WO2021198733A1 - Solar heating system - Google Patents
Solar heating system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2021198733A1 WO2021198733A1 PCT/IB2020/053127 IB2020053127W WO2021198733A1 WO 2021198733 A1 WO2021198733 A1 WO 2021198733A1 IB 2020053127 W IB2020053127 W IB 2020053127W WO 2021198733 A1 WO2021198733 A1 WO 2021198733A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- heating system
- manifold
- solar heating
- fluid
- solar
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 39
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 18
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 5
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013049 sediment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005341 toughened glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
- F24S10/30—Solar heat collectors using working fluids with means for exchanging heat between two or more working fluids
-
- 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
- F24S10/75—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits with enlarged surfaces, e.g. with protrusions or corrugations
- F24S10/753—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits with enlarged surfaces, e.g. with protrusions or corrugations 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
- F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
- F24S10/90—Solar heat collectors using working fluids using internal thermosiphonic circulation
- F24S10/95—Solar heat collectors using working fluids using internal thermosiphonic circulation having evaporator sections and condenser sections, e.g. heat pipes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S70/00—Details of absorbing elements
- F24S70/10—Details of absorbing elements characterised by the absorbing material
- F24S70/12—Details of absorbing elements characterised by the absorbing material made of metallic material
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D15/00—Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies
- F28D15/02—Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat pipes
- F28D15/0233—Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat pipes the conduits having a particular shape, e.g. non-circular cross-section, annular
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D15/00—Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies
- F28D15/02—Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat pipes
- F28D15/025—Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat pipes having non-capillary condensate return means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D15/00—Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies
- F28D15/02—Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat pipes
- F28D15/0275—Arrangements for coupling heat-pipes together or with other structures, e.g. with base blocks; Heat pipe cores
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
- F28D20/0034—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using liquid heat storage material
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S60/00—Arrangements for storing heat collected by solar heat collectors
- F24S60/30—Arrangements for storing heat collected by solar heat collectors storing heat in liquids
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S90/00—Solar heat systems not otherwise provided for
- F24S90/10—Solar heat systems not otherwise provided for using thermosiphonic circulation
-
- 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
-
- 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
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/14—Thermal energy storage
-
- 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
- Y02E70/00—Other energy conversion or management systems reducing GHG emissions
- Y02E70/30—Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin
Definitions
- This invention relates to a solar heating system.
- a typical solar heating system either includes a flat plate collector, or an evacuated tube collector, although other configurations do exist.
- the flat plate collector consists of a solar panel which is connected to a storage tank or geyser that is usually positioned above the solar panel or inside a roof space between a roof and a ceiling.
- the flat plate collector utilizes the thermosiphon principle wherein cold water flows into a bottom of the solar panel. The panel is heated by the sun and this causes hot water to rise up to the storage tank or geyser.
- the system can fail when exposed to temperatures below freezing point. It has also been found that the panel may block with sediment and stop functioning.
- An evacuated tube collector includes a plurality of cylindrical glass tubes that are attached to a frame which is positioned on the roof.
- Each tube includes a copper rod extending from the bottom of a frame to a top of the frame and then into a manifold.
- Each tube contains a liquid chemical formulation which boils at a predetermined temperature. The resulting vapour or gas heats the copper rod inside the tube and the rod in turn heats the water in the manifold.
- the manifold is connected to a storage tank or geyser. This system is laborious to assemble and the tubes are susceptible to the elements. It has been found that this system may stagnate if not used regularly.
- US patent number 4,505,261 “Modular Passive Solar Heating System”, describes an arrangement which includes a plurality of heat tubes which are arranged to form a flat plate solar collector and which are connected to a storage tank or geyser via double-walled heat exchangers that penetrate the storage tank to enhance heat transfer.
- Solar radiation heats the flat plate collector which then heats a fluid inside the tubes.
- the fluid evaporates and gas rises inside each tube to the heat exchanger. This causes heat to be transferred to water in the storage tank.
- the gas condenses to a liquid phase which returns to lower sections of the tubes.
- An object of the current invention is to produce a solar heating system which is robust and resistant to freezing and stagnation, and which can be manufactured with relative ease.
