Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
  • F16L59/14—Arrangements for the insulation of pipes or pipe systems
  • F16L59/16—Arrangements specially adapted to local requirements at flanges, junctions, valves or the like
  • F16L59/18—Arrangements specially adapted to local requirements at flanges, junctions, valves or the like adapted for joints
  • F16L59/185—Adjustable joints, joints allowing movement
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
  • F24S10/40—Solar heat collectors using working fluids in absorbing elements surrounded by transparent enclosures, e.g. evacuated solar collectors
  • F24S10/45—Solar heat collectors using working fluids in absorbing elements surrounded by transparent enclosures, e.g. evacuated solar collectors the enclosure being cylindrical
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
  • F24S10/70—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits
  • F24S10/74—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits the tubular conduits are not fixed to heat absorbing plates and are not touching each other
  • F24S10/742—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits the tubular conduits are not fixed to heat absorbing plates and are not touching each other the conduits being parallel to each other
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S80/00—Details, accessories or component parts of solar heat collectors not provided for in groups F24S10/00-F24S70/00
  • F24S80/10—Materials for heat-exchange conduits
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S80/00—Details, accessories or component parts of solar heat collectors not provided for in groups F24S10/00-F24S70/00
  • F24S80/30—Arrangements for connecting the fluid circuits of solar collectors with each other or with other components, e.g. pipe connections; Fluid distributing means, e.g. headers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S80/00—Details, accessories or component parts of solar heat collectors not provided for in groups F24S10/00-F24S70/00
  • F24S80/50—Elements for transmitting incoming solar rays and preventing outgoing heat radiation; Transparent coverings
  • F24S80/54—Elements for transmitting incoming solar rays and preventing outgoing heat radiation; Transparent coverings using evacuated elements
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S80/00—Details, accessories or component parts of solar heat collectors not provided for in groups F24S10/00-F24S70/00
  • F24S80/50—Elements for transmitting incoming solar rays and preventing outgoing heat radiation; Transparent coverings
  • F24S80/56—Elements for transmitting incoming solar rays and preventing outgoing heat radiation; Transparent coverings characterised by means for preventing heat loss
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S80/00—Details, accessories or component parts of solar heat collectors not provided for in groups F24S10/00-F24S70/00
  • F24S80/60—Thermal insulation
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S80/00—Details, accessories or component parts of solar heat collectors not provided for in groups F24S10/00-F24S70/00
  • F24S80/70—Sealing means
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
  • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
  • Y02E10/44—Heat exchange systems

Definitions

• the invention relates to improvements in a solar heat collection system which in a typical embodiment is a solar water heating system.
• a solar heat collection system such as a solar water heating system typically comprises one or more heat collecting elements through which a working fluid such as water is circulated and is heated.
• the solar heat collecting elements are commonly mounted on a roof, a wall, or other location which will expose them to the sun.
• a solar heat collection system is typically used to heat water, or assist in heating water, or for space heating, for example.
• a solar heating system also includes conduits to conduct the working fluid from the one or more heat collecting elements, through for example the roof and/or walls of the dwelling or building to which the heat collecting elements are mounted, to a hot water cylinder for example or other heat load.
• conduit used is copper or plastic pipe, and the pipe is lagged with an insulating material to reduce heat loss.
• the heat collection elements are incorporated into one or more large flat rectangular elements. These typically comprise solar tubes mounted on a purpose-built manifold.
• a solar water heating system comprising: a plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe; a plurality of lengths of water conduit jacket pipe, at least one of the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe being positioned inside each length of water conduit jacket pipe; one or more spacing elements for positioning the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe inside the plurality of lengths of water conduit jacket pipe such that an insulating space is provided between the lengths of water conduit pipe and lengths of water conduit jacket pipe; and a plurality of solar collector pipes containing a heat transfer medium, the solar collector pipes being thermally connected to at least one of the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe, wherein the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe are fluidly connected to form a circulation system.
• any of the solar collector pipes may be thermally connected to any of the lengths of water conduit pipe.
• At least one of the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe is not substantially straight.
• the system further comprises one or more connection devices for fluidly connecting two or more lengths of water conduit pipe.
