WO2015155771A1

WO2015155771A1 - Overheating preventing solar heating system

Info

Publication number: WO2015155771A1
Application number: PCT/IL2015/050373
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kirill DEDUL
Original assignee: Dedul Kirill
Priority date: 2014-04-07
Filing date: 2015-04-02
Publication date: 2015-10-15

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a solar heating system having overheating prevention means. Specifically, the disclosure relates to systems comprising overheating prevention means configured to modulate the effective surface area of the system's heating panel exposed to the sun in response to predetermined environmental parameters.

Description

OVERHEATING PREVENTING SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

[0001] The disclosure is directed to a solar heating system having overheating prevention means. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to systems comprising overheating prevention means configured to modulate the effective surface area, of the system's heating panel exposed to the sun in response to predetermined environmental parameters.

[0002] Solar systems are widely used nowadays for heating water, houses and producing power. Solar energy is cheap and produces zero carbon footprint. Solar systems may be fully

autonomous and thus can be used even in the absence of external power source.

[0003] Historically, solar systems arc common in countries with a large number of sunny days, however with increased efficiency, systems can be introduced in areas which were not practical before.

[0004] Conventional solar heating systems, may have rudimentary overheating protection, which are best characterized as emergency means (valves, shading mechanisms, etc.) and are mostly designed so that, dangerous temperatures are never reached. In other words, these systems avoid potentially dangerous temperature range that could damage systems, sacrificing heating efficiency. Such systems have a clear trade-off between their effectiveness, efficiency and safety.

[0005] Moreover, the capacity of control the heat energy supplied by a solar collector is very important in a thermal solar installation, if the collector is always supplying heat without, the possibility of stopping this heat supply, the cost of the i nstallation increases to compensate for the associated design constraints and the performance and durability of the instal lation decreases.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a system capable of preventing overheating; without sacri ficing efficiency and effectiveness at reasonable design costs.

SU MMARY

[0007] In an embodiment, provided is a solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating comprising: a base; a solar collector pane! coupled to the base, the solar collector panel adapted to have variable pitch and/or yaw; an actuator, operably coupled to the base and the solar collector panel; at least one sensor: and an overheating prevention module in communication with the at least one sensor and the actuator, the module comprising: a processor for executing instructions; and a memory that stores the instructions, wherein the processor is adapted to vary the pitch or yaw of the solar collector panel in response to the at least one sensor output.

[0008] in another embodiment, the solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating may further comprise specialized cleaning mechanisms adapted to maintain highest possible efficiency of the heater.

[0009] In another embodiment, provided herein is a solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating and environmental damage comprising: a base; a solar collector panel coupled to the base, the solar collector panel comprising: a tube having a longitudinal axis containing a heating medium: and a curved mirror rotatab!y coupled to the tube an actuator, operably coupled to the curved mirror; at least one sensor, in communication with the actuator, the sensor adapted to provide output, indicative of temperature and/or environmental parameters: and optional ly, a circulation pump in communication with the solar collector panel, adapted to circulate a primary heating liquid through the solar collector panel, wherein the actuator is adapted to radially rotate the curved mirror around the tube, in response to the at least one sensor output.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, a DC voltage source can. be used for anti-corrosion protection of vulnerable elements.

[001 1] In yet another embodiment, the solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating can detect and report a failure to operate or maintenance request to a user or report telemetry and accept remote commands via wired or wireless communication protocol.

BRI EF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WI NGS

[0012] The features of the solar heating system having overheating prevention means described will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the drawings, which are exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in several figures and in which; [00 13] F!G. 1 A, shows an expioded view i llustration of an embodiment of the solar heating system having overheating prevention means. FIG. I B shows an exploded side view thereof, and FIG. I C shows a bottom isometric view thereof;

[0014] FIG. 2A, shows a top isometric view of the solar collector panel o the embodiment of the solar heating system having overheating prevention means, attached in FIG. 2B to a l iquid tank according to another embodiment of the technology:

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the solar collector panel;

[0016] FIG. 4, il lustrates a stand-alone embodiment of the solar heating system having overheating prevention means;

[001 7] FIG. 5, i llustrates an embodiment of an actuator used in an embodiment of the solar heating system having overheating prevention means;

[001 8] FIG. 6A, illustrates operation of an embodiment o f the solar heating system having overheating prevention means, with maximum effective surface area exposed in a side view, with an isometric view in FIG 6E, actuator ti lting the panel in FIG. 6B. thereby modulating the panel 's pitch - modulating the effective surface area exposed to the sun's irradiation, up to a limit of effective surface area = 0 illustrated in a side view in FIG. 6C and isometric view in FIG. 6D;

[0019] FIG. 7A, illustrates a side view of maximum effective surface area exposed of the solar heating system having overheating prevention means, with operation illustrated in FIG. 2B;

[0020] FIG. 8A, illustrates operation of a stand-alone embodiment of yaw modu lating of the solar heating system having overheating prevention means, with maximum effective surface area exposed in a side view, with isometric vie in FIG. 8C, at minimum effective surface area exposed in a side view in FIG. SB and isometric view thereof in FIG. 8D;