- the invention provides a solar heating system for use with a storage tank, the system comprising a first manifold, a second manifold which includes an inner tube and an outer tube, a jacket which is formed between opposed surfaces of the inner tube and the outer tube and which is connectable to the storage tank, a plurality of riser tubes which extend between the first manifold and the second manifold, and which in use are inclined upwardly to the second manifold, and a fluid within at least the first manifold, wherein the fluid when heated by solar radiation evaporates and releases vapour into the tubes, which vapour condenses in the jacket to transfer heat energy into the inner tube.
- the first manifold may be configured to be a common reservoir for the riser tubes
- the jacket in the second manifold may be configured to be a common condenser for the riser tubes.
- Heated fluid may be transferred from the inner tube to the storage tank via a pump or via the thermosiphon principle.
- the first manifold, the tubes, and the second manifold may comprise a sealed system.
- a vacuum may be drawn from the system before the system is sealed.
- the vacuum may be in the range of 1 - 29.9 in Hg.
- the vacuum is of the order of 25 in Hg.
- the reduction in pressure decreases the boiling point of the fluid.
- the fluid formed by condensation of the vapour at the jacket may return under gravity action to the first manifold. The aforementioned process is repeated continuously.
- the solar heating system may include a drain for ensuring that fluid in the jacket returns to the first manifold.
- a respective drain is positioned at each end of the outer tube, to return fluid to an adjacent riser tube.
- the volume of the fluid in the sealed system may vary and may be in the range of 1-99% of the capacity of the system. Preferably, the volume is of the order of 75% of the capacity of the system.
- the outer tube in the second manifold may have a larger diameter than the diameter of each of the riser tubes.
- the riser tubes and the manifolds may be located inside a sealed volume.
- a transparent cover may overlie the sealed volume.
- a sheet of solar collector material may be positioned inside the volume.
- the riser tubes may be mounted in heat-transferring contact with a surface of the solar collector material.
- the fluid may be any appropriate liquid (e.g. water or a specially formulated composition) or gas.
- Figure 1 is a plan view of a plurality of riser tubes and manifolds which form a part of a solar heating system according to the invention
- FIG 2 is a side view on an enlarged scale of an upper part of the solar heating system
- Figure 3 is a partly sectioned side view of the solar heating system
- Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the solar heating system in use
- Figure 5 illustrates a variation of the riser tubes shown in Figure 1.
- FIG 1 of the accompanying drawings is a plan view of components of a solar heating system 10 according to the invention - see Figure 3 as well.
- the solar heating system 10 includes a first manifold 12 and a second manifold 14.
- the second manifold 14 includes an inner tube 16 and an outer tube 18.
- An annular jacket 20 is formed between an outer surface of the inner tube 16 and an opposed inner surface of the outer tube 18 - see Figure 2 which is a side view in section on an enlarged scale of an upper part of the solar heating system 10.
- the jacket 20 forms a common condenser for the tubes 22.
- the first manifold 12, the tubes 22, and the second manifold 14 collectively create a sealed system 26.
- a vacuum is drawn before the system is sealed.
- the vacuum is of the order of 25 in Hg.
- a fluid, preferably water 28, is inside the sealed system 26.
- the vacuum is drawn by using any suitable valve, such as a Schrader valve, before the water 28 is placed inside the sealed system 26.
- the vacuum provides insulation against conduction, convection, and radiation.
- FIG. 1 is a partly sectioned side view of the solar heating system 10, in use.
- the components shown in Figure 1 are located inside a support frame 36.
- the frame 36 includes a surround 38, an insulating support base 40 and an overlying transparent cover 42 made for example from toughened glass.
- the components shown in Figure 1 are fixed to the support base 40 so that the first manifold 12 is lowermost, the second manifold 14 is uppermost and the riser tubes 22 are inclined at an optimum angle to incident solar radiation 46 at an installation site.
- the tubes 22 are located below and are in heat transferring contact with a metallic solar collector plate 48 which is covered with a material which enhances its capability to absorb heat from the solar radiation 46.
- the components shown in Figure 1 are fixed to the support base 40 by means of a conductive adhesive or by laser or ultrasonic welding.
- the outermost tubes, 22A and 22B respectively, include drainage tubes 50
- FIG. 1 illustrates an upper end of the tube 22B which is in fluid communication with the jacket 20 and which is in parallel with the drainage tube 50 which is connected to the jacket 20 and to a port 52 in a wall of the tube 22B, a short distance from the jacket 20.
