WO2011017750A1

WO2011017750A1 - Solar hot generator

Info

Publication number: WO2011017750A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/001018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Urs Furter; Craig Clark
Original assignee: Urs Furter; Craig Clark
Priority date: 2009-08-11
Filing date: 2010-08-11
Publication date: 2011-02-17

Abstract

A solar air conditioning system comprising at least one evacuated glass tube having an internal cavity extending from an open end to a closed end of the tube; an insert being adapted to be positioned within the internal cavity to define at least a first channel and a second channel within the cavity, the first and second channels being adapted such that a fluid flowing into a the first channel from the open end is directed along the first channel toward the closed end and into the second channel then along the second channel toward the open end.

Description

SOLAR HEAT GENERATOR

Technical Field The present invention relates generally to systems for generating heated air or water for use in domestic and commercial air conditioning and hot water applications and is described primarily in those terms. A person skilled in the art will be aware that the invention can also be utilised for providing solar absorbed heat for industrial and food manufacturing applications and any other application where hot air or hot water is required. Similarly the invention can be utilised for cooling applications .

Background to the disclosure

It is increasingly important to develop environmentally friendly devices and appliances and to replace devices using non-renewable energy resources with devices using renewable energy. Conventional air and water heating devices require a significant energy input. Consequently, it is of benefit to effectively use solar energy to provide heat to air and water utilized in domestic and commercial environments.

Summary of the invention

Disclosed is an insert for an evacuated glass tube having an internal cavity extending from an open end to a closed end of the tube, the insert being adapted to be positioned within the internal cavity to define at least a first channel and a second channel within the cavity, the first and second channels being adapted such that a fluid

flowing into a the first channel from the open end is directed along the first channel toward the closed end and into the second channel then along the second channel toward the open end.

In one form the insert is shaped such that the first channel and second channel meet at the closed end of the glass tube.

In one form the insert comprises a pipe having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the internal cavity.

In one form the pipe is adapted to be inserted into the internal cavity such that the first channel is situated between the pipe and an internal wall of the evacuated glass tube and the second channel is situated within the interior of the pipe.

In one form the insert comprises a folded sheet, the insert having a substantially z- shaped cross section In one form the z-shaped cross section comprises two curved webs joined by a straight flange.

In one form in use the first channel is situated on one side of the straight flange and the second channel is situated on the other side of the straight flange.

In one form the insert is composed of metal or a heat resistant synthetic material. In a second aspect, disclosed is an evacuated glass tube comprising an external surface; an internal surface, the internal surface defining an internal cavity extending from a closed end to an open end; an insert adapted to divide the internal cavity into a first channel and a second channel, the first and second channels meeting at a point within the internal cavity such that fluid flowing into the first channel from the open end is directed toward the closed end, then into the second channel to flow toward the open end and out of the internal cavity.

In a third aspect disclosed is manifold comprising an array of evacuated glass tubes as defined in claim 9, the evacuated glass tubes being in fluid communication with a single collection point.

In one form the manifold is adapted to be retrofitted to existing air conditioning or ventilation systems.

In one form fluid flowing through the first and second channels is heated by action of solar energy upon the fluid. In a fourth aspect, disclosed is a solar air conditioning system comprising at least one evacuated glass tube having an internal cavity extending from an open end to a closed end of the tube,- an insert being adapted to be positioned within the internal cavity to define at least a first channel and a second channel within the cavity, the first and second channels being adapted such that a fluid flowing into a the first channel from the open end is directed along the first channel toward the closed end and into the second channel then along the second channel toward the open end; and, a connector for fluid

communication between the solar air conditioning system and a ventilation or air conditioning system. In one form the evacuated glass tube is adapted to receive cool air which is heated while flowing through the first and second channels.

In one form the evacuated glass tube is adapted to

discharge heated air to the connector.

In a fifth aspect, disclosed is a solar air conditioning element comprising an evacuated glass tube, the evacuated glass tube defining a fluid flow channel and being adapted to absorb solar heat such that fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel is heated by the absorbed solar heat and discharged.

The insert positioned within the glass evacuation tube allows for a fluid flow channel that effectively heats air and provides heated air to a collection point or manifold for distribution to a ducted air conditioning system or anywhere requiring heated air or fluid.