[00 1 ] FIG. 9A illustrates yet another configuration o the solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating, where mirrors are used to reflect the sun onto a collector (heater) shown in optimal position and in a stowed position in FIG.s 9B, with enlarged portion A in FIG, 9C. enlarged portion B from FIG. 9B in FIG. 9D, with isometric views in FIG. 9E and FIG. 9P, with another configuration in FIG . 9G;

[0022] FIG. 1 0A, iilustrating yet another embodiment of the solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating, with a curved (e.g., parabolic) mirrors reflecting sun onto a speciall constructed tube shown in side view, front view shown in FIG. 10B and schematic view in FIG. I OC and further including a wiping element:

[0023] FIG. 1 1 A, iilustrating healer of FIG. 10, fully covered by the curved mirrors and fully exposed in FIG. 1 I B; and

[0024] FIG. 12Λ, illustrating a fully covered foldable curved mirror construction extending FIG. 1 1 , and fully exposed in FIG. 12B; and

[0025] FiG. 13A, illustrating a fully covered rotary shield assembly accompanying a curved mirror, and fully exposed in FIG. 13B.

[0026] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and wil l be further described in detail hereinbeiow. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover ail modifications, equivalents, and alternatives.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The disclosure relates in one embodiment to solar heating systems having overheating- prevention means. In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to system comprising overheating prevention means configured to modulate the effective surface area of the system^'s heating panel exposed to the sun in response to predetermined environmental parameters.

[0028] Detailed embodiments of the present technology are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ th present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be Limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention,

[0029] The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to denote one element from another. The terms "a", "an" and "the" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singu lar and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The suffix "( s f as used herein is intended to include both the singular and the plural of the term that it modifies, thereby including one or more of that term (e.g., the rib(s) includes one or more rib). Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment", "another embodiment", "an embodiment", and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and/or characteristic) descri bed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it is lo be understood that the described elements may be combined in any su itable manner in the various embodiments.

[0030] in addition, for the purposes of the present disclosure, directional or positional terms such as "top", "bottom", "upper," "lower," "side," " front," "frontal," "forward," "rear," "rearward," "back," "trailing," "above," "below," "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward,"

"downward," "outer," "inner," "exterior," "interior," "intermediate," etc., are merely used for convenience in describing the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[003 ] In an embodiment, provided herein is a system that can protect itself from overheating by, for example, reducing its heating power, thereby lowering the stagnation temperature (referring to circumstances under which the solar collector cannot adequately reflect absorbed solar heat to its primary heat transfer fluid). This can facil itate faster heating or the possibility o f heating in bad weather conditions where conventional system fails to operate, without a risk of overheating in optimal conditions. In addition, as describe herein, the same system can protect itself from hostile weather, like hail or wind, using the same mechanism. Furthermore, the system can constantly monitor various sensors and/or get information (output) from other sources like, for example the Internet, to be prepared to protect itself ahead of time. [ 0032] Accordingly, the system described herein introduces power reduction and therefore overheating protection as an integral part of the heating cycle. To do so, the system is adapted to operate in (dynamic) optima! heating mode unti l the required target temperature is reached. Then the system is configured to modulate its heating power (up to complete stal l if required), preserving the target temperature within a predetermined range, without risk of overheating. I the heater temperature fai ls below certain level, the system can adapt and increase its heating power up to the maximum power mode, i required. Specific embodiments of the system may or may not use intermediate levels of heating.

[0033] Accordingly and in an embodiment, provided herein is a solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating comprising: a base; a solar collector panel coupled to the base, the solar col lector panel adapted to have variable pitch or yaw; an actuator, operably coupled to the base and the solar collector panel; at least one sensor: and an overheating prevention module in communication with the at least one sensor and the actuator, the module comprising: a processor for executing instructions: and a memory that stores the instructions, wherein the processor is adapted to vary the pitch or yaw of the solar collec tor panel in response to the at least one sensor output.

[0034] The system can control the effective area of the heater (or, in other words, the solar collector panel) thai is exposed to the sun. The term ''effective surface area" refers in an embodiment, to the product of the surface area of the heater and sine of the angle between the surface of the heater and the sun (see e.g., FIG. I B) or:

W-L-Sin(0) where - W is the width of the solar collector panel in m;

L is the length of the solar collector panel in m; and

Φ is the acute angle formed between the surface of the solar collector pane! and the sun in degrees.

[0035] In embodiments where mirror and/ or other optic means are used to reflec the sun onto the system, the effective surface area refers to the overall area where radiation flux can be irradiated, or otherwise collected by, intercepted by or guided onto the system leading to increase in heat.

[0036] The term "coupled", including its various forms such as "operably coupled", "coupling" or "coupleable", refers to and comprises any direct or indirect, structural coupling, connection or attachment, or adaptation or capability for such a direct or indirect structural or operational coupling, connection or attachment, including integrally formed components and components which are coupled via or through another component or by the forming process. Indi ect coupling may involve coupling through an intermediary member or adhesive, or abutting and otherwise resting against, whether frictionally or by separate means without any physical connection.

