GB2482205A

GB2482205A - Solar energy collector device with thermal energy storage

Info

Publication number: GB2482205A
Application number: GB1014717.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Wheatley
Original assignee: SOLORNO Ltd
Current assignee: SOLORNO Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-06
Filing date: 2010-09-06
Publication date: 2012-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2030-09-06
Also published as: GB201014717D0; GB2484353B; GB2484353A; WO2012032330A2; GB2482205B; WO2012032330A3; GB201018939D0; GB2484353A8

Abstract

An energy collector device 1 comprises an enclosure 3 and tubing 7, where the enclosure incorporates a base 5 and cover 10. A thermal energy storage device 4 is located between the cover and the base. The tubing is at least partially located between the cover and the energy storage device for communicating a working fluid within the collector device. The thermal energy storage device incorporates a reservoir of heat absorbing liquid. The absorbed thermal energy contained within the heat absorbing liquid is communicated from the thermal energy storage device to the working fluid within the tubing, when in use, the available solar radiation diminishes. In another aspect, a method of heating a working fluid within an energy collecting device is disclosed, where a working fluid is retained within the tubing of the collecting device for a predetermined time period, and the working fluid is then emptied from the tubing into a retention vessel. In a further aspect, a photovoltaic solar panel with a fixed dome structure comprising a concave portion and a convex portion is disclosed. In a still further aspect, a solar oven comprising a cover and a base with a cooking means located in between is disclosed.

Description

AN ENERGY COLLECTOR DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an energy collector device, in particular to solar thermal collectors for heating water.

Background to the Invention

The closest art known to the Applicant are documents [P1947401 Al (Solorno Systems S.L.) and FR2908870 A3 (Lyla SarI).

[P1947401 Al is a previous application from the Applicant which is an invention for a flat plate collector that incorporates an energy storage means in the form of an energy storage layer. The absorbed thermal energy contained within the thermal energy storage means then dissipates the heat energy stored within the collector, whilst the available solar radiation diminishes, for example at sunset etc. The invention of this prior art document has the following drawbacks: * The energy storage layer is typically a heatsink incorporating a ceramic or mineral material. The ceramic and/or mineral material is preferably a granular stone material expelled from volcanoes, such as Picon. The ceramic and/or mineral material can store the thermal energy for relatively short period onLy.

* A flat plate collector generally requires low flow rates in order to maximise the communication of the absorbed heat energy into the working fluid. The thermal layer dissipates the heat energy through conduction to the tubing directly and convectionally during periods when solar radiation diminishes.

Document FR2908870 A3 provides an alternative invention for a flat plate collector which incorporates a bundle of tubes for the circulation of a working fluid within a glass assembly. The tubes are connected directly to a hot water and cold water collecting assembly.

The disadvantage of this configuration is that it does not incorporate a thermal energy store which provides heat energy during a period where solar radiation has been diminished.

The present invention seeks to provide a remedy/solution to these problems by providing an improved energy collector, which transfers collected heat energy to a working fluid more uniformly over time.

Furthermore, the present invention seeks to provide a collector, which absorbs more heat energy per unit area than other conventional thermal collectors.

Furthermore, the present invention seeks to provide a water heating system, which minimises the loss of heat energy. The invention significantly lowers the cost of solar panels in that it is believed to be the cheapest and most efficient solar water heating system available for both swimming pools and domestic systems with rapid return on investment. Also, the device can be supplied to be fitted together by a non-skilled person to put it together, with some plumbing.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad independent aspect, an energy collector device comprising an enclosure and tubing; said enclosure incorporates a base and cover; a thermal energy storage device located between said cover and said base; said tubing being at least partially located between said cover and said energy storage device for communicating a working fluid within said collector device; wherein said thermal energy storage device incorporates a reservoir of heat absorbing liquid; the absorbed thermal energy contained within said heat absorbing liquid is communicated from said thermal energy storage device to said working fluid within said tubing, when in use, the available solar radiation diminishes. A thermal energy storage device formed from preconfigured vessel filled with the heat absorbing fluid is cost effective and easier to manufacture than other known energy storage devices, such as ceramic or mineral based storage devices which are expensive and require specialist manufacturing skills. Therefore a thermal energy storage device containing heat absorbing fluid can formed into complicated shapes and/or configurations which are not possible with ceramic or mineral, such as Picon.