Brief description of the drawings

A preferred embodiment will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig 1. is a side view of a evacuated glass tube; Fig 2. is a side view of a heat generator of one

embodiment of the present invention;

Fig 3. is an exploded side view of the embodiment of Fig 2; Fig 4. is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of Fig 2 in situ; Fig 5. is a second cross sectional view of the embodiment of Fig 2 in situ,-

Fig 6. is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of Fig 2 in situ,-

Fig 7. is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of Fig 2 in situ;

Fig 8. is a second cross sectional view of the embodiment of Fig 2 in an array in situ;

Fig 9. is a side view of a second embodiment of a heat generator of the present invention; Fig 10. is a side view of the embodiment of Fig 9;

Fig 11. is an elevation view of a manifold of one

embodiment of the present invention; Fig 12. is an elevation view of a second embodiment of the manifold of the present invention;

Fig 13. is a third embodiment of a manifold of the present invention;

Fig 14. is an elevation view of a forth embodiment of a manifold of the present invention;

Fig 15. is a fifth embodiment of a manifold of one

embodiment of the present invention;

Fig 16. is a third embodiment of a heat generator of the present invention;

Fig 17. is a fourth embodiment of a solar heat generator of the present invention;

Fig 18. is an exploded view of the embodiment of Fig 16; Fig 19. is an exploded view of the embodiment of Fig 17; Fig 20. is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of Fig 17 in situ;

Fig 21. is a side view of a manifold of one embodiment of the present invention in situ;

Fig 22. is a plan view of a manifold of one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig 23. is a plan view of a double manifold of one

embodiment of the present invention;

Fig 24 is a rear plan view of the embodiment of Fig 23.

Detailed description of embodiments

In a first embodiment shown in figures 2 through 5, disclosed is a solar air generator 100 comprising an evacuated glass tube 101, the evacuated glass tube having an internal cavity 102 extending from a closed end 103 to an open end 104. The evacuated glass tube 101 has an outer surface 107 and an inner surface 108, the inner surface 108 defining the internal cavity 104. A vacuum exists between outer surface 107 and inner surface 108.

An insert 110 is positioned inside the interior cavity 104. When in position, the insert 110 is adapted to define a first channel 112 and a second channel 113 within the interior cavity 104 of the evacuated glass tube 101.

As shown best in figures 4 and 5, a fluid such as air flows into the internal cavity 104 of the evacuated tube 101. The fluid is directed down second channel 113 toward closed end 103. Second channel 113 and first channel 112 meet proximal to closed end 103 at channel joining bend 114. Air flow into channel 113 towards closed end 103 then continues about channel end 114 and towards open end 102 via first channel 112. Thus air flowing into evacuated tube 101 follows channels 113 and 112 in a circuit about the internal cavity 104 of evacuated tube 101. The internal cavity 104 includes first channel 112 and second channel 113 each of which is in fluid communication with or open to one of air supply duct 117 and air return duct 118. The insert 110 creates the channels 112 and 113 and therefore allows an air flow circuit between air supply duct 117 and air return duct 118.

A separator 119 divides air supply duct 117 and air return duct 118 and connects with insert 110 to close the circuit and allow the airflow from air supply duct to air return duct 118 via the evacuated glass tube 101. The air supply duct 117 and air return duct 118 are open to or in fluid communication with ventilation or air conditioning ducts in the building or area to be heated. In figure 6 the heat generating system 100 is shown engaged with pre-existing air conditioning ducts 123 and 124. Air conditioning duct 123 is engaged with air supply duct 117 which supplies air to second channel 113. Air conditioning duct 124 is in fluid communication with air return duct 118 which receives heated air from first channel 112. It can be seen that cool air forced into the evacuated glass tube 101 by means of a fan or other drawing or forcing mechanism moves through second channel 113 and first channel 112 and is heated by means of solar energy received into evacuated glass tube 101. This heated air is then moved into the ventilation system of a commercial or domestic application.