[0037] The systems described herein can comprise heater, or a solar collector panel which is comprised of one or more heat absorbing elements which transfer the absorbed heat to a main conduit or manifold. Examples of such heat absorbers can be heating tubes or tubes with liquid (e.g., silicon oil). In addition, the systems described herein can, for example a tank to hold the main heat transfer liquid or hold a heat exchanger for heating water using the heating liquid. The tank may be located next to the heater making a joint module or the system may be separated in another embodiment. When separated, the tank can be in liquid communication with the heater.

[0038] fhe systems described herein can further comprise a power supply source wh ich may be external to the system, for example, a battery, an AC/DC motor, or a solar panel. In addition, the systems described can comprise an independent, autonomous power source, for example, a battery or a gas generator that is sufficient to put the sysiem into a safe mode where no overheating can happen ("stowed state"). The system can be configured to operate in normal mode whi le this source has enough power to enter the stowed mode.

[0039] The systems having overheating prevention means described herein, may comprise at least one sensor, or a plurality of sensors adapted and configured to operate together, forming a sensor array. Sensors that may be used in connection with the systems described herein can be. for example; temperature sensors for monitoring heater (or solar collector panel ) and working body (or manifold, heat exchanger(s), heating heat transfer fluid, heated liq uid, etc.) temperature; temperature and (relative) humidity sensors for monitoring environmental temperature (e.g., approaching changes as well as current temperature); orientation sensors (e.g. acceierometers, compass, gyro), or mechanical feedback which can reliably provide spatiai orientation; digital gnomon (e.g., a solar tracker to provide rel iable orientation of the sun relative to heater and provide the necessary angle ( ) data); power supply sensors (e.g. to detect external power loss/ restore); anemometers (e.g., for detecting storm conditions and the like); pressure sensors; or other sensors or combination that are adapted to provide the necessary output. In certain embodiments, the medium used for heat transfer can be not only liquid but also gas or solid,

[0040] !t should be noted that not all the sensors need to be physically associated with the system. In an embodiment, the system can be in network communication with environmental data providers through a wide area network, foi- example, the internet Lo receive data and act on that data with the overheating prevention module described herein. The data (which can be) obtained through remote sensing (e.g., satellite and the like) can be supplemental (in addition to local sensor(s), or primary (the main source of data). The systems described can therefore comprise external communication line (e.g., network, cellular, BlueTooth, ZigBce) for sending and receiving notifications and reports about system operation and emergency states, and for integration with existing smart-house systems or Internet-of-things via industry-standard hardware control protocols. Accordingly, the overheating prevention mod ule can further comprise a transceiver. The term "transceiver' refers to one or multiple transmitters and receivers and also to one or multiple receivers and transm itters.

[0041 ] The term "module" may, in certain embodiments, refer to, be part of, or incl ude: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); an electronic circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a Held programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor or a distributed network of processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and storage in networked clusters or datacenters that executes code or a process; olher suitable components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip. The term module may also include memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the one or more processors. The term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data, that may be stored in registers and/or memory. [0042] in addition, the systems described herein can further comprise a set of hardware emergency overheat protection means; for example, valves (e.g. , rel ief val ves) and mechanical constructions configured to reduce the power generated by the system. These mechan ical or electromechanical means can be, for example a motorized gimble. allowing the solar collector panel (or heater) to modulate its spatial orientation by varying yaw. pitch and rotation.

[0043] Additional components of the system can be, for example, an integrated heater for healing when the solar collector panel cannot produce enough power (absence of the sun, insufficient power), for example an electrical heater, or a heat pump.

[0044] Another component beneficial in the systems described herein is a circulation pump adapted to circulate primary heating liquid through the system. The heating liquid can comprise for example, water, oil (e.g. silicone oil), Ethylene/Propylene Glycol and the l ike now used or newly discovered heating mediums capable of being adapted to be used in the system.

[0045] The command and control module (CCM, or overheating prevention module (OPM)) wi ll typically comprise a central control panel , a processor, and a sensor array configured to detect and sense the location of a heating panel relative to the sun. In addition, the CCM may further comprise several other components, for example, an external control panel, and a remote control .

[0046] The CC may further comprise a remote control (RC) configured to communicate with an internal control panel. Communication between the RC and the interna! control panel can b, for example, via RF and the like.

[0047] The CCM! and actuator can be wired to receive a DC voltage-c.g., 6V, 12V, 1 8V or 24V- -from a structure grid or transformer, with a power supply and wiring connected thereto. The CCM and powered assemblies and/or sub-assemblies may also be connected to accommodate voltages that are standard in commercial, residential and industrial lighting distribution systems— e.g., i i OV, 240V, 460V— to permit the components to easily be installed.

[0048] The system can be assembled either to form an array of collectors where all of the heating modules are physically adjacent, and thus one controller (e.g.. overheating prevention module) can monitor the system and prevent overheating, and discrete system where the solar collector panel can be separated from the main storage tank. [0049] Accordingly and in an embodiment, provided herein is a solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating comprising: a base; a solar collector panel coupled to the base, the solar collector panel adapted to have variable pitch or yaw; an actuator, operably coupled to the base and the solar collector panel; a circulation pump in communication with the solar collector panel, adapted to circulate a primary heating liquid through the solar collector panel; at least one sensor: and an overheating prevention module in communication with the at least one sensor and the actuator, the module comprising: a processor configured for executing instructions; and a memory thai stores the instructi ns, wherein the processor is configured to vary the pitch or yaw of the solar collector panel in response to the at least one sensor output.