This arrangement provides a more consistent heating mechanism which is Less susceptible to fluctuations in the available solar radiation, i.e. where large and dense clouds are present.

Preferably, said thermal energy storage device further comprises a body portion which extends towards the inner surface of said cover, thereby extending said reservoir of heat absorbing fluid towards said inner surface of said cover. This provides a thermal energy storage device with an increased surface area for dissipating the stored thermal evenly about the tubing that communicated the heating fluid within the collector. Furthermore, the increased surface area enables the energy storage device to store thermal energy from the collected solar radiation more quickly and efficiently.

Preferably, said heat absorbing fluid is an ionic liquid or hydrocarbon liquid or mixtures thereof. This absorbs, retains and disperses thermal energy more effectively than ceramic or mineral material, such as Picon, therefore providing a more consistent heating mechanism which is less susceptible to fluctuations in the available solar radiation, i.e. where large and dense clouds are present.

Preferably, said tubing incorporates a corrugated surface. This provides the tubing which contains the working fluid with an increased surface area for collecting solar radiation.

Preferably, said tubing is configured into a plurality of coil configurations which are interconnected in a substantially helical configuration; whereby said working fluid is continuously communicated about and between each said coil configuration. This configuration initially circulates the colder working fluid within the bottom layer of the helical configuration. The working fluid is then subsequently heated as it is circulated within each of the ascending layers, which as advantageous due to the upper layer of the helical configuration being located within the upper portion of the collector that contains the majority of the contained thermal energy.

Preferably, an energy collector device further comprises a plurality of spacer members for separating and supporting adjacent tubing portions along both vertical and horizontal axes.

This enables an area of free space to be formed, between each tubing layer and/or between each tubing portion, which transmits thermal energy to the working fluid within the tubing by conduction or convection.

Preferably, each said spacer member further comprises a corrugated surface. This provides the spacer with an increased surface area for collecting solar radiation.

Preferably, said tubing is configured into a grid configuration. This enables the tubing to be formed into a space efficient configuration for use in the inner chamber of small collecting device, where it is not possible to fit the tubing in interconnected coiled layers.

Preferably, said cover is configured into a predetermined shape incorporating a concave and / or convex portion formed from a substantially transparent material. This enables the collector to be of any shape, i.e. domed, hexagonal (honeycombed), rectangular, wavy, patterned, flat, oval, with different heights to fit different permutations, i.e. if space is limited where the device is fitted or to maximise the absorption or retention of the solar radiation. A mixture of concave and convex shapes has been found to offer maximum heat retention. The cover may itself be coated in a paint, spray or film which improves solar energy adsorption and/or with self cleaning properties such that it prevents panels in inaccessible areas from becoming dirty.

Such fixed shapes, such as, concave and convex portions would lend themselves to improving the efficiency of photovoltaic celLs as well -they can offer improved efficiencies over flat surfaces.

Further more it enables the communication of solar radiation through the cover, onto the inner collecting surfaces of the device.

Preferably, an energy collector device further comprises a peripheral wall that incorporates a corrugated surface. This provides the peripheral wall with an increased surface for collecting solar radiation.

Preferably, said base further comprises an insulating layer that incorporates a corrugated surface. This provides the base with an increased surface for collecting solar radiation.

Preferably, said corrugated surfaces are formed from a substantially aluminium material coated in a black or reflective coating. This provides a corrugated surface which is resilient to high temperatures.

Preferably, an energy collector device further comprises further comprising a second heating source for communicating thermal energy to said working fluid within said tubing.

This provides a means of heating the working fluid when solar radiation (sunlight) has been diminished for a prolonged period.

Preferably, said second heating source is an electrical heating source or gas heating source.

This system could be used in conjunction with existing solar panels or pool heating systems, whether solar or not. This enables the working fluid to be heated via other typically available heating means available within an installation.