• At least some of the plurality of solar collector pipes form a solar collector.
• the plurality of solar collector pipes are fluidly connected to the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe.
• the solar collector pipes comprise a heat transfer medium pipe contained wifhin an at least partially evacuated tube.
• the heat transfer medium is water.
• the system further comprises an insulating material positioned between one or more of the lengths of water conduit jacket pipe and one or more of the lengths of water conduit pipe.
• the spaces between the plurality of lengths of water conduit jacket pipe and the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe are fluidly connected.
• the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe are positioned substantially co-axially inside the plurality of lengths of water conduit jacket pipe.
• the plurality of lengths of water conduit jacket pipe is flexible.
• the plurality of lengths of water conduit jacket pipe ate corrugated.
• the plurality of lengths of water conduit jacket pipe is formed of a plastic material such as polyethylene.
• the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe is formed of a metal such as copper.
• the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe is formed of a plastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene.
• At least one of the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe and/ or the plurality of lengths of water conduit jacket pipe is bent through an angle.
• one or more spacing elements are attached to the interior surface of at least one of the plurality of lengths of water conduit jacket pipe.
• one or more spacing elements are attached to the exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe.
• water circulates around the system by thermosiphoning.
• the system further comprises a pump for pumping water around the system.
• the system further comprises a heat load.
• the system further comprises a support device for supporting the solar collector tubes.
• the support device comprises an at least partially transparent protective cover for the solar collector tubes.
• a method of manufacturing a solar water heating system including the steps of: positioning one or more lengths of water conduit pipe inside one or more lengths of water conduit jacket pipe; fluidly connecting one of the one or mote lengths of water conduit pipe with the other lengths of water conduit pipe; and thermally connecting one or more solar collector pipes to at least one of the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe.
• the method comprises thermally connecting any of the one or more solar collector pipes to any of the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe.
• the method comprises the further steps of: preparing at least one of the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe in at least one place for receiving a thermal connection to at least one of the one or more solar collector pipes; creating at least one hole in at least one of the one or more lengths of water conduit jacket pipe, each of the at least one holes corresponding to the one of the at least one places for receiving a thermal connection, the said steps of preparing and creating occurring prior to the step of positioning; and wherein the step of positioning the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe inside the one or more lengths of water conduit jacket pipe comprises aligning the at least one hole in the one or more lengths of water conduit jacket pipe with the corresponding prepared places of the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe for receiving a thermal connection to at least one of the one or more solar collector pipes.
• the one or more solar collector pipes comprise a heat transfer medium pipe contained within an at least partially evacuated tube.
• the heat transfer medium is water.
• the method further includes the step of inserting insulating material inside the one or more lengths of water conduit jacket pipe but outside the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe.
• the method further includes the step of connecting one of the one or more lengths of water conduit jacket pipe with the other lengths of water conduit jacket pipe.
• the step of connecting comprises connecting by welding, bra2ing or soldering.
• the step of connecting comprises connecting by glueing.
• the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe are positioned substantially co-axially inside the one or more lengths of water conduit jacket pipe.
• a kitset for a solar water heating system comprising: one or more lengths of water conduit pipe; one or more lengths of water conduit jacket pipe, at least one of the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe being adapted to be positioned at least partially inside each length of water conduit jacket pipe; and one or more spacing elements for positioning the plurality of water conduit pipes inside the plurality of water conduit jacket pipes;
• a modular solar water heating system comprising: a plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe, wherein each length of water conduit pipe is joined to another length of water conduit pipe such that the lengths of water conduit pipe are fluidly connected to form a circulation system; a plurality of lengths of water conduit jacket pipe, wherein at least one of the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe is positioned inside each length of water conduit jacket pipe; and a plurality of solar collector tubes, each thermally connected to one of the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipe, wherein any of the solar collector tubes may be thermally connected to any of the plurality of lengths of water conduit pipes.