- the inner tube 16 is connected at one end by means of insulated piping 80 to a lower inlet 82 of a storage tank or geyser 84 - shown in Figure 4.
- Water 86 flows from the lower inlet 82 through the storage tank 84 to an upper outlet 88 and returns via an insulated pipe 90 to an opposing end of the inner tube 16 via the thermo-siphoning principle.
- solar radiation 46 which impinges on the collector plate 48 heats the underlying tubes 22 and heat energy is transferred to the tubes 22 by conduction.
- the water 28 in the lower manifold 12 is caused to boil and creates steam, which rises in the tubes 22 to the jacket 20 in the second manifold 14.
- the steam contacts the outer surface of the inner tube 16 which contains relatively cold water 86.
- the steam then condenses inside the jacket 20 and heat energy is transferred to the water 86.
- the heated water in the jacket then rises via the pipe 80 to the storage tank 84 and is replaced by cooler water which flows from the tank via the pipe 90. This process continuously proceeds.
- the reduced pressure in the sealed system 26 decreases the boiling point of the water 28 which then evaporates at a lower temperature.
- the solar heating system 10 is customizable to suit specific regions e.g. freezing conditions.
- the solar heating system 10 is aesthetically pleasing, robust, and is resistant to hail, freeze and stagnation. It is cost effective to manufacture.
- the solar heating system 10 is of the following order: the first manifold 12 is 15mm in diameter, the inner tube 16 is 22mm and the outer tube 18 is 32mm in diameter, each riser / tube 22 is 10mm in diameter, each drainage tube 50 is 10mm in diameter, the insulating support base 40 is 20mm thick, the overlying transparent cover 42 is 4mm in diameter, and there is a 20mm air gap between the tubes 22 and the collector plate 48.
- FIG. 5 shows a variation of the invention wherein each of tubes 22 (which are of circular form) is replaced by a tube 22X which has a flattened surface 96 which is in heat- transferring contact with the collector plate 48.
- the flattened surface 96 provides a larger area for receiving heat via conduction from solar radiation 46 impinging on the collector plate 48 to heat the underlying tubes
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
Abstract
A solar heating system for use with a storage tank, the system comprising a first manifold, a second manifold which includes an inner tube and an outer tube, a jacket which is formed between opposed surfaces of the inner tube and the outer tube and which is connectable to the storage tank, a plurality of riser tubes which extend between the first manifold and the second manifold, and which in use are inclined upwardly to the second manifold, and a fluid within at least the first manifold, wherein the fluid when heated by solar radiation evaporates and releases vapour into the tubes, which vapour condenses in the jacket to transfer heat energy into the inner tube.
Description
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM
[0001] This invention relates to a solar heating system.
[0002] A typical solar heating system either includes a flat plate collector, or an evacuated tube collector, although other configurations do exist. [0003] The flat plate collector consists of a solar panel which is connected to a storage tank or geyser that is usually positioned above the solar panel or inside a roof space between a roof and a ceiling. The flat plate collector utilizes the thermosiphon principle wherein cold water flows into a bottom of the solar panel. The panel is heated by the sun and this causes hot water to rise up to the storage tank or geyser. Albeit being the most commonly used solar heating system, cost effective and relatively easy to manufacture, the system can fail when exposed to temperatures below freezing point. It has also been found that the panel may block with sediment and stop functioning.
[0004]An evacuated tube collector includes a plurality of cylindrical glass tubes that are attached to a frame which is positioned on the roof. Each tube includes a copper rod extending from the bottom of a frame to a top of the frame and then into a manifold. Each tube contains a liquid chemical formulation which boils at a predetermined temperature. The resulting vapour or gas heats the copper rod inside the tube and the rod in turn heats the water in the manifold. The manifold is connected to a storage tank or geyser. This system is laborious to assemble and the tubes are susceptible to the elements. It has been found that this system may stagnate if not used regularly.
[0005] US patent number 4,505,261 , “Modular Passive Solar Heating System”, describes an arrangement which includes a plurality of heat tubes which are arranged to form a flat plate solar collector and which are connected to a storage tank or geyser via double-walled heat exchangers that penetrate the storage tank to enhance heat transfer. Solar radiation heats the flat plate collector which then heats a fluid inside the tubes. The fluid evaporates and gas rises inside each tube to the heat exchanger. This causes heat to be transferred to water in the storage tank. The gas condenses to a liquid phase which returns to lower sections of the tubes.