Preferably, an energy collector device further comprises further comprising a fan attached exterior of said cover for circulating the air within said device. This maintains the internal temperature of the collector at a constant temperature, which aids the convection of thermal energy evenly across all the tubing layers within the collector, by preventing it collecting within the upper portion of the cover. Therefore a multi-layer tubing system will work best with a circulatory fan, which homogenises the temperature inside the cover, i.e. lower most tubing gets identical heating to uppermost tubing.

Preferably, an energy collector device further comprises further comprising a tilting mechanism for tilting said device about an axis. This exposes as much of the collector's inner surface to direct sunlight, without the use of reflectors, to create heat within the collector. The unit itself could be angled or the dome could be angled/preferably shaped, or the tubing in relation to the dome could be angled for maximum performance. It is preferable that the tubing is in a horizontal position and the cover is shaped for maximum performance.

Preferably, an energy collector device further comprising a cooking means located between said cover and said base or said thermal energy storage; wherein said solar radiation produces thermal energy within said solar device which subsequently heats said cooking means that in use cooks or heats food.

Preferably, an energy collector device further comprises further comprising a reflective member located about a portion of the outer surface of said cover; whereby said reflective member incorporates a reflective surface that faces said cover and reflects solar radiation into said cover. This maximises the amount of sunlight hitting the cover, whilst the collectors are laid flat, to create additional heat within the collector.

In a second broad independent aspect, a method of heating a working fluid within a energy collecting device comprising the steps of; * Heating a heat absorbing fluid within a thermal energy storage device by exposing said storage device to solar energy; * Communicating the thermal energy stored within said heat absorbing fluid to said working fluid incorporated within a tubing which is located between a cover of said energy collecting device and said storage device; * Retaining said working fluid within said tubing of said collecting device for a predetermined time period; and * Emptying said working fluid from said tubing of said collector device into a retention vessel.

In a third broad independent aspect, a photovoltaic solar panel with a fixed dome structure comprising a concave portion and a convex portion.

In a fourth broad independent aspect, a solar oven comprising a cover and a base; a cooking means located between said cover and base; wherein solar radiation produces thermal energy within the said oven device which subsequently heats said cooking means that in use cooks or heats food.

An energy collector device comprising an enclosure and tubing; said enclosure incorporates a base and cover; a thermal energy storage device located between said cover and said base; said tubing being at Least partially located between said cover and said energy storage device for communicating a working fluid within said collector device; wherein said thermal energy storage device incorporates a reservoir of heat absorbing liquid; the absorbed thermal energy contained within said heat absorbing liquid is communicated from said thermal energy storage device to said working fluid within said tubing, when in use, the available solar radiation diminishes.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the energy collector device along a vertical plane of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2A shows a plan view of the energy collector device according to preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the energy collector along axis A-A according to preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a simplified view of the reflector panel situated on the north side of the collector.

Figure 4 shows a simplified view of six energy collectors connected in parallel configuration to supply heated water to a swimming pool.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows an energy collector device generally indicated by 1, incorporates an aluminium or plastic outer casing 3, which incorporates a base 5 and peripheral wall 2 lined with a polystyrene or other insulating layer 6 and is preferably ten to thirty millimetres thick. The inner surfaces of the insulating layer 6 are lined with a corrugated aluminium sheet 9, which have a black or reflective coating on their inner surfaces. Centrally located within the dome is a cylindrical thermal energy storage container 4 which contains a reservoir of heat absorbing liquid. The thermal energy storage container 4 extends substantially vertically, and also incorporates a lower body portion that extends radially outwards about the main body of the thermal energy storage container 4, towards the inner corrugated aluminium sheet 9. Upon the lower extending portion of the thermal energy storage device 4 is a plurality of spacer tubing 8 extending horizontally along multiple layers and are covered in either a reflective or black coating 8. The tubular spacing 8 may be either round or square in shape. Each layer of spacer tubing 8 supports and maintains the configuration of an array of tubing 7, which is placed in evenly spaced along a horizontal axis. Each layer of tubing 7 is also evenly spaced along a vertical axis.

