GB2513109A

GB2513109A - Solar energy collecting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2513109A
Application number: GB1306309.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Laycock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-08
Filing date: 2013-04-08
Publication date: 2014-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-08
Also published as: GB201306309D0; GB2513109B

Abstract

Solar energy collecting apparatus 10 comprising a window frame 12 having interior and exterior surfaces 14, 16 defined by a sill 22, a head 24 opposite the sill 22, and first and second jambs 26, 28 positioned at opposing sides and interconnecting the sill 22 and the head 24, a solar collector 18, and mounting means 20 for positioning the solar collector 18 for example photovoltaic cells or at least one fluid transfer conduit to be heated by solar radiation at or adjacent to the interior surface 14 of the window frame 12. There may be a blind or a shutter for controlling the amount of solar radiation transmissible from the exterior surface to the solar concentrator.

Description

Solar Energy Collecting Apparatus The present invention relates to a solar energy collecting apparatus, and more particularly to a solar energy collecting apparatus that simplifies installation and maintenance, whilst not hindering the appearance of an exterior of a building.

Energy supplies in domestic and non-domestic settings have traditionally made use of non-renewable fuel, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. 1-lowever, in recent years, society has become increasingly conscious of the impact its use of non-renewable energy has on the environment, and there has been a move to explore and utilise renewable energy, such as wind, solar and hydro, as alternative sources.

In particular, it has been increasingly popular to insta'l solar panel(s) to a domestic or non-domestic building to collect and convert solar energy to generate electricity for use in the building and/or to provide hot water and heating to the building. This is usually supplemented by electricity and/or hot water and heating supplied in the conventional manner through power lines for electricity and a hot water boiler unit for hot water and heating.

Solar panels are usually fitted to a roof of a building in order to capture as much solar energy as possible. Such solar panels are usually retro fitted and tend to protrude from the surface to which they are attached, even though they are positioned parallel to the plane of the roof. Furthermore, solar panels usually adopt colours, such as dark grey or dark blue, so as to maximise solar energy absorption. As a result, such solar panel installations are conspicuous and tend to stand out' amongst roofs of buildings.

Due to the reasons stated above, many people consider conventional solar panels as aesthetically displeasing, and are put off from installing such panels on their own buildings, or on buildings neighbouring them. Furthermore, p'anning regulations of many local authorities restnct the installation of such solar panels on listed buildings and in areas of conservation.

Additionally, as the above described solar panels tend to be retro fitted to an exterior surface of the building above ground, usually on the roof, appropriately trained installers are required for installation and trained maintenance personnel for maintenance. Therefore, installation and maintenance of solar panels can be time consuming and complex, thereby adding to costs.

The uptake and popularity of such solar panels are thus hindered by their appearance, and also the complexity and costs associated with installation and maintenance of such panels.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solar energy collecting apparatus comprising a window frame having interior and exterior surfaces defined by a sill, a head opposite the sill, and first and second jambs positioned at opposing sides and interconnecting the sill and the head, a solar collector, and mounting means for positioning the solar collector at or adjacent to the interior surface of the window frame.

Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 26, inclusive.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solar energy collection system comprising a solar energy coflecting apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and a hot-water storage tank having a potable water inlet port and a water outlet port in liquid communication with at least one controllable hot-water discharge device, a fluid inlet of the solar collector being in communication with the hot-water storage tank for heating water being discharged through the potable water inlet por.

Preferable and/or optional features of the second aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 28 to 30. inclusive.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a building comprising an exterior surface, a solar energy collecting apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention mounted in the exterior surface, the solar energy

I

collecting apparatus collecting and converting solar energy for providing electricity and/or heated water to the building.

Preferable and/or optional features of the third aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 32 to 34, inclusive.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of obscuring a solar collector on a building from external view, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a window frame of s&ar energy collecting apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention on an exterior surface of a building; aid bi mounting the solar collector at or adjacent to an interior surface of the window frame within the building Preferable and/or optional features of the fourth aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 36 and 37.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of a solar energy collecting apparatus, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a solar collector and mounting means of the solar energy collecting apparatus of Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic exterior plan view of a window frame of the solar energy collecting apparatus of figure 1.

RefelTing firstly to Figures 1 and 2, there is provided a solar energy collecting apparatus 10 which comprises a window frame 12 for attaching to an exterior surface of a building, the window frame i2 having interior and exterior surfaces 14, 16, a solar collector 18 and mounting means 20 for mounting the solar collector 18 at or adjacent to the interior surface 14 of the window frame 12.