• a solar water heating system comprising: one or more lengths of water conduit pipe; one or more lengths of flexible water conduit jacket pipe, at least one of the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe being positioned inside each length of water conduit jacket pipe; one or more spacing elements for positioning the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe inside the one or more lengths of water conduit jacket pipe such that an insulating space is provided between the length(s) of water conduit pipe and length(s) of water conduit jacket pipe; and one or more solar collector pipes, the solar collector pipes being thermally connected to the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe, wherein the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe are fluidly connected to form a circulation system.
• the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe are flexible.
• a water conduit piping element for a solar water heating system comprising: a length of water conduit pipe inside a substantially coaxial and coterminous length of water conduit jacket pipe, wherein the conduit pipe is joined to the jacket pipe at both ends by annular elements and the conduit pipe, the jacket pipe and the annular elements together enclose a sealed insulating space and the annular elements are capable of joining to like annular elements to form a fluidly connected water conduit pathway and wherein the ann ⁇ W elements are formed of a material with a poor or, at most, moderate thermal conductivity.
• the water conduit piping element further comprises at least one port along its length that facilitates the thermal connection of a solar collector tube to the central water conduit pipe.
• a port wall spans the radial extent between the water conduit pipe and the jacket pipe so that die conduit pipe, the jacket pipe, the annular elements and the port wall together enclose a sealed insulating space.
• the water conduit piping element is substantially bendable.
• the water conduit piping element comprises a substantial bend in the water conduit pipe.
• a solar heat fence comprising: one or more lengths of water conduit pipe; a plurality of solar collector tubes, the solar collector tubes being thermally connected to the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe, wherein the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe may be fluidly connected to each other to form a fluidly connected circulation system capable of receiving thermal energy from a solar collector.
• the system further comprises a heat load.
• the solar collector tubes are arranged in a substantially vertical fashion.
• the one or more lengths of water conduit pipe form a fence boundary enclosing an area.
• the lengths of water conduit pipe connected to the solar collector tubes functioning as the fence ate not substantially straight.
• Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a solar heat collection system of the invention
• Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a straight joint according to one embodiment of a heat collection system of the invention
• Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an elbow joint according to one embodiment of a heat collection system of the invention
• Figure 2C is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a straight joint according to another embodiment of a heat collection system of the invention
• Figure 2D is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a straight joint according to another embodiment of a heat collection system of the invention
• Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a tee joint according to one embodiment of a heat collection system of the invention
• Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a straight joint according to another embodiment of a heat collection system of the invention
• Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a tee joint according to another embodiment of a heat collection system of the invention
• Figure 5B is a schematic
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a solar heat collection system of the invention.
• the system comprises solar collector tubes 1 as heat collecting elements, which can be arranged in various arrays to suit any particular installation.
• the solar collector tubes are evacuated solar tubes, although it will be known to those skilled in the art that alternative forms of solar collector tubes are possible.
• FIG. three arrays each of a series of solar tubes side by side are shown. Each array may comprise any number of solar tubes of any size.
• the open ends of the solar tubes of each array are coupled to lengths of jacketed insulated piping 3 to circulate the working fluid as is further described with reference to Figures 6 to 9.
• a conduit system conducts working fluid such as water between heating elements 1 and from the heating elements 1 part way or full way to a heat load (not shown), and from the heat load back to the heating elements.
• Each section 4 of the conduit system comprises substantially coterminous lengths of inner conduit pipe and outer jacket pipe.
• the conduit pipe and outer jacket of each section 4 are substantially concentric in the embodiment shown with a ⁇ insulating material in between.
• connection devices 5, 6, and 7 join other sections of the conduit and jacket pipe, each connection device comprising opposite inner ends for coupling to opposite ends of two sections of conduit pipe and, around the inner ends, outer ends for coupling to opposite ends of two sections of outer jacket around the conduit pipe.
• each connection device 5, 6, and 7 comprises a larger diameter pipe connection fitting matched to the size of the jacket pipe which couples the jacket pipe, and a smaller pipe connection fitting matched to the size of the conduit pipe and which is located within the interior of the larger diameter fitting connecting the jacket pipe.
• the connection devices may integrate such conduit and jacket pipe fittings.
• the conduit system in a preferred form is made up of multiple sections or lengths, each section comprising a length of conduit pipe with, a length of conduit jacket pipe around it
• the length of conduit jacket pipe may be of approximately similar length to the length of conduit pipe.