The tubing 7 communicates the working fluid about the inner chamber of the collector 1, to maximise the absorption of the thermal energy from the energy storage device 4, to the working fluid. The outer casing 3 incorporates a domed cover 10, which is lined with a solar radiation film and an air circulatory fan 11. The circulatory fan is mounted upon the domed exterior of the cover 10. The outer case 3 is mounted upon two base supports 13 formed from two lengths of tubing fixed to the underside of the base 5. The outer case 3 may be formed into a substantially circular shape, square shape, hexagonal or other predefined shape. Wherever desirable, e.g. for swimming pool applications, a flow rate of 20-50/ per minute can be achieved by using multiple collectors, whatever their size or m2, connected in parallel, dependant on the size of the pool and using a return flow manifold system.

Figure 2a shows an upper plan view of the energy collector device 1, which was shown in Figure 1. The outer case 3 incorporates the substantially circular domed cover 10 and is typically formed from a plastic sheet, or moulded in a complete plastic casting. It may be of any solid material but preferably plastic or aluminium; it may be any shape (square, round, oval, etc. as desired) or any square meterage. The cover dome 10 is covers an area of one square metre. The sheet material used to form the base 5 and sides of the outer case 3 is between 2mm and 10mm in thickness, which is dependent upon the construction method used. The dome 10 further incorporates a substantially octagonal body portions which enclose the collector device. Centrally located within the collector device is the thermal energy storage container 4, along with the lower body portion which protrudes from the thermal storage device 4 in the form of an array of radially extending ribs that extend substantially towards the inner corrugated aluminium sheet 9.

Figure 2b shows a cross sectional view along axis A-A in Figure 2a of the energy collector device 1. The peripheral wall 2 includes two holes 12 which are typically spaced 180° opposite each other to allow a tube access to the inner chamber of the collector 1. The base portion 5 of the collector may incorporate a lifting mechanism to allow the collector 1 to be tilted about an axis at an angle of typically 15-40°.

Figure 3a shows an energy collector device 1 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, which further incorporates a curved rectangular strip 14, which is fitted to the north side of the connector 1. The strip 14 incorporates a reflective surface constructed from one or more mirrors or other reflective material or the like. The amount of solar radiation hitting the dome surface is maximised when the energy collectors 1 are laid flat, therefore creating additional internal heat within the collector 1.

Figure 3b shows a cross sectional view of the energy collector device 1, along vertical axis B-B in Figure 3a of the collector dome 10 and reflective strip 14.

In use, the energy collector can be used for both domestic use and swimming pool use.

The only difference is in the amount of collectors required for the installation. For example, whether the energy collectors are connected in series or parallel which determines the flow rate of the working fluid (typically water) through the collectors. The tubing for the working fluid is constructed from a black exterior corrugated PVC with an approximate outside diameter of 18 to 22mm and an inside diameter of 14 to 18mm with a length of pipe to be dependent on how many layers and what diameter or m2, which may be approximately one hundred and twenty metres. The tubing is secured through inlet and outlet holes within the peripheral wall of the outer case of the collector. Inlet and outlet holes may be located 180° opposite each other on the north and south faces of the peripheral wall, the inlet being at the lowest level and the outlet being at the highest level.

The tubing which contains the working fluid within the collector is coiled from outside inwardly to form a first layer of tubing. The then rises up and is coiled from the outside inwardly to form the second layer of tubing. The tubing then rises and is coiled from outside inwardly to form the third and fourth layers, and so on, dependent on the amount of layers, whereby the layers are linked together to form a substantially helical configuration.

The spacer tubing within the collector is made from a shaped plastic tube to enable the fluid tubing to be contained and prevent any lateral or horizontal movement. The spacer tubing is located at the plurality of distinctive positions between adjacent layers of the working fluid tubing, in the horizontal and vertical directions, to ensure a separation exists between them.

The thermal energy storage container is a sealed plastic container coated in a black material with a series of tubes attached to the outer surface extending radially outwards to the corrugated aluminium inner surface of the cover member and is partialLy filled with an oil can be free flowing solid, liquid or gaseous, or combinations thereof. Preferably liquid such as ionic liquid or hydrocarbon liquid or mixtures thereof, and more preferably one or more oils, this is typically a vegetable or mineral oil or antifreeze or any other heat absorbing material. The absorbed thermal energy is then dissipated within respective tubing layers and the open space which surrounds the tubing layers. The heat energy is then gradually transmitted by both conduction and convection to the working fluid contained within tubing. The heat convection is aided by an air circulation fan which helps to keep the internal temperature of the panel constant rather than the majority of hot air being at the top. The fan itself can be solar powered, wind powered or battery powered and works by homogenising the temperature inside the cover, i.e. lower most tubing gets identical heating to uppermost tubing.