The interior and exterior surfaces 14, 16 of the window frame 12 are defined by a sill 22, a head 24 opposite the sill 22, and first and second jambs 26, 28 positioned at opposing sides and interconnecting the sill 22 and the head 24, as seen in Figure 3.

Together, the sill 22, the head 24, and first and second jambs 26, 28 of the window frame 12 form an oblong shape. It will be appreciated that although the figures illustrate the window frame 12 having a height greater than its width, the window frame 12 may be provided with a width greater than its height. Furthermore, the window frame 12 may be provided in shapes other than oblong, such as circu'ar, if preferred.

The window frame 12 further includes a fight transmissible element 30 and is sized and shaped so that it is held directly at or adjacent to the sill 22, the head 24, and first and second jambs 26. 28 of the window frame 12, covering an aperture 32 centrally provided on the window frame 12.

The light transmissible element 30 is made of a material that allows transmission of solar radiation from outside the building to inside the building. In other words, solar radiation from the extenor surface 16 of the window frame 12 can travel through to the interior surface 14 of the window frame 12 and to the solar collector 18. The light transmissible element 30 may be at least one pane of transparent or substantially transparent glass.

Furthermore, the light transmissible element 30 may be adapted to include focusing characteristics to focus solar energy onto the solar collector 18, thereby increasing the efficiency of the solar energy collecting apparatus 10. For example, a perimeter edge portion of the light transmissible element 30 may include light redirecting means for redirecting incident light onto the solar collector 18.

A light transmission control element 34, seen in Figure 3, may optionally be provided, mounted at or adjacent to the interior surface 14 of the window frame 12, for adjustably shielding the solar collector 18 from solar radiation, when desired. The light transmission contr& element 34 may be a conventional vertical or horizontal blind having a plurality of slats 36. The slats 36 can be stacked to fully or partially expose the solar collector 18 to solar radiation, or be spread to fully or partially shield the solar collector 18 from solar radiation.

As with conventional blinds, adjustment means (not shown in the figures) is provided to allow a user to adjust the tilt and stacking of the slats 36 to control the exposure of the solar collector 18 to solar radiation. The light transmission control element 34 may be controlled and adjusted manually.

More preferably, control of the light transmission control element 34 is motorised, so that the light transmission control element 34 may be adjusted remotely, by, for example, a remote control. Furthermore, one or more sensors may be provided to monitor the temperature of water or heat transfer liquid inside the solar collector 18 and/or the evel of solar radiation availaWe to the solar collector 18. When the temperature or the level of solar radiation reaches a certain predefined level or levels, the sensor(s) may actuate automatic adjustment of the light transmission control element 34, A user interface may be provided to allow a user to preset and adjust the parameters for activating the adjustment of the light transmission control element 34.

As an alternative, the blind may simply be pleated rather than be provided with a plurality of slats 36. As a fur her aliernative. the light transmission control element 34 may be a roller shutter, or at least one shutter panel that is pivotably mounted, provided in conjunction with, or instead of, the blind. However, a slatted blind provided at or adjacent to the interior surface 14 of the window frame 12 is preferable, as it offers the highest degree of flexibility in adjustment, whilst being space efficient.

It is possible that the light transmission control element 34 may be provided at or adjacent to the exterior surface 16 of the window frame 12, but providing it at or adjacent to the interior surface 14 is more preferable due to ease of access for a user.

The provision of the light transmission control element 34 is advantageous since, when solar energy is not required, the light transmission control element 34 can be used to shield the solar collector 18 by simply adjusting the light transmission control element 34. The amount of solar energy received by the solar collector 18 may also be controlled, for example, if water or heat transfer liquid contained therein is not to be heated beyond a certain temperature.

When the solar collector 18 is not in use, for example, at night time or when overcast, the light transmission control element 34 may serve to shield and insulate the solar collector 18, to reduce the amount of cooling of the water or heat transfer liquid contained inside the solar collector 18.

As seen in Figure 2, the s&ar collector 18 preferably indudes at least one fluid transfer conduit 38 for receiving a heat transfer fluid to be heated by incident solar radiation. A fluid inlet 40 and a fluid outlet 42 are provided at two ends of the heat transfer conduit 38. respectivdy.

