GB2488536A

GB2488536A - Solar thermal collector

Info

Publication number: GB2488536A
Application number: GB1102980.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hugh Kenneth Gallagher; Colin Edward Booker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-22
Filing date: 2011-02-22
Publication date: 2012-09-05
Also published as: GB201102980D0; WO2012114069A3; WO2012114069A2

Abstract

A device for adapting a multi-walled or honeycomb structure 1 so that it can be used as a solar or thermal energy collector, in which tubing 2 is preferably run inside the hollow channels 3 of the multi-walled or honeycomb structure to facilitate a flow of fluid capable of absorbing solar or thermal energy. The exposed turnaround 4 of each loop of tubing may be supported in a preformed, typically 180Â° semi-circular channel 5, located at and securely fastened at each open end to the multi-walled or honeycomb structure, thus preventing constriction of the tubing and enabling the tubing to re-enter and make another pass through the next available hollow channel, from one side of the structure to the other. Preferably, the preformed loop securing ends 6 are formed as individual sections which are provided independent to the hollow channels and operate to secure the tubing in place by means of a cover 7. The complete solar or thermal energy collector assembly may be portable and freestanding, or integrated into the fabric of a building.

Description

Solar thermal collector The present invention relates generally to solar heating and more particularly to the mechanical structure which facilitates the solar heating of fluids. Solar heating collector or panel systems typically are affixed to existing roofing and other structures as standalone assemblies. These devices use a fluid capable of absorbing heat energy and have a low viscosity. This allows the movement of such liquid to a heat exchanger or some such device for extracting the heat energy.

It is well-known that in a solar system for fluid heating, comprising at least one solar collector or panel, which is joined to a storage unit by way of a flow pipe and a return pipe, and wherein the return pipe can be connected to a feed line of a fluid supply, and wherein a circulation pump is disposed in the return pipe, fluid from the fluid supply can flow directly through the solar collector. The flow pipe and return pipe can typically be connected to the storage unit by way of a common connection. These well-known efficient principles are let down by the need to utilise standalone, obtrusive, often heavy glass or similar expensive material in the form of flat collectors or panels which are not integral to the structure on which they are sited.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provided a method of integrating, containing and facilitating the flow of fluid in plastic, or similar, tubing located in a channel, run along inside commonly available multi-walled hollow structural sheeting, or honeycomb sheeting, often transparent, which when exposed to the sun generates heat and which is often part of the supporting structure. When the tubing is run along inside an empty channel it emerges from the other end of the multi-walled sheet and is returned along another empty channel in parallel and so on until the entire area has been covered. To prevent constriction of the tubing at each 180 degree turnaround, to prevent damage and to facilitate enclosure a preformed end section is fitted as shown in the accompanying drawing.

Such preformed end may be of any external aesthetic design while securing the tubing in place by means of a cover, securely held in place by suitable means. A length of tubing will be allowed to protrude from the entry and exit points of the multi-walled material end section to allow connection to further solar heating collectors or other devices.

The invention will be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an assembly section of a perspective view which uses a loop securing end device which runs the length of the multi-walled material to close off the ends and can be of any aesthetic design.

Figure 2 shows an assembly section of a perspective view which uses individual loop support sections to close off each end and which can be of any aesthetic design.

Claims

Claims 1 A device for adapting a multi-walled or honeycomb structure so that it can be used as a solar collector.
2 A device according to claim 1, in which tubing is run along inside empty hollow sections of a multi-walled or honeycomb structure to facilitate the flow of fluid capable of absorbing solar heat and having a low viscosity.
3 A device according to claim 2, in which tubing is supported in a preformed, typically 180 degree semi-circle, located at and securely fastened at each open end to a multi-walled or honeycomb structure; thus facilitating the tubing to re-enter and make another pass in an empty hollow section from one side to the other for as many passes as needed.
4 A device according to claim 3, in which the preformed loop securing ends are individual to the channels and, in addition, preformed loop securing ends which run the length of the multi-walled material support structure.
A device according to claim 1, in which the complete solar thermal collector assembly is portable and able to be easily carried by an individual human being.
6 A device according to claim 1, in which the complete solar thermal collector assembly is freestanding.
7 A device according to claim 1, in which the multi-walled or honeycomb structure is integrated into the fabric of a building.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1 A device for adapting a multi-walled or honeycomb structure so that it can be used as a solar or thermal energy collector.2 A device according to claim 1, in which tubing is run inside the hollow chambers of a multi-walled or honeycomb structure to facilitate the flow of fluid capable of absorbing solar or thermal energy.3 A device according to claim 2, in which tubing is supported in a preformed, typically degree semi-circle, located at and securely fastened at each open end to a multi-walled or honeycomb structure; thus facilitating the tubing to re-enter and make another pass through a hollow chamber from one side to the other.4 A device according to claim 3 in which tubing loops through a hollow chamber for as many passes as needed.C\i 5 A device according to claim 3 in which tubing loops through some, but not all, of the available hollow chambers. c\J0 6 A device according to claim 3, in which the preformed loop securing ends are individual sections and independent to the channels. c\J7 A device according to claim 6 in which the preformed loop securing ends run the length of a multi-walled or honeycomb structure.8 A device according to claims 3 and 4, in which a multi-walled or honeycomb structure is profiled in such a way as to prevent any distortion taking place in the tubing and so allowing maximum flow of fluid.9 A device according to all preceding claims, whereby the collection of heat can be enhanced with reflective foil inserts, thus creating a focusing parabolic effect.A device according to all preceding claims, in which a complete solar or thermal energy collector assembly is portable and able to be easily carried by an individual human being.11 A device according to all preceding claims, in which a complete solar or thermal energy collector assembly is freestanding.12 A device according to all preceding claims, in which a multi-walled or honeycomb structure is integrated into the fabric of a building. c\J r c\J r c\J