GB2498737A

GB2498737A - Solar energy capture system

Info

Publication number: GB2498737A
Application number: GB1201234.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tony Camfield
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-01-24
Filing date: 2012-01-24
Publication date: 2013-07-31
Anticipated expiration: 2032-01-24
Also published as: GB2498737B; GB201201234D0

Abstract

A solar energy capture system comprises a board 5, a loop of pipe 2 containing fluid, and a roofing surface 3, where the loop is situated between the board and surface. Preferably, the board is a form of heat retention or insulation board, such as is commonly used for insulating roofing spaces, and may be formed from compressed fibres or may alternatively be an aerated fibre board. The board edges may be rebated or scalloped so as to fit to another opposingly disposed board edge. The loop may comprise metal, rubber or plastic tubing. Preferably, the roofing surface is formed by cladding, such as ridged metal sheeting, where the cladding forms a weatherproof upper facing surface. The system may also include steam generation apparatus to allow for electrical production. The system is preferably utilised in the construction of a roof 1.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

PS

TONY CAMFIELO

FOR

A SOLAR ENERGY CAPTURE SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a solar energy capture system, more particularly for roofing or similar.

Background

ihcreasing awareness of environmental or cost concerns is becoming widespread.

In particular many users are aware of, and keen to operate, solar energy capturing, as it is an apparently abundant and cheap form of energy, available theoretically to all.

Unfortunately many solar solutions are difficult to install, and/or are prohibitively expensive.

Photovoltaic cells that convert solar rays to electricity are particularly expensive.

Solar panels that heat water or fluid are cheaper but heavy and may be prone to leakage, and may not suit all roofs, as increase weight may lead to structural and/or safety concerns.

Although effective solar fluid heating loses much energy in conversion, for example as the fluid piping is coloured for maximum absorption, and consequently also radiates heat.

In particular therefore the growing wish for solar energy capture technology has many facets and varying unmet need1s.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve tie problem, including the following: European patent application ER 2 318 777 (GABBAY et al) discloses a solar collector, comprising: (a) a plurality of thermosiphon tubes in which water flows, each tube having a top opening and a bottom opening; (b) a top manifold having a water inlet and water outlet and disposed at the top opening of the tubes, providing both a water feed into at least one of the plurality of tubes and a water exit from the rest of the tubes; and (c) a bottom basin connecting the bottom openings of the tubes.

United States patent application US 4 622 951 (MATZKANINI) discloses a method of installing a solar collector water heater comprising the steps of: assembling a main frame over a base board by sliding corner keys into ends of a pair of side rails and a air of end rails, said base board having mounted thereon a solar absorber plate including a heat exchanger at one end of the absorber plate with couplings for donnection to a tank; installing a water tank onto said frame, said tank having a make-up water inlet, a heated-water outlet, a tank-to-heat-exchanger coupling and a heat-exchanger-to-tank coupling; connecting said make-up water inlet to a source of water, said heated water outlet to an inlet of a hot water system, and said tank-to-heat-exchanger coupling and said heat-exchanger-to-tank coupling to the associated couplings of said heat exchanger; assembling onto said main frame at least one glazing panel formed of a panel frame and a sheet of transparent material stretched onto said panel frame, the latter including rail members secured to one another, at least some of the rail members having integral snap-fit structure thereon cooperating with mating structure formed integrally on at least some of the rails of the main frame, said assembling including sliding at least one rail member of said panel frame onto a corresponding rail of the main frame so that the snap-fit and mating structures ihterengage one another to hold said glazing panel securely in place over said absorber plate.