Fig 7 shows pre-existing air conditioning ducts engaging with air supply 117 and air return duct 118 in a different arrangement. In this arrangement openings exist in the manifold at the time of manufacture, allowing for ease of installation. The heat generator 100 is engaged with a manifold 125 at which connection point multiple heat generators 100 release heated air and it is collected. Figure 5 shows the evacuated glass tube 101 engaged with the manifold by means of a seal 121. The seal 121 is a temperature resistant silicone compound seal although the seal may be any other temperature resistant seal available.

Fig 8 shows multiple heated generators 100 in a serial connection to provide an increased capacity for provision of heat generation.

In Fig 9 and Fig 10 multiple heat generators are shown in situ with a plurality of inserts 110 extending thereacross to create an overall circuit between ventilation ducts 123 and 124 and the manifold 125 each individual heat generator 100 is divided into two channels 113 and 112. Each channel is in fluid communication with one portion of the overall duct to allow for fluid flow throughout the system. In these arrangements the manifold is adapted to be connected with a ducting system through various connecting means and connectors. Closure lids 127 and 128 allow for sealing of the connectors or connecting apertures which are not in use. This allows for ease of installation. Additional duct work is not required. Only directional duct angle bends will have to be installed in order to achieve the correct angle.

Figures 11 through to 15 show the manifold 125 in position with respect to pre existing duct work 123 or a connector 126 from the manifold to the existing duct work 123.

The evacuated glass tube 101 and internal cavity 104 which extends from the top open end of the evacuated glass tube 101 and ends at the bottom closed end 103 allows movement of air within the interior cavity to be achieved with an insert 110 inserted into the internal cavity 104 of the glass tube 101 and extending from a position near the open end to a position near the closed end 103. Air therefore travels through two channels 112 and 113 defined by the insert 110. The channels can extend on either side of the insert. In the case of a pipe insert, one channel is positioned outside the pipe and the other channel is inserted inside the pipe. The air passages allow the air to be transported into the evacuated glass tube 101 towards closed end 103 and return from the closed end 103 via the second channel 113. The channels 112 and 113 meet at closed end 103 in channel joining bend 114. The insert 110 doesn't meet the closed end 103 of the internal cavity 104 so as to allow the channels 112 and 113 to join. The insert 110 composed of sheet metal or other heat resistant material .

The insert is secured within the evacuated glass tube 101 by means of a silicone seal. The open end 102 of the heat generator 100 is in fluid communication with manifold 125 which allows for collection of hot air from multiple heat generators 100. The manifold 125 is insulated with heat resistant insulation and is divided into two sections by a separator 119 which splits the manifold into an air supply- duct 117 and an air return duct 118. In one embodiment the separator 119 includes a multiplicity of evacuated glass tubes 101 to be engaged there with a small section of the separator 119 is folded downward in order to secure the evacuated glass tube 101 by engaging with the insert 110 and the internal diameter 108 of the evacuated glass tube 101.

Fig 16 shows a second embodiment of the heat generator 100 in which the insert 110 comprising a substantially z or s shaped fin 111. The fin 111 comprises a straight flange 130 connecting to curved wedges 132 which are adapted to extend along a portion of the interior surface 108 of the evacuated glass tube 101.

Fig 17 shows a third embodiment of the present invention in which the insert 110 comprises a tube 135. The tube

135 is adapted to be inserted into the evacuated glass tube 101 such that a first channel is positioned in the interior cavity 136 of the tube or pipe and the second channel is positioned between the pipe 135 and the internal surface 108 of the evacuated glass tube 101.

The heat collecting manifold 125 provided by multiple evacuated glass tubes 101 in an array allows numerous installation options to facilitate a versatile ability and to cater for a number of installation situations.

In use, concentrated absorbed solar heat trapped inside the interior cavity 104 of the evacuated glass tube 101 is used to heat air drawn or blown into channels 112 and 113. The manifold and heat generators are positioned such that heated air within the evacuated glass tube 101 is drawn or blown upwards and out of each evacuated glass tube 101 to - li the manifold 125 or connection point. From this point hot air is drawn or blown into pre-existing air conditioning or ventilation systems. The insert 110 divides the interior of the evacuated glass tube into two channels 112 and 113. In a not illustrated case, more than two channels may be incorporated in the interior of the evacuated glass tube. Air drawn or blown into the second channel 113 is heated when it comes into contact with the absorbed solar heated air located within the inner diameter of the evacuated glass tube 101. The heated air is then drawn to the open end of the evacuated glass tube and from there is drawn or blown into the manifold 125 where hot air from each solar heat generator 100 is collected. From here the solar generated hot air is to be delivered either by drawing or blowing the solar heated air into pre-existing air conditioning duct work 123 and 124 or ventilation systems.