[0050] The solar heating system having overheating prevention means described herein can further comprise an external power source and/or autonomous power source as noted

hereinabove. Moreover, the solar heating system having overheating prevention means described herein can further comprise a liquid tank operably coupled to the solar collector panel ,

[0051 ] As used herein, "communicate" (and its derivatives e.g,, a first component

"communicates with" or "is in communication with" a second component) and grammatical variations thereof are used to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, optical, or fluidic relationship, or any combination thereof, between two or more components or elements. As such, the fact that one component (e.g., the CCM) is said to communicate with a second component (e.g., the locking assembly) is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components (e.g., sensors) can be present between, and/or operative iy associated or engaged with, the first and second components.

[0052] The term "engage" and various forms thereof, when used with reference to retention of a member, refer to the application of any forces tha tend to hold two components together against inadvertent or uttdesired separating forces (e.g., such as may be introduced during use of either component). It is to be understood, however, that engagement does not in all cases require an interlocking connection that is maintained against every conceivable type or magnitude of separating force. Also, "engaging element" or "engaging member" refers to one or a plurality of coupled components, at least one of which is configured for reieasably engaging a locking pin. [0053] A more complete understanding of the components, processes, assemblies, and devices disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures (also referred to herein as "FIG.") are merely schematic representations (e.g.. illustrations) based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the d isclosure, in the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of tike function.

[0054] Turning now to FIG.s 1 -2, i llustrates in FIG.'s I A- I C, an embodiment of modular system 10 having a plurality of solar collector panels 100, wherein soiar collector panel (or heater) 1 00 comprises manifold 1 01 in communication with plurality oftubes 102,, each /^th tube Slaving a proximal end operably coupled to manifold 1 01 and a distal end with plurality of caps 1 03,, each /^th cap coupled to the distal end of the tube. The tube can be. for example, a vacuum tube with special coating which is capable of absorbing heat and that can prevent its leakage to the environment with heating pipe and heat exchanger inside. Heating pipes can be coupled to heat exchanger. Vacuum tubes 102/ with heat transfer fluid also can be used . As illustrated in PI G. 2A solar col lector panel 100 comprises first side rail 1 5 1 and second side rail 153, first side rail 1 5 1 aligned with a first edge of solar col lector panel 100 and perpendicular to manifold 101 and second side rail 153 aligned with a second edge of solar collector panel 1 00 and perpendicular to mani fold 100. Also illustrated in FIG.s 2A and 2B is central rail 1 52 disposed in parallel to and at an equidistance between first side rail 1 5 1 and second side rail 153, with transverse rail 155 (see e.g., FIG . 2A), coupled to first rail 1 1 , central rail 152 and second rail 1 3 aligned with the distal and of tubes 102,. As illustrated in FIG. 1 A-I C, solar collector panel 1 00 comprises first connector member 120 operably coupled to first side rail 1 51, second connector member 1 22 operably coupled to second side rail 153, and third connector member 125 operably coupled to central rail 153 and central support ib 1 1 1 . As illustrated in FIG .s S B, 1 C and FIG. 3, each connector further comprises a pair of support ribs disposed between each first 120, second 12 and third 125 connectors and each first 15 1 , second 1 53 and central 1 52 rai ls respectively. wherein support rib l i t⁾ extends toward manifold 10 land support rib 1 12 extends towards transverse rail 155. with transverse rods 1 15, coupled to each support rib 1 1 0 extend ng towards manifold 101 , central transverse rod 1 16 coupled to connectors 1.20, 122, and 125 and transverse rod 1 17, coupled to each support rib 1 12 extending towards transverse rail 1.55. Transverse rods 1 15, 1 16, and 1 17 may further comprise loops adapted to receive cords or wires (not shown), which may be used to engage other solar collector panel positioned in series to be modulated using single actuator 300 (see e.g., FIG.s 1 A, I B.

[0055] Also illustrated in FIG.s 1 A and I C is base 200, shown as comprising base frame 200 that can be operably coupled to various substrates, for example, a roof as well as first bracket 2 1 , second bracket 202 and support strut 205. Also i llustrated in FIG. I A, are base connector member 210 coupled to bracket 201 and base connector member 2 I S, coupled to bracket 202. Base connector member 21.0 is configured to connect to connector .1 20 (see e.g., FIG. 1 C), while base connector member 215 is configured to connect to connector 122. The height of brackets 20 [ and 202 is configured to provide solar connector panel with freedom to rotate freely, without either mani fold 101 or transverse rail 155 coll iding with base frame 200 (see e.g., FIG. 6C).