thnited States statutory invention registration USH 2 231 (TEOH) discloses a solar water-heating collector core adapted for incorporation into a solar water-heating-system either by being joined to a lower portion of a hot-water storage-tank, or by being joined to a lower portion of another solar water-heating-panel, the solar water-heating collector core comprising: (a) a plurality of hollow heating-pipes, each heating-pipe having a longitudinal axis and an interior that is surrounded by an outer wall; said heating-pipes, when assembled to form the collector core, being arranged so the longitudinal axes are disposed substantially parallel to each other; said heating-pipes being adapted to be inclined to the horizontal when in use with an upper end of each heating-pipe being elevated above a lower end of each heating-pipe; the lower end of each heating-pipe being closed, and the upper end of each heating-pipe being open and adapted to extend directly to, open into, and communicate directly with a lower level of the hot-water storage-tank or with the lower portion of the solar water-heating-panel; and (b) a plurality of hollow cooler-water return-pipes, each of which is surrounded by the outer wall of one of the heating-pipes; the cooler-water return-pipe within each heating-pipe having an internal cross-sectional area that is approximately equal to one-third ([1/3]) to one-half ([1/2]) of an internal cross-sectibnal area of the outer wall of the heating-pipe, and having a length that is slightly longer than a length of the outer wall of the heating-pipe so the open upper end of the cooler-water return-pipe extends beyond the open upper end of the outer wall thereby permitting the upper end of the cooler-water return-pipe to extend into and communicate directly with the lower level of the hot-water storage-tank or with the lower portion of the solar water-heating-panel; and the lower end of each cooler-water return-pipe being perforated so fluid may flow outward from within the lower end of each cooler-water return-pipe toward the urrounding outer wall of said heating-pipe; wherein lower ends of the heating-pipes hether fitted with or without a drain valve are free to move longitudinally to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction.

International patent application WO 2010 028 818 (RIGA) relates to a solar flat collector comprising at least one, preferably, flat absorbing surface, a transparent covering, and a heat transfer pipe which contains a heat transfer fluid. Solar radiation is able to penetrate the covering and reach the absorbing surface which it heats. The heat transfer pipe is arranged on the absorbing surface and is in thermal and mechanical contact therewith such that the absorbing surface is heated by solar radiation based on thermal conduction in order to heat the heat transfer pipe, which also leads to the heat transfer fluid, which is arranged therein, to be heated. Thermal insulation reduces the discharge of lost heat from outside the solar flat collector. Said heat transfer pipe is a thermal pipe, i.e. a heat pipe or a two phase thermosiphon.

United States patent application US 4213 448 (HEBERT) discloses a unitary heating ystem for heating an adjacent area, a heat transfer liquid, a container for holding the liquid and having a front wall forming a solar heat collection surface and a rear wall forming a heat dispensing surface, said walls being in substantially spaced relation to each other to define an interior volume within said container, guide means is disposed in the container adjacent the heat collection surface to form therewith a heating channel between said surface and said means through which channel the liquid to be heated flows by thermosiphonic action, insulation means disposed adjacent said guide means and spaced from the rear wall of said container to define and form a heat storage region on the other side thereof, means forming flow 3athways in communication with the upper and lower portions of said heating channel to connect the same with said storage region so that heated liquid can irculate from the channel to the storage means and return in a closed system, said heat storage region being in contact with the rear wall of said container through which heat is to be dispensed to the adjacent area outside of said container and in thermal contact therewith, means for predominantly vertically orienting said heating channel and heat storage region with the upper, outlet end of the heating channel disposed above the lower, inlet end of the heating channel to cause thermosiphonic flow between the same whenever th heating channel is at a higher temperature, at least one panel containing phase change materials located in the storage region and constructed with a plurality of fully enclosed horizontal channels therethrough in spaced relation to each other, a phase change material disposed in each of said channels, said phase change material selected to change from a solid to a liquid at a predetermined threshold temperature rise, said panel defining the enclosure means for the phase change material being so constructed and arranged as to exclude physical contact between said heat transfer liquid and said phase change material but to permit thermal exchange therebetween, and control means disposed in the fow path of the collection channel for preventing reverse thermosiphoning when the collection channel temperature is cooler than a predetermined temperature equal to or greater than phase change temperature.

Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 102 113 (GRAHAM) discloses a heat exchanger comprising: a heat abs&bing or radiating panel formed from a plate having a tube or tubes, through which a heat exchange medium may be circulated, mounted in thermal contact therewith; a seamless frame member formed from sheet material surrounding the panel; and joining means interposed therebetween, to Ipcate adjacent edges of the frame member and panel and secure them together.

In contrast the present invention provides an effective, means of heating fluid, for ater heating or other purposes, being therefore an ideal roofing or cladding solution, being easy to install, insulation heavy, and capable of capturing energy.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a solar energy capture system including in use: a board, a loop of pipe containing fluid, and a roofing surface, wherein said loop is situate between the board and surface.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the board is a form of heat retention or insulation board, such as is commonly in use for insulation of roofing spaces.

lii this way the board may be compressed fibres or aerated fibre board.

In some embodiments the loop is embedded in use on a board face which is uppermost in use.

Embodiments of the board may be available in widths to fit joists, or preferably to fit spaces defined by purlins, wherein tte boards are held between purlins.