• a "length" means a section or piece of piping and may include straight, substantially straight, bent or elbow sections within the meaning of the term.
• Connection devices between these separate sections of the conduit system may be straight, elbow or tee connection devices for example.
• the connection devices are preferably of a form that to couple one such section of the conduit system to a connection device, the end of the conduit pipe and the adjacent and surrounding end of the jacket pipe of the section both insert into the connection device on one side.
• Another section of the conduit system couples to the connection device on the other side in die same way (and a third section similarly, for a tee connection device).
• the connection devices are integrally attached to one or both ends of a length of water conduit pipe, or to one or both ends of a length of water conduit jacket pipe.
• die connection devices are separate to the lengdis but couplably attachable to them.
• Means may be implemented, at least for some lengdis of insulated and jacketed pipe, to avoid stresses in the insulated and jacketed pipe due to the relative longitudinal motion of conduit and jacket caused by temperature differences between die two.
• sliding seals may mechanically isolate the jacketing from the conduit piping.
• the jacketing may be corrugated to allow it to bend or to expand or compress longitudinally.
• the lengdis of water conduit jacket pipe are positioned inside the lengths of water conduit pipe.
• more tiian one length of water conduit pipe may be positioned within each length of water conduit jacket pipe.
• die conduit pipe and jacket pipe (herein alternatively referred to as outer jacket) are positioned substantially co-axially, to provide at least an air space around die conduit pipe between the conduit pipe and die jacket pipe as die insulating layer, so that the jacket pipe both armours die conduit pipe against physical damage and defines around die conduit pipe at least an insulating ait space.
• the space between die conduit pipe and jacket contains an insulating material.
• the jacket pipe tiien also armours the insulating material against damage and/ or provides protection for die insulating material from die external environment, from degradation over time.
• the conduit pipe may in some embodiments be formed of a metal such as copper or in other embodiments of a less thermally transmissive material such as polypropylene or polye ⁇ ylene or other synthetic plasties material for example.
• the jacket pipe may be formed of a plastics material such as polyethylene for example.
• the spacing between the jacket pipe and conduit pipe is maintained by one or more spacing elements positioned in between the exterior of the conduit pipe and interior of the jacket pipe.
• the spacing elements are attached to the interior surface of the jacket pipe, whilst in another embodiment they are attached to the exterior surface of the conduit pipe.
• the spacing elements are separate to the conduit pipe and jacket pipe and are inserted in the relevant position.
• the insulating material forms the spacing elements such that the spacing is ma.ififginp.fi through use of the insulating material between the jacket pipe and conduit pipe.
• the sections 4 of combined conduit and jacket pipe may come pre-formed. They may be sold in a range of standard lengths.
• the compatible insulated and the protectively jacketed pipe fittings 5, 6, and 7 may also come pre-formed such that installations can proceed by doing end-to-end joins of lengths of pipe, either to each other or to a jacketed pipe fitting.
• Figures 2, 2B and 2C show different embodiments of joints in a solar heating system of the invention.
• the embodiment is a straight joint.
• the embodiment is an elbow joint.
• conduit socket fitting 202 comprises a thread whereby the join can be made by screwing the attachment The thread of the screw engages with element 209.
• a seal 208 typically made from EPDM rubber is provided.
• two half-cylinders clamp together over the seal 208 and are held in place by a wedge mechanism as illustrated.
• Other embodiments of joints will be known to those skilled in the art and are included within the scope of the invention; the embodiments of Figures 2 and 2B ate provided by way of example only.
• a straight socket connection device which is a two part connection device comprising an inner a-nrmiar part 202 and an outer annular part 205.
• the two opposite ends of conduit pipe on either side 201 insert into and are connected by the conduit socket fitting 202.
• the two opposite ends of the jacket pipe on either side insert into and are connected by the jacket socket fitting 204.
• the following reference numerals indicate the following elements:
• FIG. 2D there is shown a termination joint according to an embodiment of the invention.
• a threaded copper connector 212 for attaching the portion of conduit to another portion of conduit
• Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a tee joint in a solar heating system of the invention.