[0056] Turning now to FIG. 2A, also illustrating solar collector panel 100 width W, defined in an embodiment by the lengthy of transverse rail 155 and length L defined in another

embodiment by the length of side rail 1 51. Although the shape of solar collector panel shown here is rectangular, other shapes are also contemplated. FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of solar collector panel 100 where manifold 10 1 has been replaced with holding tank 175, which may hold a heat exchanger operably coupled to manifold 301 and is adapted to heat a fluid reservoir. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , vacuum tubes can be used with heating pipe and heat exchanger, al l that can be internal, with heat pipes capable of being coupled to heat exchanger or vacuum tubes with direct supply of heated fluid by convection,

[0057] Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrating a side view of the solar collector panel shown in FIG. 2A, showing tube 102, which can be a glass tube in vacuum, or any other suitable material, operably coupled to manifold 101 in its proxima! end, and to cap 103 in its distal end. Also shown is connector 122 having rib 1 10 extending toward manifold 101 and rib 1 12 extending toward cap 103 with second side rail 153 aligned with the outermost tube 1 02. As illustrated, ribs 1 10 and 1 12, may comprise loops 130_p, configured to receive wires used for coordinating motion of more than a single solar collector panel 100.

[0058] Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrating an embodiment of a stand-alone system where holding tank 175 and manifold 1 01 are merged, with outlet spout 176 capable of being coupled to any adequate conduit. As shown system 40 comprises pyramid-shaped stand 400 having support bar 10 rotatably coupled to stem 420 and holding tank 175, with solar collector panel comprising holding tank 175 in communication with plurality of tubes 102,, each "^"' tube having a proximal end operably coupled to holding tank 1 75 and a distal end with plurality of caps 1 3,·, each /^h cap coupled to the distal end of the f^h tube 102,. As illustrated in IG. 4 solar collector panel 1 0 comprises first side rail 15 1 and second side rail 1 53, first side rail 1 51 aligned with a first edge of solar col lector panel 100 and perpendicular to holding tank 175 and second side rail 153 aligned with a second edge of solar collector panel 100 and perpendicular to holding lank 175. Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is central rail 152 disposed in parallel to and at an equidistance between first side rail 1 5 1 and second side rail 153, with transverse rail 1 5 coupled to first rail 15 1. central rai l 1 2 and second rai l 153 aligned with caps 1 03,-. Rotation of solar collector panel 100, as illustrated e.g., in FIG. 8, can produce power variation that may be smaller than the system illustrated in FIG, I A and FIG. 6 (maximum power generated may be less and minimum power absorbed may be more).

[0059] Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrating an embodiment of the actuator used i n the systems described herein and which shows driver 305 in communication with a power source (not shown), the driver operably coupled to gear assembly 306 with first telescopic member 3 1 0 and second telescopic member 3 1 5 nested within first telescopic member 3 10. Also i llustrated is coupler 320, adapted to couple actuator 300 to first rail connector 120, second rail connector 122 or central rail connector 125. In an embodiment coupler 320 couples actuator 300 to central rai l connector 125 (see e.g., FIG. 6B). A lso illustrated is actuator coupling bracket 307, capable of couple actuator 300 to base bracket 202 or 201 , such that actuator 300 maintains at least one degree of freedom in the pitch orientation of actuator 300. By extending and retracting first telescopic member, second telescopic member or both, actuator 300 affects a modulation of the pitch of solar collector panel 1 00 as illustrated in FIG. 1A, I B, FIG. 6 (A-D) and FIG. 7 (A, B), [0060] Operation of the system illustrated in TIG, Ι Λ-FIG. 1 C, is shown in FIG.s 6 and 7. As illustrated, using the various sensors, the pitch of the solar collector panels is modulated to expose the maxinuim effective surface area ( 1 00% of the surface area is at 90° to the sun, based on the surfs elevation) in FIG. 6A. Upon achieving the desired power level, the sensor array wil l provide data to the overheating prevention module, which will, engage the actuator (FIG. 613), which is capable of modulating the pitch of the solar collector panel by pushing or palling the pane! to the level where overheating is prevented. Under certain circumstances, the system can be operated such that the effective surface area of the solar collector panel exposed to the sun is 0%. This could also be imposed under storm conditions (e.g., hail, heavy winds) and the like. The equivalent of ideal position illustrated in FIG, 6A, where the holding tank is an integral part of the system is illustrated in F IG. 7A showing maximum effective surface area, with the stowed condition, or minimum surface area of the solar collector panel exposed is illustrated in FIG . 7B.

[006 1 ] Turning now to FIG. 8, illustrating the operation of the stand-alone rotating embodiment shown in FIG. 4. Again, by rotating the panel on a single degree of freedom, the effective surface area exposed to the sun decreases from the maximum illustrated in FIG. 8A, to the minimum i l lustrated in FIG. 8B. The arrows shown can be sun rays or wind direction. In all system, using the sensor array provided and the algorithm embedded in the processor, the optimal conditions can be maintained.

[0062] Turning now to FIG. 9, illustrating a system where mirrors arc being used to reflect the sun onto the solar collector panels. As shown in FIG. 9A, 9C, and 9E, illustrating a side view and an isometric view of the system, when fully employed, motorized or otherwise maneuverable mirrors are adjusted so as to provide with optima! heating profile onto the solar collector panel from both sides. As i llustrated in FIG. 9C, both the angle of the mirrors relative to the solar collector panel, as well as the angle of the solar collector panel relative to the horizon can be modified based on the sensors output to the system control, or if mechanical, by using, for example, a bi-metal sensing means. In stowed position, as illustrated in FIG.s 98, 9D, and 9F, in response to overheating or environmental constraints, the system can close in a clam-shel l l ike arrangement, protecting the solar col lector panel. In the system illustrated in FIG.s 9A-9F, the effective surface area refers to the overall mirror area providing power flux to the solar col lector panel, or tubes. As shown in FIG. 9G, the same configuration can apply to other mirror con figurations, capable of significantly increasing the irradiation area. As shown in HG. 9G, modulation of the effective irradiation area can be to each mirror arm 500 or to each section of mirror ami 500.