[0006] The mounting of the heat exchangers to the storage tank in a leak proof manner is an exacting technical task which adds materially to the cost of the storage tank.
[0007] An object of the current invention is to produce a solar heating system which is robust and resistant to freezing and stagnation, and which can be manufactured with relative ease.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] The invention provides a solar heating system for use with a storage tank, the system comprising a first manifold, a second manifold which includes an inner tube and an outer tube, a jacket which is formed between opposed surfaces of the inner tube and the outer tube and which is connectable to the storage tank, a plurality of riser tubes which extend between the first manifold and the second manifold, and which in use are inclined upwardly to the second manifold, and a fluid within at least the first manifold, wherein the fluid when heated by solar radiation evaporates and releases vapour into the tubes, which vapour condenses in the jacket to transfer heat energy into the inner tube.
[0009] The first manifold may be configured to be a common reservoir for the riser tubes, and the jacket in the second manifold may be configured to be a common condenser for the riser tubes.
[0010] Heated fluid may be transferred from the inner tube to the storage tank via a pump or via the thermosiphon principle.
[0011] The first manifold, the tubes, and the second manifold may comprise a sealed system.
[0012] A vacuum may be drawn from the system before the system is sealed. The vacuum may be in the range of 1 - 29.9 in Hg. Preferably, the vacuum is of the order of 25 in Hg. [0013]The reduction in pressure decreases the boiling point of the fluid.
[0014] The fluid formed by condensation of the vapour at the jacket may return under gravity action to the first manifold. The aforementioned process is repeated continuously.
[0015] The solar heating system may include a drain for ensuring that fluid in the jacket returns to the first manifold. Preferably a respective drain is positioned at each end of the outer tube, to return fluid to an adjacent riser tube.
[0016] The volume of the fluid in the sealed system may vary and may be in the range of 1-99% of the capacity of the system. Preferably, the volume is of the order of 75% of the capacity of the system.
[0017] The outer tube in the second manifold may have a larger diameter than the diameter of each of the riser tubes.
[0018] The riser tubes and the manifolds may be located inside a sealed volume.
[0019] A transparent cover may overlie the sealed volume.
[0020] A sheet of solar collector material may be positioned inside the volume. The riser tubes may be mounted in heat-transferring contact with a surface of the solar collector material.
[0021] The fluid may be any appropriate liquid (e.g. water or a specially formulated composition) or gas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The invention is further described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of a plurality of riser tubes and manifolds which form a part of a solar heating system according to the invention,
Figure 2 is a side view on an enlarged scale of an upper part of the solar heating system, Figure 3 is a partly sectioned side view of the solar heating system, Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the solar heating system in use, and
Figure 5 illustrates a variation of the riser tubes shown in Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings is a plan view of components of a solar heating system 10 according to the invention - see Figure 3 as well.
[0024] The solar heating system 10 includes a first manifold 12 and a second manifold 14. The second manifold 14 includes an inner tube 16 and an outer tube 18. An annular jacket 20 is formed between an outer surface of the inner tube 16 and an opposed inner surface of the outer tube 18 - see Figure 2 which is a side view in section on an enlarged scale of an upper part of the solar heating system 10.
[0025]A plurality of metallic riser tubes 22, preferably of copper, extend between the first manifold 12, which forms a common reservoir for the tubes 22, and the second manifold 14. The jacket 20 forms a common condenser for the tubes 22.
[0026] The first manifold 12, the tubes 22, and the second manifold 14 collectively create a sealed system 26.
[0027] A vacuum is drawn before the system is sealed. Preferably, the vacuum is of the order of 25 in Hg.
[0028] A fluid, preferably water 28, is inside the sealed system 26. The vacuum is drawn by using any suitable valve, such as a Schrader valve, before the water 28 is placed inside the sealed system 26. The vacuum provides insulation against conduction, convection, and radiation.