• the three opposite ends of conduit pipes 201 insert into and are connected by the conduit socket fitting 202.
• the three opposite ends of jacket pipe 303 insert into and are connected by the jacket socket fitting 204.
• the following reference numerals indicate the following elements:
• FIG. 4 shows lengths of piping and straight joints in an embodiment of the conduit system for use in a solar heating system of the invention.
• the following reference numerals indicate the following elements:
• a flange such as an gnrmW flange (or disk) 404 on the end of section of conduit pipe 403 surrounded by larger diameter jacket pipe 407 extends radially outward to die end of the jacket pipe, thus presenting a flat face that is rigidly attached and oriented with respect to the conduit pipe 403 and that can be held directly while butting it together against the similar face of an adjoining piping element in order to accomplish a sealed join for the fluid conduit pathway.
• the conduit pipe 403 is comprised of a material with low thermal conductivity in order that die flange at the joint does not form a thermal short between the working fluid and environment outside the jacket pipe.
• the seal 406 allows relative sliding between the jacket pipe 407 and die conduit pipe 403. This avoids stresses in the conduit and jacket pipe due to longitudinal movement due to temperature changes between the two.
• Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a tee joint in a solar heating system of the invention.
• the joining mediod could be by welding, for example, or by glueing or chemical welding.
• the joining procedure can be similar to that of Figure 4. Two of the three such joins have been made and the remaining unjoined lengdi of pipe is shown oriented and placed in proximity to the joining site on the tee fitting 502, ready to be joined.
• the corrugated form of die jacket pipe 505 allows it to flex transversely and to expand and contract longitudinally.
• the following reference numerals indicate die following elements:
• Figure 5B shows an embodiment of a straight joint according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the connector 509 has a dxteaded edge for engaging -with a connector element 511.
• rubber seals 510 for sealably engaging the connector element
• Figure 5C illustrates an element according to an embodiment of the invention. Similarly to Figure 2D there is provided a threaded copper connector 512 for connecting the length of conduit shown with another length or element of the system.
• Figure 5D illustrates an elbow element according to an embodiment of the invention.
• conduit pipe 503 is contained with jacket 505 and is surrounded by insulation 507.
• the invention provides for such pipes containing a bend or other not-substantially straight portion.
• Figures 6, 6B, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate alternative embodiments for mounting and connecting each of one or more individual solar tubes to the insulated and jacketed pipe.
• Figures 6, 6B and 7 show embodiments in which a heat pipe 607 is used to extract solar heat energy from the open end of each evacuated solar tube 601.
• a thermal transfer fitting 608 is used between the head of heat pipe 607 and a copper conduit pipe 602.
• the following reference numerals indicate the following elements:
• the solar tube 601 comprises an outer cylinder of glass, closed at one end, which encloses a thermally insulating region of at least partial vacuum around a heat pipe 607 that absorbs the solar heat energy and transfers this energy to the open end of the tube.
• heat pipe 607 is formed of a heat transfer medium.
• heat pipe 607 contains a heat transfer medium.
• the heat transfer medium may be water, or water at a low pressure such that the normal boiling point of the water is reduced, or another substance such as an aqueous solution or alcohol.
• the working fluid can also be the heat transfer medium to convey the solar energy away from the heat pipes.
• the heat transfer fitting 608 transfers heat by conduction between the head of the heat pipe 607 and the conduit pipe 602.
• the heat transfer fitting 608 is made principally of a material with a high thermal conductivity, such as copper. It fits around the head of the heat pipe 607 with good thermal contact In the preferred form it has a hinged clam-shell form comprising two parts which pivot around pin 609 and clamps closed around the conduit pipe. It includes a latching mechanism such as retaining latch or clip 610 or other retaining means, to hold the fitting closed after installation.
• the shape of the heat transfer fitting 608 is such that it maintains good thermal contact with the conduit pipe over a surface area that is larger than the contact area between the fitting 608 and the head of the heat pipe 607.
• the heat transfer fitting 608 is also shaped such that between the contact areas with the heat pipe head and with the conduit pipe, it maximises the rate of heat flow.
• a single conduit pipe 602 is provided.