[0063] Turning now to FIG.s 10-13, illustrating curved (e.g., parabolic) mirror 500 reflecting sun onto tube 102, shown in side view (FIG. 1 OA), front view (FIG. 10B) and schematic view (FIG. I OC), As il lustrated, in FIG, 10A, solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating 10 can comprise heating tube 102,, each heating tube having parabol ic mirror 500 (exposed, and 500' covering heating tube 102,), coupled either individually, or per collector panel to driver 501 adapted to rotate parabolic mirror 500 at a distance from tube 102/, using, for example, bearing 502, with transmission cord 503 adapted, when required to rotate other parabolic mirrors 500 about tube 102/, thereby control ling the effective heat flux to heating tube 102_/. Although parabolic mirrors are illustrated, the system provided can apply to any curved mirror. A lso, as shown in FIG. I OC, the curved mirror can furiher include wiping element 504, adapted to clean tube 102, when curved (or parabolic) mirror 500 rotates about tube 102/. Other components may include a wiper for the (compound, or composite) mirror itself, as wel l as a ciean~in~placc (C ! P) system, winch can include a variety of nozzles, pumps, wipers and reservoirs for cleani ng fluids to faci l itate the CIP of the mirrors in either the closed (e.g.. stowed) or extended position.

[0064] Turning to FIG. 1 1 , showing ilil ly protected collector 1 00 with curved (e.g., parabolic) mirrors 500 fully covering heating tube 1 02/ (FIG. 1 1 A), thus protecting heating tube 102i from overheating and other environmental elements as described herein: and ful ly exposed (FIG. I IB), reflecting sunlight optimally to heating tube 102/.

[0065] FIG. 12A depicts a compound (in other words, a composite mirror having two or more parts) curved mirror 51 1 _/ in a stowed, or otherwise protected position, where FIG. 12B shows fully exposed heating tube once the compound mirrors are extended on hinges 5 10. Foldable mirror 500/ can be composed of base portion 509, several reflector parts 5 1 1 , and hinges 5 10, coupled either individually or per collector panel to a driver which controls the relative angle between the parts, either mechanically or electronically, in extended position, composite mirror 500i parts 509, 5 1 1 can form a single curved continuous surface. [0066] As illustrated in FIG. 13A curved mirror 500< may be accompanied with an additional shield 520; rotatabS coupled either individually, or per collector panel to driver 50 Γ adapted to rotate shield 520 at a distance from curved mirror 500,·. using, for example, bearing 502', with transmission cord 503' adapted, when required to rotate other shields 520 about mirrors 500, thereby controlling the effective heat flux to heating tube 102/.

[00671 In an embodiment, provided herein is a solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating comprising: a base; a solar collector panel coupled to the base, the solar collector panel adapted to have variable pitch and/or yaw; an actuator, operably coupled to the base and the solar collector panel; a circulation pump in communication with the solar collector panel, adapted to circulate a primary heating liqu id through the solar collector panel; at least one sensor: and an overheating prevention module in communication with the at least one sensor and the actuator, the module comprising: a processor configured for executing i nstructions; and a memory that stores the instructions, wherein the processor is configured to vary the pitch or yaw of the solar collector panel in response to the at least one sensor output, the system (i) further comprising an external power source, (ii) an autonomous power source, (Hi) a liquid tank operably coupled to the solar collector panel, (iv) an integrated heating module, wherein (v) at least one sensor is a sensor array (vi) the sensor array comprises one or more of a temperature sensor, orientation sensor, a digital gnomon, a power sensor, an anemometer, an accelerometer, or a combination comprising two or more of the foregoing, wherein (vii) the base comprises: a base frame; a first bracket; a second bracket; and a support strut, wherein fviii) the solar collector panel comprises: a manifold ; a plurality of tubes, each tube having a proximal end operably coupled to the manifold and a distal end; a plurality of caps, each cap coupled to the distal end of the tube; a first side rail and a second side rail, the first side rail aligned with a first edge of the panel and perpendicular to the manifold and the second side rail aligned with a second edge of the panel and perpendicular to the manifold; a central rail disposed in parallel at an equidistance between the first side rail and the second side rail ; a transverse rail, coupled to the first rail, the central rail and the second rail aligned with the distal and of the tubes: a fi rst connector member operably coupled to the first side rail, a second connector member operably coupled to the second side rail, and a third connector member operably coupled to the central rail; a pair of support ribs disposed between each first, second and third connectors and each first, second and central rails respectively, wherein one support rib extends toward the mani fold and the other support rib extends towards the transverse rail; and a transverse rod, coupled to each support rib extending towards the manifold, wherein (ix) the actuator comprises: a driver in communication with a power source; a gear assembly; a first telescopic member: a second telescopic member nested within the first telescopic member; and a coupler, adapted to couple the actuator to the first rail, the second rail or the central rail, the system further comprising (x) emergency means for protecting the system from overheating, (xi) a circulation pump, adapted for circulating heating fluid through the solar collector panel, the system (xii) adapted to maintain the heating fluid at a predetermined temperature range by modulating the effective solar col lector panel ^' s area exposed to the sun. wherein (xiii) the at least one sensor output is liquid temperature, solar collector panel temperature, ambient temperature, solar collector panel spatial orientation, wind speed across solar collector pane!, heating liquid temperature, power consumption, vibration, relative humidity, flow rate of heating fluid, or output comprising two or more o f the foregoing, (xiv) wherein the pitch of the solar collector panel is varied as to change the angle between the surface of the solar collector panel and the sun between 0° and about 180°, (xv) the varying of the pitch is adapted to reduce the effective surface area of the solar collector panel by between 0% and 100%. wherein (xvi) the yaw of the solar collector panel is varied as to change the angle between the surface of the solar col lector panel and the sun between 0° and about 180°, (xvii) the varying of the yaw is adapted to reduce the effective surface area of the solar collector panel by between 0% and 100%, wherein the solar collector pane! (xviii) further comprising a plurality of curved (e.g., parabolic) mirrors, each parabolic mirror coupled to each tube, adapted to reflect solar radiation onto the tube or shade it from sun and shelter from storm. Additionally, curved or angular mirrors can also be used for regulating energy absorbed by the col lector and protect it from adverse weather conditions, as wel l as from overheating by, for example rotating the mirrors to at least, partially cover the tubes. Mirrors systems (e.g., parabolic mirror and other mirror systems in general ) can also be used in addition to, or separately from other overheating protection mechanisms described herein.