The heat transfer conduit 38 of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 is a helical coil 44 extending in an axial direction. The helical coil 44 has a circumferential extent which matches or substantially matches a perimeter of the window frame 12, and an axial extent perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the window frame 12. The turns or coils of the helical coil 44 are in a stacked arrangement, so as to be equidistantly spaced from each other in an axial direction.

Depending on the weather conditions and the amount of solar radiation availaNe to the exterior surface of the building, the number of turns or coils and spacing between the turns or coils may be adjusted to enable optimum absorption of solar energy by the heat transfer conduit 38.

It will be appreciated that the heat transfer conduit 38 may be provided with just one turn or coil, but multiple turns or coils are prefelTed in order to provide a greater surface area for absorption of solar energy.

The coil of the heat transfer conduit 38 is generally oblong. It is sized and shaped to be substantially similar to the size and shape of the light transmissible element 30 or the window frame i2. so as to optimise the surface area of the heat transfer conduit 38 exposed to solar radiation. It will, however, be appreciated that the coil of the heat transfer conduit 38 may be formed in any suitable circular or non-circular shape.

Referring to Figure 2, the fluid inlet 40 of the heat transfer conduit 38 is preferably positioned adjacent the sill 22 of the window frame 12, and the fluid outlet 42 of the heat transfer conduit 38 is preferably positioned adjacent the head 24 of the window frame 12. As water or heat transfer fluid contained in the heat transfer conduit 38 is heated by the solar energy, the heat travels upwardly by convection. Such an anangement is therefore beneficial due to the fact that as the heat transfer fluid is heated, the heat travds naturally from the fluid inlet 40 towards the fluid outlet 42.

The fluid inlet 40 of the heat transfer conduit 38 shown in the figures is positioned at a corner adjacent to the sill 22 and second jamb 28, whilst the fluid outlet 42 is positioned at a corner adjacent to the head 24 and the second jamb 28. However, it wifl be appreciated that the fluid inlet 40 may be at any suitable position adjacent to the sill 22 or head 22 of the window frame 12, and the fluid outlet 42 similarly so adjacent to the head 24 or sill 22 of the window frame 12. The fluid inlet 40 may also be positioned diagonally opposite the fluid outlet 42, if preferred.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mounting means 20 is in a form of an oblong shaped open top collector housing 46 for housing the solar collector 18 substantially therein.

The collector housing 46 extends to or is adjacent to the intenor surface 14 of the window frame 12, and comprises an oblong shaped base 48 and four contiguous side walls 50 upstanding perpendicularly or substantiafly perpendicularly from the base 48.

A perimeter of the collector housing 46 is sized and shaped to compliment the size and shape of the window frame 12. A top edge 52 of the collector housing 46 is therefore positioned to abut or substantially abut the interior surface 14 of the window frame 12, along at least a majority of a thngitudinal extent of the sill 22, the head 24, and first and second jambs 26, 28. The solar collector 18 is therefore at least substantially enclosed therein, whereby the collector housing 46 forms a substandally enclosed chamber.

The collector housing 46 may engage with the interior surface 14 of the window frame by a clip arrangement. Other suitable, preferably releasable, attachment means may be used, such as brackets or screws. When access to the solar collector 18 is required, the collector housing 46 may thus be dismounted from the window frame 12.

Furthermore, a closable access may be provided on the collector housing 46, so that access into the collector housing 46 and thus to the window frame 12 maybe gained without dismounting the collector housing 46. This is beneficial, for example. if opening and closing a sash of the window frame 12 is required. In the embodiment shown in the figures, such a closable access may be provided at the base 48 of the collector housing 46, or at one of the side walls 50 of the collector housing 46 if more suitable. In the embodiment where the closable access is provided, the collector housing 46 may be integrally formed with the window frame 12, if preferred.

The interior surfaces of the collector housing 46 may advantageously include a reflective material to reflect solar energy to the solar collector 18, to promote solar energy absorption by the solar collector 18. The enclosed nature of the collector housing 46 also helps to trap heat, which further promotes heating of the water or heat transfer fluid inside the solar collector 18.

As seen in Figure 2, the fluid inlet 40 of the heat transfer conduit 38 is positioned at the corner adjacent to the base 52 of the collector housing 46, whilst the fluid outlet 42 of the heat transfer conduit 38 is positioned at a corner adjacent to the top edge 52 of the collector housing 46. This allows heat convection to take place naturally as the liquid travels from the fluid inlet 40 to the fluid outlet 42. However, it will be appreciated that the fluid inlet 40 and the fluid outlet 42 may be provided adjacent the top edge 48, the base 52, or any suitable position between the top edge 48 and the base 52 of the collector housing 46.