The fluid is pumped either using a thermosyphon arrangement or external pump. The working fluid tubing is coiled such that the fluid enters the inlet and travels through the outermost portion of the bottom layer of the tubing towards the centre of the layer. On reaching the centre of the bottom layer the fluid travels upwards to the second layer and spirals inwardly and so on until the fluid reaches the outlet. This arrangement results in a colder working fluid being circulated within the bottom layer first, which is advantageous due to the upper portion of the connector maintaining the majority of the heat energy as mentioned previously.

The sealed enclosure will gradually increase in temperature until it reaches thermal equilibrium through absorption and fan circulation, storage anticipation of the radiation energy in the storage container.

When the available solar radiation diminishes due to large clouds assembling in the atmosphere, the heat energy stored in the energy storage container dissipates through both conduction through the tubing directly and the convection to the relatively large air cavity surrounding the tubing by the fan assistance. This arrangement provides a more consistent heating mechanism which is less susceptible to fluctuations within the available solar radiation, which may be attributable to a number of large or dense cloud formations.

Figure 4 shows a simplified view of six energy collectors 1, identical to the collector shown in Figures 1 to 3, are connected in parallel configuration in a heating system for heating water in a swimming pool 24. The collectors 1 are connected to two water supply circuits 20 and 21 which supply water in the direction indicated by arrows 22 and 23. The water is pumped from a swimming to the collectors 1 via a pump 25. The swimming pool 24 will be typically an in ground pool with a thirty thousand litre capacity.

In use, water is pumped from the swimming pool through each of the energy collectors and back to the swimming pool. Each energy collector is fed at an approximate four litres per minute flow rate giving a feed of approximately twenty four litres per minute back to the swimming pool. It is envisaged that one panel would be sufficient to heat five thousand litres of pool water to the required 28° Centigrade, which is the standard that most tour operators insist on when the air temperature averages around 20° Centigrade.

The water tubing allows the water to be pumped under Low pressure through the coils at a rate of three to four litres per minute, for swimming pools, each panel connected in parallel using data from testing, each panel producing around 1Kw of power. The spacing of the tubes both horizontally and vertically is extremely important to allow the fan assisted circulation air to work effectively. Pump generated heat would be zero as the existing pool pump would be used.

In the domestic system the water should be left in the tubes for 10-30 minutes to heat up before being pumped into the retention tank. (Instead of utilising an expensive insulated cylindrical metal tank, a well insulated plastic tank can be used with polystyrene balls on top of the water, this limits the overnight heat loss by a considerable amount). This heats the water to above double the ambient temperature outside the collector and reduces the pump generated heat and power to less than 3%. The Perspex dome works effectively in two ways: firstly, the sun always hits the dome at 90° as the sun rises and arcs rather than the rays bouncing off; this is whether the panel is laid flat or tilted slightly. In an aesthetic aspect, a panel which is tilted at an angle of 30 to 40° may become unsightly. When laid flat the airspace within the dome heats up extremely well. However other translucent materials such as flat glass or Perspex could also be used.