[0068J Speci fical ly, the curved mirrors can rotate around the tubes and can either focus the heal on the tube or provide shade and shelter, in certain embodiment, the curved mirror (e.g., parabolic, radial, V-shaped and the like), can be located inside the tube. [0069] A "sensor array" may comprise an xN arra of sensors: wherein both and N are integer numbers equal to or greater than one. Thus, the scope of the term "sensor array" is not intended to exclude devices havin a single sensor. Moreover, a "sensor array" can also encompass a component comprising one or more individual sensors. In certain con figurations, a sensor array may itself comprise a component having, for example, a two-dimensional array of sensors, and a plurality of sensor arrays may be assembled into a larger assembly referred to as a "detector array." Likewise, one or more components may be referred to herein as "configured to," "configured by," "configurable to," "operable/operative to," "adapted/adaptable," "able to," "conformable/con formed to," etc. The terms (e.g. "configured to") can generally encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.

[0070] While in the foregoing specification the solar heating system having overheating prevention means has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments, and many details are se forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure of the solar heating system having overheating prevention means is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described in this specification and as are more fully delineated in the following claims can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of this invention.

Claims

We Ciaim:

1 . A solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating and environmental damage comprising: a. a base; b. a solar collector panel coupled to the base, die solar collector panes adapted to have variable pitch and/or yaw; c. an actuator, operably cou !ed to the base and the solar col lector panel; d. at least one sensor, in communication with the actuator: e. an overheating prevention module in communication wiLh the at least one sensor and the actuator, the module optionally comprisi ng: i. a processor configured for executing instructions; and it, a memory that stores the instructions, wherein the processor is con fi ured to vary the pitch or yaw, or both of the solar col lector panel in response to the at least one sensor output; and f. optionally, a circulation pump in communication with the solar col lector panel, adapted to circulate a primary heating liquid through the solar collector panel .

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an external power source.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, furLher compr ising an autonomous power source.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 -3. further comprising a liquid tank operably coupled to the solar col lector panel.

5. The system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the at least one sensor is a sensor array.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the sensor array comprises one or more of a temperature sensor, orientation sensor, a digital gnomon, a power sensor, an anemometer, an accelerometer, or a combination comprising two or more of the foregoing.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the overheating prevention module further comprises a transceiver.

8. The system of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising an integrated heating module.

9. The system of any one of claims 1—8, wherein the base comprises: a. a base frame; b. a first bracket coupled to a first side of the base frame; c. a second bracket coupled to a second side of the base frame; and d. a support strut coupled between the first side and the second side of the base frame

10. The system of any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the solar collector panel comprises: a. a manifold; b. a plurality of tubes, each tube having a proximal end operably coupled to the manifold and a distal end: c. a plurality of caps, each cap coupled to the distal end of the tube; d. a first side rail and a second side rail, the first side rail aligned with a first edge of the panel and perpendicu lar to the mani fold and the second side rail aligned with a second edge of the panel and perpendicular to the manifold, the fi st and second side rails coupled to the manifold: e. a central rail disposed in parallel at an equidistance between the first side rail and the second side rail, coupled to the manifold; f a transverse rail, coupled to the first rail, the central rail and the second rai l al igned with the distal and o the tubes; g. a first connector member operably coupled to the first side rai l, a second connector member operably coupled to the second side rail, and a third connecior member operably coupled to the central rail; h. a pair of support ribs disposed between each first, second and third connectors and each first, second and central rails respectively, wherein one support rib extends toward the manifold and the other support rib extends towards the transverse rail; and i. a transverse rod, coupled to each support rib extending towards the manifold.