[0029] The volume of the water 28 inside the system 26 varies according to requirement and, in one form of the invention, is equal to about 75% of the volume (capacity) of the sealed system 26. [0030] Figure 3 is a partly sectioned side view of the solar heating system 10, in use. The components shown in Figure 1 are located inside a support frame 36. The frame 36
includes a surround 38, an insulating support base 40 and an overlying transparent cover 42 made for example from toughened glass. The components shown in Figure 1 are fixed to the support base 40 so that the first manifold 12 is lowermost, the second manifold 14 is uppermost and the riser tubes 22 are inclined at an optimum angle to incident solar radiation 46 at an installation site. The tubes 22 are located below and are in heat transferring contact with a metallic solar collector plate 48 which is covered with a material which enhances its capability to absorb heat from the solar radiation 46. The components shown in Figure 1 are fixed to the support base 40 by means of a conductive adhesive or by laser or ultrasonic welding. [0031] The outermost tubes, 22A and 22B respectively, include drainage tubes 50
(notionally shown in Figure 1 ) which are connected in parallel to the jacket 20. This is better shown in Figure 2 which illustrates an upper end of the tube 22B which is in fluid communication with the jacket 20 and which is in parallel with the drainage tube 50 which is connected to the jacket 20 and to a port 52 in a wall of the tube 22B, a short distance from the jacket 20.
[0032] The inner tube 16 is connected at one end by means of insulated piping 80 to a lower inlet 82 of a storage tank or geyser 84 - shown in Figure 4. Water 86 flows from the lower inlet 82 through the storage tank 84 to an upper outlet 88 and returns via an insulated pipe 90 to an opposing end of the inner tube 16 via the thermo-siphoning principle. [0033] In use of the system, solar radiation 46 which impinges on the collector plate 48 heats the underlying tubes 22 and heat energy is transferred to the tubes 22 by conduction.
[0034] The water 28 in the lower manifold 12 is caused to boil and creates steam, which rises in the tubes 22 to the jacket 20 in the second manifold 14. The steam contacts the outer surface of the inner tube 16 which contains relatively cold water 86. The steam then condenses inside the jacket 20 and heat energy is transferred to the water 86. As stated, the heated water in the jacket then rises via the pipe 80 to the storage tank 84 and is replaced by cooler water which flows from the tank via the pipe 90. This process continuously proceeds.
[0035] The reduced pressure in the sealed system 26 decreases the boiling point of the water 28 which then evaporates at a lower temperature. [0036] The solar heating system 10 is customizable to suit specific regions e.g. freezing conditions.
[0037] The solar heating system 10 is aesthetically pleasing, robust, and is resistant to hail, freeze and stagnation. It is cost effective to manufacture.
[0038] In freezing conditions the water 28 will remain in the condensed state before returning to the first manifold 12. The vacuum between the inner tube 16 and the outer tube 18 i.e. in the jacket 20, provides insulation which prevents the cold from radiating or conducting onto the inner tube 16 - this helps to prevent freezing of the water 86 in the inner tube 16.
[0039] Any suitable fill or heat transferring medium (gas or liquid) can be used within the sealed system 26 but as described hereinbefore, water is preferable.
[0040] Preferably the solar heating system 10 is of the following order: the first manifold 12 is 15mm in diameter, the inner tube 16 is 22mm and the outer tube 18 is 32mm in diameter, each riser / tube 22 is 10mm in diameter, each drainage tube 50 is 10mm in diameter, the insulating support base 40 is 20mm thick, the overlying transparent cover 42 is 4mm in diameter, and there is a 20mm air gap between the tubes 22 and the collector plate 48.
These dimensions have been established by trial and experiment to give excellent results but, nonetheless, are exemplary only.
[0041] Figure 5 shows a variation of the invention wherein each of tubes 22 (which are of circular form) is replaced by a tube 22X which has a flattened surface 96 which is in heat- transferring contact with the collector plate 48.
[0042] The flattened surface 96 provides a larger area for receiving heat via conduction from solar radiation 46 impinging on the collector plate 48 to heat the underlying tubes
22X.
Claims
1 . A solar heating system (10) for use with a storage tank (84), the system (10) comprising a first manifold (12), a second manifold (14) which includes an inner tube (16) and an outer tube (18), a jacket (20) which is formed between opposed surfaces of the inner tube (16) and the outer tube (18) and which is connectable to the storage tank (84), a plurality of riser tubes (22) which extend between the first manifold (12) and the second manifold (14), and which in use are inclined upwardly to the second manifold (14), and a fluid (28) within at least the first manifold (12), wherein the fluid (28) when heated by solar radiation (46) evaporates and releases vapour into the tubes (22), which vapour condenses in the jacket (20) to transfer heat energy into the inner tube (16).
2. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 1 wherein heated fluid is transferred from the fluid in the inner tube (16) to the storage tank (84) via a pump or via the thermosiphon principle.
3. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 1 wherein the first manifold (12), the tubes (22), and the second manifold (14) comprise a sealed system (26).
4. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 3 wherein a vacuum is drawn from the system (26) before the system (26) is sealed.
5. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 4 wherein the vacuum is in the range of 1- 29.9 in Hg.
6. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 5 wherein the vacuum is 25 in Hg.
7. A solar heating system (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the reduction in pressure decreases the boiling point of the fluid (28).
8. A solar heating system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the fluid (28) formed by condensation of the vapour at the jacket (20) returns under gravity action to the first manifold (12).
9. A solar heating system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 which includes at least one drain (50) for ensuring that fluid (28) in the jacket (20) returns to the first manifold (12).
10. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 9 wherein a respective drain (50) is positioned at each end of the jacket (20), to return fluid to an adjacent riser tube (22).
11. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 3 wherein the volume of fluid (28) in the sealed system (26) is in the range of 1-99% of the capacity of the system (26).
12. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 11 wherein the volume is 75% of the capacity of the system (26).
13. A solar heating system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the outer tube (18) in the second manifold (14) has a larger diameter than the diameter of each of the riser tubes (22).
14. A solar heating system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the riser tubes (22) and the manifolds (12, 14) are located inside a sealed volume (36).
15. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 14 wherein a transparent cover (42) overlies the sealed volume (36).
16. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 14 or 15 wherein a sheet of solar collector material (48) is positioned inside the volume (36).
17. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 16 wherein the riser tubes (22) are mounted in heat-transferring contact with a surface of the solar collecting material (48).
18. A solar heating system (10) according to claim 17 wherein each riser tube (22X) has a flat surface which is in heat transferring contact with said surface of the solar collecting material (48).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/IB2020/053127 WO2021198733A1 (en) | 2020-04-02 | 2020-04-02 | Solar heating system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/IB2020/053127 WO2021198733A1 (en) | 2020-04-02 | 2020-04-02 | Solar heating system |
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WO2021198733A1 true WO2021198733A1 (en) | 2021-10-07 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/IB2020/053127 WO2021198733A1 (en) | 2020-04-02 | 2020-04-02 | Solar heating system |
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WO (1) | WO2021198733A1 (en) |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4237866A (en) * | 1977-08-19 | 1980-12-09 | Queen's University At Kingston | Solar heater |
US4505261A (en) | 1983-12-19 | 1985-03-19 | Hunter Billy D | Modular passive solar heating system |
CN200955874Y (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2007-10-03 | 李新庆 | Solar heat exchanger |
CN101063557A (en) * | 2007-05-13 | 2007-10-31 | 周志平 | Wall hanging type full automatic solar water heater |
WO2011141862A1 (en) * | 2010-05-10 | 2011-11-17 | Daniel Kaftori | Solar energy collecting systems and methods |
CN103528205A (en) * | 2012-07-02 | 2014-01-22 | 窦陆军 | Air thermal power circulation water heater with solar straight-through vacuum pipe |
US20160040908A1 (en) * | 2014-08-05 | 2016-02-11 | Hsiu-Lin Peng | Solar thermal collecting system |
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2020
- 2020-04-02 WO PCT/IB2020/053127 patent/WO2021198733A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4237866A (en) * | 1977-08-19 | 1980-12-09 | Queen's University At Kingston | Solar heater |
US4505261A (en) | 1983-12-19 | 1985-03-19 | Hunter Billy D | Modular passive solar heating system |
CN200955874Y (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2007-10-03 | 李新庆 | Solar heat exchanger |
CN101063557A (en) * | 2007-05-13 | 2007-10-31 | 周志平 | Wall hanging type full automatic solar water heater |
WO2011141862A1 (en) * | 2010-05-10 | 2011-11-17 | Daniel Kaftori | Solar energy collecting systems and methods |
CN103528205A (en) * | 2012-07-02 | 2014-01-22 | 窦陆军 | Air thermal power circulation water heater with solar straight-through vacuum pipe |
US20160040908A1 (en) * | 2014-08-05 | 2016-02-11 | Hsiu-Lin Peng | Solar thermal collecting system |
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