• two conduit pipes 602 are provided.
• heat transfer fitting 608 provides a thermal coupling between the heat pipe 607 and both conduit pipes 602.
• the working fluid 603 may be generally circulating in the same direction in each of the conduit pipes 602, or in opposite directions. Further embodiments in which more than two conduit pipes are provided are also within the scope of the present invention.
• the head of the heat pipe 707 penetrates into the conduit pipe 702 and is immersed in the working fluid.
• the heat pipe 707 is held in place by a retaining latch or clip 709 and fluid seal such as an O-ring 708 around the heat pipe which seals to the aperture in the conduit pipe.
• fluid seal such as an O-ring 708 around the heat pipe which seals to the aperture in the conduit pipe.
• 701 evacuated solar tube
• FIG 8 illustrates an embodiment in which the working fluid floods the solar tube 801, with a sealed pathway formed between the conduit pipe 804 and the each evacuated solar tube 801.
• a fluid seal such as an O-ring 802 seals between the upper end of the solar tube 801 and a saddle fitting 803 around an aperture in the conduit pipe.
• the following reference numerals indicate the following elements:
• Figure 9 shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 8, with forced circulation of working fluid through the solar tube 901.
• the jacket pipe 905 is corrugated for the avoidance of thermal stresses and includes ports for the insertion of solar tubes 901 that extend radially from die conduit pipe 904 and through lie corrugated jacketing.
• the following reference numerals indicate the following elements:
• FIG. 9B there is shown an embodiment of the invention, wherein two portions of conduit to which solar collector tubes 901 are attached are joined at joint 932.
• the two portions of conduit each comprise an annular element to enclose the cavity in which insulation material 907 is contained.
• the two portions of conduit can be joined by a variety of methods including, but not limited to, gluing, butt-welding, welding, brazing or soldering. As will be known the appropriate method of joining may be dependent on the material from which the conduit, conduit jacket and fltirmiar element are formed.
• FIG. 9C there is shown an alternative embodiment of the invention.
• the embodiment illustrates a plastic inner conduit which can be screwed together with another conduit
• each length of water conduit pipe is joined to a length of water conduit jacket pipe as a single length of conduit.
• the solar water heating system is formed by joining these lengths together. This method allows construction of a solar water heating system on site.
• the lengths of conduit pipe are positioned inside the lengths of jacket pipe during the construction of the solar water heating system.
• the lengths of conduit pipe and jacket are flexible. It will be understood that the flexibility in the lengths may be transverse (i.e. bendable) and also longitudinal (i.e. stretchable / compressionable). A variety of methods for achieving this are provided and are mentioned elsewhere herein. Non-limiting example are that the lengths can be made of flexible material, or through a flexible construction technique, such as corrugation.
• the solar water heating system may be comprised of a small number of lengths of conduit.
• a single length of conduit pipe and conduit jacket pipe is used. The single length is attached to the heat load such that a circulatory system is provided and solar collector tubes are connected to the single length at any of a number of points along the length.
• This embodiment offers significant advantages over previous arrangements because of the flexibility of positioning the length of pipe to fit the installation and because the solar collector tubes can be attached at any point, as discussed further below.
• a number of flexible lengths may be used in combination, or a number of flexible lengths may be used with a number of inflexible lengths.
• the system is not limiting in terms of the configuration and any combination of flexible or inflexible lengths is provided.
• some of the lengths are bent or not substantially straight.
• the inner conduit pipe is inserted into the outer conduit jacket pipe.
• the inner pipe is made of a flexible material such as plastic the inner pipe is inserted and shaped to fit the installation at a later point
• the inner pipe is made of a material such as copper
• the copper can be heat-shaped as it is inserted into the outer jacket pipe such that it takes the required shape for the installation.
• the insulating material is inserted into the space between the inner and outer pipes. In one embodiment, the insulating material is injected into this space at one or a number of points along the length of the piping. In an alternative embodiment, an insulation material injection device is used to achieve the injection of the material and is typically drawn along the length of the piping as insulating material such as insulating foam is expelled from the device.
• the solar collector pipes are thermally connected to the lengths of water conduit pipe as discussed herein.