However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cover can be of any shape, i.e. domed, rectangular, wavy, patterned, flat, oval, with different heights to fit different permutations, i.e. if space is limited where the device is fitted or to maximise the absorption or retention of the solar radiation. In experiments, a mixture of concave and convex shapes has been found to offer maximum heat retention.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the enclosure of the collector may be hermetically sealed; furthermore the enclosure may incorporate one or more holes, typically five millimetres in diameter incorporated within the base and/or peripheral wall, which prevents the condensation forming within the collector, therefore obviating the necessity of the domed cover from being double glazed. The one or more holes also contribute to the faster heating up of the collector.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the collector may further comprise an alternative heating source, which may be typically gas powered or an electrical heating source. For a domestic system an external booster pump can be used to facilitate power showers to multi-bathroom houses. The heating source may comprise a heater mat to accommodate colder winter climates, or may use a dump valve to empty the collector water tubes to expel water and stop them freezing.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the cover of the collector being shaped in the configuration of a dome made from translucent plastic or Perspex which incorporates a preformed pattern which may be typically a bulls eye or another design feature on the exterior of the cover.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the thermal energy store device may be a simple oil container without any spokes or secondary reservoir means. The thermal energy store is located within the centre of the collector, because it is the hottest part of the collector and no tubes can be fitted there.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the thermal energy store device is detachable from the collector and is interchangeable with other energy store devices incorporating other various shapes and configurations, which may also contain a heat absorbing fluid of another type.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the collector can also be used as a heat exchange unit to cool an environment by removing heat. Here the shape of the cover, the type of heat storage material, and the material flowing through the tubing could all be changed to effect maximum heat removal.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the energy collector device further comprising a cooking means, such as a grill and/or hot plate, located between said cover and said base or said thermal energy storage; wherein said solar radiation produces thermal energy within said solar device which subsequently heats said cooking means that in use cooks or heats food.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the cover of the solar energy device maybe substantially domed in either a concave or convex shape.