Corresponding apertures 54, 56 may be provided on the sides 50 or the base 48 of the collector housing 46 for the fluid inlet 40 and fluid outlet 42 of the heat transfer conduit 38 to extend therethrough.

In use, the window frame 12, which may therefore be a skylight, is mounted to an exterior surface of the building in a conventional manner. A south facing side of a roof 37 or a gable of the building is preferred as these tend to receive the most amount of solar radiation, but any other exterior surface may be considered.

The size of the window frame 12 is at least in part determined by the amount of solar energy available on the exterior surface of the building, and the amount of weight the exterior surface of the building can support. For example, the larger the window frame 12, the more s&ar energy can be absorbed by the solar coflector 18.

It will be appreciated that the exterior surface 16 of the window frame 12 can be of any colour desired. Advantageously, it may be in a colour similar or the same as the colour of the exterior surface of the building, such as brown, or brick c6lour, so that the window frame 12 blends into its surroundings. The transparent nature of the light transmissible element 30 also helps the window frame 12 to confoirn to the general appearance of the exterior surface of the building. Therefore, even if the window frame 12 of the solar energy collecting apparatus 10 is noticed, it is not aesthetically displeasing.

Once the window frame 12 is instafled, the solar collector 18 can then be attached to the interior surface of the window frame 12 via the collector housing 46.

In the arrangement where the solar collector 18 is at least one heat transfer conduit 38, the fluid inlet 40 and the fluid oufiet 42 of the heat transfer conduit 38 are connected to a hot water system or heating system, and a heat transfer fluid inside the heat transfer conduit 38 may be potable water.

Such a hot water system or heating system may be a direct or an open ioop system. A storage tank is provided with a potable water inlet port for receiving cold potable water from a water mains, and a water outlet port is provided in liquid communication with one or more hot water taps or other hot-water discharge devices, such as a shower head. in the building.

The fluid inlet 40 and the fluid outlet 42 of the solar collector 18 are arranged to fluidly communicate with the hot-water storage tank, so that unheated water discharged through the potable water inlet port is received by the solar collector 18 through the fluid inlet 40. Once the water is heated, it is discharged from the fluid outlet 42 of the solar collector 18 to return to the hot-water storage tank.

It is often the case that a system of providing heated potable water by solar means needs to be supplemented by the provision of conventional water heating means, such as a conventional hot water boiler unit. This is particularly useful, for example, during winter months. In this situation, the hot-water storage tank as described may therefore be or be integrally provided as part of a hot-water storage tank of a conventional hot water system. Alternatively, the hot-water storage tank as described above may be a separate pre-heat water tank and the water oufiet port of the pre-heat water tank may be in fluid communication with a standard hot-water storage tank of the conventional hot water system. The standard hot-water storage tank would in turn supply the one or more hot water taps or other hot-water discharge devices in the building.

Instead of the direct or open loop system as described above, the solar collector 18 may be fed into an indirect or closed loop system. In this case, the fluid inlet 40 and fluid outlet 42 of the heat transfer conduit 38 are in fluid communication with an inlet and outlet of a heat exchanger respectively, thereby forming a closed loop system.

The heat exchanger is typically in the form of at least one of a coil and a plate heat exchanger, and is typically accommodated in the standard hot-water storage tank of the conventional hot water system, or in the separate pre-heat water tank.

In the closed loop system. the heat transfer fluid contained therewithin may be water, water mixed with antifreeze, or other suitable heat transfer fluid. Heating of potable water inside the standard hot-water storage tank or the pre-heat water tank takes place through transfer of heat from the heat transfer fluid through the heat exchanger, and then to the potable water of an open loop system.

One or more pumps may be provided at one of more locations on the closed or open loop system to ensure adequate supply of water or heat transfer fluid to the solar collector 18, andior adequate supply of water to the storage tank. Sensors, such as a pressure sensor or temperature sensor, may also be provided to regulate the system overheating.

in another arrangement, the solar collector 18 may include one or more photovoltaic cells for converting solar energy into electricity for use in the building. The or each photovoltaic cell may be in any form that is known in the fidd of solar electricity, usually in the form of a substantially planar solar panel, and may be connected appropriately for supplying electricity to the building.