• the water conduit pipes are prepared for receiving the solar collector pipes and thus the thermal connection before being positioned in the lengths of jacket pipe.
• a hole can be drilled in the conduit pipe and an O-ring inserted to provide the seal, such as is shown in Figure 7.
• a protruding stub can be created to attach the O- ring ot other seal to, the stub being created either using a tee or other branching means along the conduit or by attaching a stub following drilling a hole using, for example, weld-in saddles.
• the jacket pipe has holes drilled into it to correspond with the places in the water conduit that have been prepared for receiving the thermal connection. After insertion of the conduit pipe into the jacket pipe, these holes are aligned such that the solar collector pipes may be thermally connected to the conduit pipe by insertion through the jacket pipe-
• the water conduit pipes can be prepared to receive the solar collector pipes after they have been positioned inside the jacket pipes.
• This method requires the drilling of the requisite holes in the jacket pipe and, if appropriate, the conduit pipe following the insertion of the conduit pipe inside the jacket pipe.
• FIG 10 there is shown an embodiment of the invention as applied to a solar fence.
• a portion of solar fence 1000 is comprised of an array of solar collector tubes 1001 attached at one end to a flexible corrugated length of water conduit pipe 1002. At their other ends, the solar collector tubes stand on small wheels 1003. This is to enable easy moving of the fence.
• the collector tubes stand on the ground or on feet A variety of configurations are known to those skilled in the art.
• the length of water conduit pipe 1002 is enclosed within a length of water conduit jacket pipe 1004. This is attached to one end of a plurality of solar collector tube covers 1005.
• the solar collector tube covers are made of a transparent material and protect the solar collector from damage.
• the solar collector tube covers are therefore preferably made of a resistance material such as a transparent plastic.
• the length of water conduit jacket pipe 1004 is also flexible allowing for the fence to be moved or easily installed to suit any particular setting.
• This embodiment may be applied to, for example, heat a swimming pool.
• the fence provides both a way of converting solar energy into heat for the purposes of heating the swimming pool, but also to fence the swimming pool area — i.e. provide an enclosure around the pool.
• the solar collector tubes of the solar fence are configured vertically around the pool.
• This embodiment is not limited solely to the application to swimming pools fences, nor just to fences.
• a building may be surrounded by such a solar fence as a source of heat energy.
• the fence arrangement may be provided on the roof of a building with the solar collector pipes at the same angle of slope of the roof, or alternatively, at another angle of slope. In a roof with a variety of slopes and angles the fence may be placed in a number of places on the roof such that the sun's energy is utilised at various parts of the day and year.
• the conduit tubes and solar collector tubes are supported in place by a support device.
• a support device is illustrated in Figure 11.
• solar collector support device 1100 is comprised of solar collector tube supports 1101 and rings 1104. The rings are attached to the solar collector tube supports 1101 and circle the conduit jacket pipe 1102 to hold the solar collector tube supports 1101 in place with respect to the conduit.
• Conduit pipe 1103 runs inside conduit jacket pipe 1102.
• Solar collector tubes 1106 are positioned within the solar collector tube supports 1101 and held substantially in place thereby.
• solar collector protectors 1107 to cover the solar collector tubes 1106 and protect them from damage. The protectors 1107 are substantially transparent so the sun's energy can pass through and be absorbed and are removable in case of repairs.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Sustainable Development (AREA)
• Sustainable Energy (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Pipe Accessories (AREA)
• Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
• Thermal Insulation (AREA)
• Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)

Priority Applications (4)

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Publications (2)

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ID=40260149

Family Applications (1)

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Citations (4)

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• 2007
  • 2007-07-16 NZ NZ556555A patent/NZ556555A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2008
  • 2008-07-16 EP EP08788886A patent/EP2179207A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2008-07-16 AU AU2008277328A patent/AU2008277328A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2008-07-16 US US12/669,605 patent/US20100192943A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2008-07-16 CN CN200880103895A patent/CN101821538A/zh active Pending
  • 2008-07-16 WO PCT/IB2008/001837 patent/WO2009010852A2/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (4)

Non-Patent Citations (3)

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