Thermal energy is absorbed, stored and dissipated in a similar fashion to that which is described above in relation to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 are by way of example and should not be taken as the definitive solution to the problems.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An energy collector device comprising an enclosure and tubing; said enclosure incorporates a base and cover; a thermal energy storage device located between said cover and said base; said tubing being at least partially located between said cover and said energy storage device for communicating a working fluid within said collector device; wherein said thermal energy storage device incorporates a reservoir of heat absorbing liquid; the absorbed thermal energy contained within said heat absorbing liquid is communicated from said thermal energy storage device to said working fluid within said tubing, when in use, the available solar radiation diminishes.
2. A device according to claim 2, wherein said thermal energy storage device further comprises a body portion which extends towards the inner surface of said cover, thereby extending said reservoir of heat absorbing fluid towards said inner surface of said cover.
3. A device according to either of the preceding claims, wherein said heat absorbing fluid is an ionic liquid or hydrocarbon liquid or mixtures thereof.
4. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tubing incorporates a corrugated surface.
5. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tubing is configured into a plurality of coil configurations which are interconnected in a substantially helical configuration; whereby said working fluid is continuously communicated about and between each said coil configuration.
6. A device according to claim 5; further comprising a plurality of spacer members for separating and supporting adjacent tubing portions along both vertical and horizontal axes.
7. A device according to claim 6; wherein each said spacer member further comprises a corrugated surface.
8. A device according to claims 1 to 4, wherein said tubing is configured into a grid configuration.
9. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said cover is configured into a predetermined shape incorporating a concave and / or convex portion formed from a substantially transparent material 10. A device according to any of the preceding claims; further comprising a peripheral wall that incorporates a corrugated surface.11. A device according to any of the preceding claims; wherein said base further comprises an insulating layer that incorporates a corrugated surface.12. A device according to claims 7, 10 and 11, wherein said corrugated surfaces are formed from a substantially aluminium material coated in a black or reflective coating.13. A device according to any of the preceding claims; further comprising a second heating source for communicating thermal energy to said working fluid within said tubing.14. A device according to claim 13, wherein said second heating source is an electrical heating source or gas heating source.1 5. A device according to any of the preceding claims; further comprising a fan attached exterior of said cover for circulating the air within said device.16. A device according to any of the preceding claims; further comprising a tilting mechanism for tilting said device about an axis.1 7. A device according to any of the preceding claims; further comprising a cooking means located between said cover and said base or said thermal energy storage; wherein said solar radiation produces thermal energy within said solar device which subsequently heats said cooking means that in use cooks or heats food.18. A device according to any of the preceding claims; further comprising a reflective member located about a portion of the outer surface of said cover; whereby said reflective member incorporates a reflective surface that faces said cover and reflects solar radiation into said cover.19. A method of heating a working fluid within a energy collecting device comprising the steps of; * Heating a heat absorbing fluid within a thermal energy storage device by exposing said storage device to solar energy; * Communicating the thermal energy stored within said heat absorbing fluid to said working fluid incorporated within a tubing which is located between a cover of said energy collecting device and said storage device; * Retaining said working fluid within said tubing of said collecting device for a predetermined time period; and * Emptying said working fluid from said tubing of said collector device into a retention vessel.20. A photovoltaic solar panel with a fixed dome structure comprising a concave portion and a convex portion.21. A solar oven comprising a cover and a base; a cooking means located between said cover and base; wherein solar radiation produces thermal energy within the said oven device which subsequently heats said cooking means that in use cooks or heats food.22. An energy collector device substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any of the accompanying text and Figures 1 to 7.23. A method of heating a working fluid within an energy collecting device as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any of the accompanying text and/or Figures 1 to 7.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSC [Al MS 1. An energy collector device comprising an enclosure and tubing; said enclosure incorporates a base and cover; a thermal energy storage device located between said cover and said base; a circulatory fan attached to said cover said tubing being at least partially located between said cover and said energy storage device for communicating a working fluid within said collector device; wherein said tubing is configured into a layer, which in use communicates said working fluid about an inner chamber of said device; said circulatory fan circulates the air within said device and facilitates the convection of thermal energy from said storage device evenly across said Layer of said tubing.2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said tubing is configured into 3 or more layers.3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said thermal energy storage device incorporates a reservoir of heat absorbing liquid; the absorbed thermal energy contained within said heat absorbing liquid is communicated from said thermal energy storage device to said working fluid within said tubing, when in use, the available solar radiation diminishes.4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said thermal energy storage device further comprises a body portion which extends towards the inner surface of said cover, thereby extending said reservoir of heat absorbing fluid towards said inner surface of said cover.5. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said heat absorbing fluid is an ionic liquid or hydrocarbon liquid or mixtures thereof.6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tubing incorporates a corrugated surface.7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tubing is configured into a plurality of coil configurations which are interconnected in a substantially helical configuration; whereby said working fluid is continuously communicated about and between each said coil configuration.8. A device according to claim 7; further comprising a plurality of spacer members for separating and supporting adjacent tubing portions along both vertical and horizontal axes.9. A device according to claim 8; wherein each said spacer member further comprises a corrugated surface.
10. A device according to claims 1 to 6, wherein said tubing is configured into a grid configuration.
11. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said cover is configured into a predetermined shape incorporating a concave and / or convex portion formed from a substantially transparent material.
12. A device according to any of the preceding claims; further comprising a peripheral wall that incorporates a corrugated surface.
13. A device according to any of the preceding claims; wherein said base further comprises an insu'ating ayer that incorporates a corrugated surface.
14. A device according to claims 9, 12 and 13, wherein said corrugated surfaces are formed from a substantially aluminium material coated in a black or reflective coating.
1 5. A device according to any of the preceding claims; further comprising a second heating source for communicating thermal energy to said working fluid within said tubing.
16. A device according to claim 15, wherein said second heating source is an electrical heating source or gas heating source.
1 7. A device according to any of the preceding claims; further comprising a tilting mechanism for tilting said device about an axis.
18. A device according to any of the preceding claims; further comprising a cooking means located between said cover and said base or said thermal energy storage; wherein said soEar radiation produces thermaE energy within said soEar device which subsequently heats said cooking means that in use cooks or heats food.
19. A device according to any of the preceding claims; further comprising a reflective member located about a portion of the outer surface of said cover; whereby said reflective member incorporates a reflective surface that faces said cover and reflects solar radiation into said cover.
20. A method of heating a working fluid within a energy collecting device comprising the steps of; * Configuring a tubing into a layer which is at least partially located between a cover of said energy collecting device and a thermal energy storage device incorporated within said energy collecting device; * Communicating a working fluid incorporated within said tubing about an inner chamber of said energy collecting device; and Circulating the air within said inner chamber of said energy collecting device with a circulatory fan, which facilitates the convection of thermal energy from said storage device evenly across said layer of tubing.
21. An energy collector device substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any of the accompanying text and Figures 1 to 4.
22. A method of heating a working fluid within an energy collecting device as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any of the accompanying text and/or Figures 1 to 4.