally insulated, at least one inlet opening (D) and at least one outlet opening (E) being formed in the box (C) so as to allow the entry of air and also the evacuation of the heated air until use, a system this turbine-or fan (V) being preferably mounted but not exclusively, in order to ensure a circulation and a suitable flow rate of the heated air, the sensor being characterized by an assembly of, the absorber (A) in the box (c) by forming a first circulation space (E1) in which the air which enters the box arrives, and a second circulation space (E2) which communicates with ec the outlet opening (s) of the heated air, the two spaces (El and E2) being separated by the absorbent material formed as a panel which is included in the air circulation circuit while being traversed in its thickness by circulating air. -2- Solar collector according to claim 1, characterized in that the absorber panel (A) is mounted inclined between the transparent face and the bottom of the box, forming two triangular sections of air circulation (1 and 2) for each circulation space on either side of the absorber panel (A), the largest dimension in section (la) of the first circulation space (1) being on the side of the air inlet opening (s) (D ) in the box (C), while conversely the largest dimension in section (2a) of the second space (2) is on the side of the outlet or openings (E) of the heated air. -3- Sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that the absorber panel (A) cooperates with r "" glage means (@), known in themselves, of the inclination of the absorber panel.  - Sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that the absorber panel (A) is mounted parallel or substantially pa parallel between the transparent side (B) and the bottom of the box, forming two sections (1 and 5) equal or not, rectangular or substantially rectangular, air circulation on either side of the absorber panel (A), which is mounted in the box with, on the side of the inlet opening (s) (D), a partition (6) forcing air to circulate between the transparent side (B) of the box and the absorber panel (A), crossing the latter to reach the outlet opening (s) (D) passing through the second circulation space (5) . -5- Sensor according to claim A characterized in that the position of the absorber panel CA) relative to the transparent side (B) and the bottom of the box, is adjustable by means known in themselves.  6 Sensor according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that in the box (C) are mounted two absorber panels (A1 and A2j inversely inclined and contiguous. -7- Sensor according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that in the box (C) are mounted in succession several absorber panels (A3, A4, As) combining their thermal exchange capacity between l entry and exit of circulating air.  S- Sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, charac terized in that the absorber panel (A) is an aerated and organized structure, capable of being produced industrially and mechanically, constituted by one or more similar or composite layers wire, metal ribbons, alloys, conductive plastic with metallic charge or other materials or materials with good thermal conductivity. -9- A sensor according to claim 8 and any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ventilated and organized structure constituting the absorber panel (A) is made of expanded metal (7). -1C- Sensor according to claim 8 and any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ventilated and organized structure constituting the absorbent panel (A) is made of woven or braided wires or ribbons (8).  Il Sensor according to any one of claims 9 and 1Cs characterized in that the ventilated and organized structure constituting the absorber panel (A) is produced in several flat layers. -12- Sensor according to any one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the ventilated and organized structure constituting the absorber panel (A) is made in a single layer folded in accordion. -13- Sensor according to claim 8 and any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ventilated and organized structure constituting the absorber panel (A) is a bench (9) in the form of woven, braided or otherwise cords formed, in son or ribbons allowing a good air circulation by a general structure sufficiently ventilated. -14- Sensor according to any one of claims 8 d 13, characterized in that the layer or layers are mounted in a rigid frame (10) with retaining means in this frame (spaced wires (11) fixed to the frame ( 10), grilling, welding, bonding of the layer or layers to the internal sides of the frame (10). -15- A sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 14 ca factified in that the absorber panel (s) (A) with their mounting frame (10) are removable relative to the box (C) which laterally has one or openings (11) for engaging or removing the absorber panel (s) (A), the opening (s) (11) of the box are closed by the frames (10) put in place, or by added means. -16- Sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the absorber panel (s) (A) are removable by a removable assembly on the transparent side (B) of the box (C) to access the said absorber panels. -17- Sensor according to claim 16 and any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the box (~) is obtained from a longitudinal U-shaped profile (or lateral), internally lined with a material insulation such as polyurethane foam (M).  inner U-shaped longitudinal profile includes a shell / (12) and an outer shell (13), the inner shell (12) forms two vertical wings (12a) and (12B) doubly squared in (12c), while the outer shell ( 13) forms two vertical wings (13a and 13b) of height greater than those of the wings (12a - 12b); one of the wings (13 a) longitudinally forms an internally squared rim (13f), the other wing (13b) forming a doubly squared rim externally re (13g) capable of cooperating by hooking with the squared internal rim (13f) d 'an adjacent box for their coupling with seal (16); the outer shell (13) also forms transversely, on one side, a vertical squared edge (13c) and on the other side, a vertical squared edge (3d) with at its base a transverse support edge (13e) . -18- Sensor according to claim 17, characterized in that the -19- Sensor according to claim 18, characterized in that the sides: - transverse of the box are each obtained by two U-shaped profiles (14 and 15) internally lined with polyurethane foam or other insulating material, each profile transves : csal (14 and 15) is fixedly positioned in abutment between the internal wings (12a and 12b) of the U-shaped longitudinal profile, and against the squared external transverse edges (13c and 13d).  -20- Sensor according to any one of claims 18 and 19, characterized in that a window (17), or other transparent surface, is supported on transverse joints (18) mounted on each transverse profile (la and 15 ) of the box and works with lip seals (19) arranged longitudinally and mounted in combination with the squared edges of the inner shell (12 ,. -21- Sensor according to any one of claims 16, 17, 18 and 19, characterized in that the box (C) has means allowing its adaptation and mounting in a sealed manner on a roof or facade. -22- Sensor according to claim 21 and any one of claims 18 and 19, characterized in that the longitudinal sides (13a and ;; j) ru sealed box, each cooperate with profiled elements (20 and 21) shaped to adapt in particular with the squared edges (13f and 13g) of said sides (13a and 13b) and per put the positioning of cle'nent e roof covering the transverse face of the box, on the high side of the roof laying cooperates with a profiled element (22) forming, inter alia, a squared supporting rim on the glass (17) with the interposition of a seal (23), while the other transverse face of the box on the bottom side of the slope of the roof, cooperates at its base in abutment with a plate (24) for in particular the flow of rainwater channeled beforehand by flat parts (20b, 21b, 22b) of the profiled elements (20 21 and 22) forming chutes. -23- A sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that it constitutes a complete assembly integrating the means of assembly, fixing, ventilation, regulation.