1 1. The system of any one o f claim 9 or 10, wherein the actuator comprises: a. a driver in communication with a power source; b. a gear assembly operably coupled to the driver: c. a first telescopic member coupled to the gear assembly; d. a second telescopic member nested within the first telescopic member; and e. a coupler, adapted to couple the actuator to the first rail, the second rai l or the central rail.

12. The system of any one of claims 1- 1 1 , further comprising emergency means for protecting the system from overheating.

1 . The system of any one of claims 1— 12- further comprising a circulation pump, adapted for circulating heating fluid through the solar collector panel.

1 . The system of any one of claims 1- 13, adapted to maintain the heating fluid at a predetermined temperature range by modulating the effective solar collector panel's area exposed to the sun,

15. The system of any one of claims 1 -14, wherein the at least one sensor output is liquid temperature, solar collector panel temperature, ambient temperature, solar collector panel spatial orientation, wind speed across solas' collector panel, heating liquid temperature, power consumption, vibration, relative humidity, flow rate of heating fluid, or output comprising two or more of the foregoing.

16. The system of any one o f claims 1-1 5, wherein the pitch of the solar collector panel is varied as to change the angle between the surface normal of the solar collector panel and the sun between 0° and 180°.

17. The system of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the varying of the pitch is adapted to reduce the effective surface area f the solar collector panel by between 0% and 1 00%.

18. The system of any one of claims 1 -1 5, wherein the yaw of the solar collector panel is varied as to change the angle between the surface normal of the solar collector panel and the sun between 0° and about 1 80°.

1 . The system of any one of claims 1 -1 5, or 1 8, wherein the varyi ng of the yaw is adapted to reduce the effective surface area of the solar collector panel by between 0% and 100%.

20. The system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of parabol ic mirrors, each parabolic mirror coupled to each tube, adapted to reflect solar radiation onto the lube.

21. The system of claim 1 , wherein the overheating prevention module comprises a curved mirror coupled to a driver, configured to rotate about the tube in response to the sensor output,

22. The system of claim 1 , wherein the overheating prevention module comprises a pair of mirrors operably coupled to the actuator, the pair of mirrors disposed on opposite sides of the solar col lector panel, con figured to have a varying angle relative to the solar col lector panel.

23. The system of any of claims 20-22 where each mirror is a compound mirror.

24. The system of any one of claims 1-20, further comprising a cleaning means operably coupled to the solar collector panel and/or mirrors.

25. The system of any one of claims 1 -24, further comprising a direct current power source adapted to prevent corrosion of predetermined system components,

26. A solar heating system adapted to prevent overheating and environmental damage comprising: a. a b se; 13

b. a solar collector panel coupled to the base, the so!ar collector panel comprising: i. a tube having a longitudinal axis containing a heating medium; and if a curved mirror rotatably coupled to the tube; c. an actuator, operabiy coupled to the curved mirror; d. at least one sensor, in communication with the actuator, the sensor adapted to provide output indicative of temperature and/or environmental parameters: and e. optionally, a circulation pump in communication with the solar collector panel, adapted to circulate a primary heating liquid through the solar collector panel, wherein the actuator is adapted to radial ly rotate ihe curved mirror around the tube, in response to the at least one sensor output.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the curved mirror is a parabolic mirror

28. The system of claim 26 or 27, wherein the curved mirror is a compound mirror.

29. The system of any one of claims 26-28, wherein the curved mirror further comprises a wiper element adapted for cleaning the tube upon rotation of the curved mirror.

30. The system of any one of claims 26-29, wherein the solar collector panel comprises a plural ity of tube, each having a curved mirror rotatably coupled thereto.

31. The system of any one of claims 26-30, wherein the rotatable curved mirror is coupled to the tube via a gear box assembly.

32. The system o f any one of claims 26-31 , wherein the at least one sensor output is 1 iquid temperature, solar collector panel temperature, ambient temperature, solar collector panel spatial orientation, wind speed across solar collector panel, heating liquid temperature, power consumption, vibration, relative humidity, flow rate of heating ^'fluid, or output comprising two or more of the foregoing.

33. The system of any one of claims 26-32, wherein the solar collector panel further comprises: a. a mani fold; b. a plurality of tubes, each tube having a proximal end operably coupled to the manifold and a distal end; c. a plurality of caps, each cap coupled to the distal end of the tube; d . a first side rail and a second side rai l, the first side rail al igned with a first edge of the panel and perpendicular to the manifold and the second side rail aligned with a second edge of the panel and perpendicular to the manifold, the first and second side rails coupled to the manifold; e. a central rail disposed in parallel at an equidistance between the first side rail and the second side rail, coupled to the manifold; f. a transverse rail, coupled to the first rail, the central rail and the second rail aligned with the distal and of the tubes; g. a first connector member operably coupled to the first side rail, a second connector member operably coupled to the second side rail, and a third connector member operably coupled to the central rai l; h. a pair of support ribs disposed between each first, second and third connectors and each first, second and central rails respectively, wherein one support rib extends toward the manifold and the other support rib extends towards the transverse rai l; and i. a transverse rod, coupled to each support rib extending towards the manifold.

34. The system of any one o f claims 26-33, further comprising a cleaning means operably coupled to the solar collector panel and/or mirrors.