It will be appreciated that, instead of the heat transfer conduit being a helical coil, the heat transfer conduit may be in the form of a substantially spiral coil. The spiral coil therefore defines a converging taper or a diverging taper in the axial direction. This alTangernent is advantageous as each turn or coil of the heat transfer conduit does not overlie adjacent turns or coils, and maximum surface area for solar energy absorption iS is provided.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a coil axis of the helical coil is or is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the window frame so as to maximise the surface area of the heat transfer conduit exposed to solar radiation. However, it will be appreciated that the heat transfer conduit may a'so be arranged such that the coil axis is or is substantially parallel to the plane of the window frame.

In another alternative embodiment, the heat transfer conduit may be in the shape of a planar or substantia'ly spiral coil, meaning that the heat transfer conduit extending in a radial direction, but not in an axial direction. In other words, the heat transfer conduit extends in a plane substantially in parallel with the plane of the window frame or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the window frame. This is of benefit if space available for the solar collector is limited.

In yet another embodiment, the heat transfer conduit may define a serpentine flow path which is substantially parallel with or perpendicular to the plane of the window frame. The serpentine flow path may extend only in a single plane in order to conserve space.

II

It will be further appreciated that the fluid inlet may be positioned at any suitable position adjacent to the second jamb or the first jamb of the window frame, and the fluid outlet may be positioned at any suitable position adjacent to the first jam or the second jamb. opposite the fluid inlet, especially when the heat transfer conduit is provided in a serpentine manner.

Although the solar collector illustrated in the figures has a single heat transfer conduit, it will be appreciated that more than one heat transfer conduit may be provided, if preferred. In an arrangement with a plurality of heat transfer conduits, first and second manifolds may be provided, whereby the first manifold is in fluid communication with one end of each heat transfer conduit and the second manifold is in fluid communication with the other end of each heat transfer conduit.

Although the mounting means is preferably an open top collector housing closed by the window frame and the light transmissible element, it will be appreciated that the mounting means may simply be in the form of one or more brackets for mounting the solar collector to the window frame, or may include a collector tray for the solar collector to be supported thereon.

Preferably. although not shown in the figures, the window frame may further comprise a sash mounted to or adjacent to at least one of the sill, the head, and first and second jambs of the window frame. The sash may comprise an upper rail and lower rail, and first and second stiles interconnecting the upper and lower rails. In this arrangement, the light transmissible element may be supported by the sash rather than directly by the sill, the head, and first and second jambs of the window frame.

The sash described above may be a sliding sash where the sash is split vertically or horizontally into two halves. The window can therefore be opened and closed by sliding one of the two halves towards either one of the rails, or one of the stiles.

The sash may also be rotatable relative to at least one of the sill, the head, and first and second jambs of the window frame. The sash may form a casement if hinged at the first or second stiles, or an awning window if hinged at the upper rail, or a hopper window if hinged at the lower rail. Alternatively, the sash may be mounted on central pivoting hinges provided centrally on the jarnbs of the window frame to allow the sash to pivot along a central rotational axis. Having the sash on the window frame is advantageous as it allows the window frame to function as a conventional window where it may be opened and closed, for example, to enable air movement in the building.

It is therefore possible to install a solar collector without having to climb onto a roof or any exterior surface of the building, once the window frame is mounted to the exterior surface of the building. As the solar collector can be installed from a room or a loft of the building, the installer is exposed to less nsk of a fall. Furthermore, the solar collector 18 can be accessed from within the building, making adjustment to and maintenance of the apparatus more convenient. The effort and costs associated with maintaining the apparatus is therefore lower than a conventional solar panel.

It is also possible to provide a solar energy collecting apparatus where, although the exterior surface of the window frame is visible, the solar collector and the mounting means is effectively hidden or obscured from external view as they are positioned inside the building. The window frame has an appearance of a conventional window when viewed from outside the building, and can therefore blend in and conform to the outward appearance of the building. Therefore, the window frame disguises the solar collector and the mounting means, and the solar energy collecting apparatus does not hinder or spoil the aesthetic appearance of the building.