In order to facilitate this, the purlins are disposed as metal girders or C sections and typically run horizontally as commonly used in industrial roofing.

The boards are therefore disposed between the purlins, and Z sections may be placed over existing roofing in a manner similar to asbestos mitigation work. In this way the roofing always remains watertight. The roofing felt ideally remains intact and Untouched and consequently no canopy is needed, reducing cost consequences.

The new system is ideally placed onto existing roofing after removal of tiling or other existing roofing solution.

According to a third aspect of the present invention therefore the board may be used to span spaces.

For example in some embodiments the boards may be reinforced or contain structural strengthening or en internal skeleton.

ccording to a fourth aspect of the present invention the boards may include defined edging and/or means to connect to one another.

For example board edges may be rebated, scalloped or otherwise disposed to fit to another opposingly disposed board edge, wherein said disposal may be effected by metallic elements or the board material.

A further system for use of the boarbs ideally therefore includes said boards as per the invention in a timber roofing solution, wherein tiles are hung on rafters, and typically a subsequent layer of roofing felt or fabric is interposed; and between the rafters in an effort to reduce heat transference boards are interposed between the rafters, being typically cut to size at site.

Furthermore in some embodiments the boards may include at least one embedded loop that connects to another opposing loop.

lh further embodiments the loop is a single length.

Such connection may be effected by male and female connectors or piping. In some embodiments it may include solder joints or compression joints.

In yet further embodiments connection is formed by click fit, clip or friction fitting, which connection may be improved or connected by internal pressure caused by fluid passage or content.

In preferred embodiments of the system the purlins may be slit, drilled or holed in order to allow passage of the loop over, through or under the purlin.

In this way a plurality of boards may be interconnected to form a roofing structure or surface or layer. In particular the loop will be allowed to pass throughout the surface or layer, having board beneath and the surface above.

In some embodiments there may be' provided material or substance surrounding the loop. This material may augment heat capturing properties for the system.

The loop may for example be comprised of metal, rubber or plastic being in some embodiments easily disposable.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention the surface is formed by cladding, wherein the cladding forms a weatherproof upper facing surface. This cladding is pically envisaged as ridged metal sheeting typically as used in industrial or ommercial roofing solutions..

lb use therefore the surface cladding will be uppermost, with the loop below and below the loop the board. In this way heat accepted by the surface will be passed to the loop, said loop disposed in a space where the energy is prevented from passage any further by the insulative propertis of the board.

Including in the system in some embodiments there may be provided pumps, thermosiphon or thermosyphon, heat exchanging, pressurisation and/or steam generation apparatus, and/or to allow electrical production. Such apparatus may be offset and include diversion and/or control valves.

the preferred embodiments of such apparatus may require some electrical input and/or may enter self-sustaining mode after a period of time.

Embodiments of the system may be envisaged that in addition or the alternative include openable lacunae and monitors or controlling sensors to identify excessive temperatures, for example wherein the lacunae are opened by the sensor control to allow exit or dispersal of fluid contained in the loop, and provide at least one fire dampening sprinkler.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further1 since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention

thrief Description of Figures

igure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the system in use; And Figures 2 show two orthogonal cross section views of the embodiment.

Detailed Description of Figures

The uppermost surface (3) in the pictured embodiment is metal cladding.

The loop 2 is held in a series of clips (4), held on and to the boards (5), said boards being insulation material.

the boards are firstly fitted between purlins (6), said purlins being rectangular C section half-girders.

B

In some embodiments the purlins may be full girders, wherein the boards may fit to either side in use.

The purlins ideally span the roof 1 and may be fitted to orthogonal rafters or lengths.

lii use, the boards 5 may be fit in the puilins 6 first, and the loop 2 fixed into the clips 4 that sit on the boards 5.

typically the loop 2 will sit below the purlin top (7), wherein the surface 3 is attached to the purlin top 7.

Some embodiments of purlins 6 may therefore have slots or lacunae cut into the purlin tops 7.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims 1. A solar energy capture system including in use: a board, a loop of pipe containing fluid, and a roofing surface, wherein said loop is situate between the board and surface.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the board is a form of heat retention or insulation board.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the boards may be used to span spaces.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A system according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the boards include defined edging and/or means to connect to one another.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A system according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the surface is formed by cladding, wherein the cladding has a weatherproof upper facing surface.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A method of forming a roof according to any preceding claim.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A roof constructed according to any preceding claim.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A board incorporating fittings for pipe, according to a system described in any preceding claim.</claim-text>