The invention allows the solar hot air generated to be retro fitted into existing ducted air conditioning systems. The manifold allows for flexibility for the integration of the manifold into existing ventilation and air conditioning duct work exposed on those of buildings. The manifold can be installed between two ducts or alternatively can be installed by simply cutting one duct open and connecting the manifold to the pre-existing duct work using a sealant such a silicone.

Additional fans and thermostats may be required to blow, draw or control the flow of hot air in the manifold in conjunction with the evacuated solar tube technology collecting and absorbing infrared radiation. The assembly has been described with reference primarily to air heating. The assembly can also be used to provide hot water by, for example, directing the heated air onto a coil containing water for heating. Further, the assembly can be utilised for cooling. In this case the evacuated tube becomes an external radiator by composing the tube of sheet metal or aluminium which allows for heat transfer away from the heated air internal to the tube. The cooled air is then moved to a separate collector.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding

description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims

1. An insert for an evacuated glass tube having an internal cavity extending from an open end to a closed end of the tube, the insert being adapted to be positioned within the internal cavity to define at least a first channel and a second channel within the cavity, the first and second channels being adapted such that a fluid flowing into a the first channel from the open end is directed along the first channel toward the closed end and into the second channel then along the second channel toward the open end.

2. An insert as defined in claim 1, the insert being shaped such that the first channel and second channel meet at the closed end of the glass tube.

3. An insert as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the insert comprises a pipe having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the internal cavity.

4. An insert as defined in claim 3, wherein the pipe is adapted to be inserted into the internal cavity such that the first channel is situated between the pipe and an internal wall of the evacuated glass tube and the second channel is situated within the interior of the pipe.

5. An insert as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the insert comprises a folded sheet, the insert having a substantially z- shaped cross section

6. An insert as defined in claim 5, wherein the z-shaped cross section comprises two curved webs joined by a straight flange.

7. An insert as defined in claim 6, wherein in use the first channel is situated on one side of the straight flange and the second channel is situated on the other side of the straight flange.

8. An insert as defined in any one of the preceding claims, the insert being composed of metal or a heat resistant synthetic material.

9. An evacuated glass tube comprising:

an external surface;

an internal surface, the internal surface defining an internal cavity extending from a closed end to an open end;

an insert adapted to divide the internal cavity into a first channel and a second channel, the first and second channels meeting at a point within the internal cavity such that fluid flowing into the first channel from the open end is directed toward the closed end, then into the second channel to flow toward the open end and out of the internal cavity.

10. A manifold comprising an array of evacuated glass tubes as defined in claim 9, the evacuated glass tubes being in fluid communication with a single collection point.

11. A manifold as defined in claim 10, being adapted to be retrofitted to existing air conditioning or ventilation systems .

12. A manifold as defined in claim 10 or 11, wherein fluid flowing through the first and second channels is heated by- action of solar energy upon the fluid.

13. A solar air conditioning system comprising at least one evacuated glass tube having an internal cavity

extending from an open end to a closed end of the tube; an insert being adapted to be positioned within the internal cavity to define at least a first channel and a second channel within the cavity, the first and second channels being adapted such that a fluid flowing into a the first channel from the open end is directed along the first channel toward the closed end and into the second channel then along the second channel toward the open end; and,

a connector for fluid communication between the solar air conditioning system and a ventilation or air conditioning system.

14. A solar air conditioning system as defined in claim

13, wherein the evacuated glass tube is adapted to receive cool air which is heated while flowing through the first and second channels.

15. A solar air conditioning system as defined in claim

14, wherein the evacuated glass tube is adapted to

discharge heated air to the connector.

16. A solar air conditioning element comprising:

an evacuated glass tube, the evacuated glass tube defining a fluid flow channel and being adapted to absorb solar heat such that fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel is heated by the absorbed solar heat and

discharged.