Furthermore, for historic or listed buildings, or buildings within conservation areas, where installation of conventional solar panels are prohibited due to planning restrictions, one or more solar energy collecting apparatus may be installed. The solar energy collecting apparatus therefore increases the kinds of buildings where solar energy installations can be installed. which is environmentally beneficial.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims I. Solar energy collecting apparatus comprising a window frame having interior and exterior surfaces defined by a sill, a head opposite the sill, and first and second jambs positioned at opposing sides and interconnecting the sill and the head, a s&ar collector, and mounting means for positioning the solar collector at or adjacent to the intenor surface of the window frame.
2. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in claim I, wherein the window frame further includes a light transmissible element held directly or indirectly by the sill, head and janibs. the light transmissible element allowing transmission of solar radiation from the exterior surface of the window frame to the solar collector.
3. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the window frame further includes a sash mounted to at least one of the sill, head, first and second jambs of the window frame, the sash having a upper and lower rails, and first and second stiles interconnecting the upper and lower rails, the sash supporting the or one light transmissible element.
4. Solar energy collector apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sash is a casement pivotably mounted to the sill, head, first jamb andlor second jamb.
5. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a light transmission contro' element is mounted at or adjacent to the interior surface or the exterior surface of the window frame for controlling an amount of solar radiation transmissible from the exterior surface of the window frame to the solar collector,
6. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the light transmission control element is a movable blind andlor a shutter.
7. Solar energy coflecting apparatus as daimed in any preceding claim, wherein the solar collector includes one or more photovoltaic cells for converting solar energy into electricity.
8. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solar collector includes at least one fluid transfer conduit for receiving a heat transfer fluid to be heated by incident solar radiation.
9. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the solar collector includes a plurality of said fluid transfer conduits.
10. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the solar collector further includes first and second manifolds which fluidly interconnect respective ends of the fluid transfer conduits.
11. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the or each fluid transfer conduit comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid inlet being positioned adjacent the first jamb andlor the sill of the window frame and the fluid outlet being positioned adjacent the second jamb and/or the head of the window frame.
12. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the or each fluid transfer conduit defines a coil.
13. Solar energy coflecting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the coil is a substantially helical coil having a circumferential extent which matches or substantially matches a perimeter of the window frame and an axial extent perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the window frame.
14. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the coil is a substantially spiral coil.
15. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the spiral coil defines a planar or substantially planar coil.
16. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the spiral coil defines a converging taper in an axial direction.
17. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the spiral coil defines a diverging taper in an axial direction.
18. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein a coil axis of the coil is or is substantially parallel to a plane of the window frame.
19. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein a coil axis of the coil is or is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the window frame.
20, Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the or each fluid transfer conduit defines a serpentine flow path which is substantially parallel to the plane of the window frame.
21. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the or each fluid transfer conduit define a serpentine flow path which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the window frame.
22. Solar energy coflecting apparatus as daimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mounting means includes at least one bracket.
23. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mounting means includes a collector housing for the solar collector to be housed at east substantiafly therein.
24. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the collector housing extends to or is adjacent to the interior surface of the window frame.
25. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the collector housing abuts or substantially abuts at least a majority of a longitudinal extent of the sill, head and the first and second jarnbs of the window frame to provide an at least substantially enclosed chamber for the solar collector housed therein.
26. Solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the collector housing includes a reflective interior surface for promoting solar energy absorption by the in use s&ar collector housed therein.
27. A solar energy heating system comprising solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 26, and a hot-water storage tank having a potaNe water inlet port and a water outlet port in liquid communication with at least one controllable hot-water discharge device, a fluid inlet of the solar collector being in communication with the hot-water storage tank for heating water being discharged through the potable water inlet port.
28. A solar energy heating system as claimed in claim 27, wherein a fluid outlet of the solar collector is in communication with the hot-water storage tank for a return of a heat transfer fluid.
29. A solar energy heating system as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28, further comprising a heat-exchanger device within the hot-water storage tank and in liquid communication with the solar collector.
30. A solar energy heating system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the heat-exchanger device is at least one of a coil and a plate heat exchanger.
31. A building comprising an exterior surface, and solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26 mounted in the exterior surface, the solar energy collecting apparatus collecting and converting solar energy for providing electricity and/or heated water to the building.
32. A building as claimed in claim 31, wherein the exterior surface is a roof of the building.
33, A building as claimed in claim 31, wherein the exterior surface is a gable of the building.
34. A building as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the window frame is a skylight.
35. A method of obscuring a solar collector on a building from external view, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a window frame of solar energy collecting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 26 on an exterior surface of a building; and b] mounting the solar collector at or adjacent to an interior surface of the window frame within the building.
36. A method as claimed in claim 35, wherein, in step a], the window frame is provided in a roof of the building.
37. A method as claimed in claim 35, wherein, in step a], the window frame is provided in a gable of the building.