U.S. patent application number 10/867311 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-27 for solar heat absorber panels.
Invention is credited to Broatch, Peter Martin.
Application Number | 20050016524 10/867311 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27636865 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050016524 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Broatch, Peter Martin |
January 27, 2005 |
Solar heat absorber panels
Abstract
An array of panels absorptive to solar radiation 21 is made up
of individual panels 24, 25 etc. A duct runs along a panel 25 and
terminates near the edge of the panel as a terminals 27. This
terminal is positioned so that it shares a common axis with a
second terminal on a second panel 24, whereby the terminals may be
brought into close proximity and connected with a connector 26.
This connection may be made by sliding one panel along the axis of
its terminal towards a second panel.
Inventors: |
Broatch, Peter Martin;
(Weymouth, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Peter Martin Broatch
The Cartshed, Church Lane
Osmington, Dorset
DT3 6EW
GB
|
Family ID: |
27636865 |
Appl. No.: |
10/867311 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/622 ;
126/906 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 10/755 20180501;
Y02B 10/20 20130101; Y02A 30/62 20180101; F24S 2020/10 20180501;
F24S 80/30 20180501; Y02E 10/44 20130101; F24S 20/67 20180501; Y02A
30/60 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/622 ;
126/906 |
International
Class: |
F24J 002/00; E04D
013/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 19, 2003 |
GB |
0314232 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A plurality of panels absorbent to solar radiation laid adjacent
to each other, a duct for a heat transfer medium running along each
said panel, each duct having a terminal which is substantially
cylindrical in form, said terminals positioned so that a terminal
on one panel is adjacent to and shares a common axis with a second
terminal on a second panel, whereby said terminals may be connected
together.
2. A plurality of panels as claimed in claim 1 wherein the panels
are arranged in substantially horizontal rows.
3. A plurality of panels as claimed in claim 2 wherein the panels
are supported in the rows by a plurality of horizontal battens.
4. A plurality of panels as claimed in claim 3 wherein the panels
overlie the battens.
5. A plurality of panels as claimed in claim 4 wherein a portion of
batten between two adjacent panels is left uncovered to receive a
fastener.
6. A plurality of panels as claimed in claim 2, 3, 4 or 5 wherein
the axes of the terminals are substantially parallel to the
rows.
7. A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein
a first panel may be moved along a row of panels towards a second
panel, whereby a terminal on the first panel moves into sealing
engagement with a terminal on the second panel.
8. A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein
the terminals of two adjacent panels are connected with a
connector.
9. A plurality of panels as claimed in claim 8 wherein a terminal
is pushed into a connector and forms a sealing engagement
therewith.
10. A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim
wherein the duct comprises a pipe attached to the panel.
11. A plurality of panels as claimed in claim 10 wherein the pipe
is made of copper.
12. A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim
wherein the panels embody the ducts.
13. A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim
wherein the panels are coated with a layer highly absorptive to
solar radiation.
14. A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim
wherein the panels are made of aluminium.
15. A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim
wherein the panels are covered with a layer translucent or
transparent to solar radiation.
16. A plurality of panels as claimed in claim 15 wherein the layer
translucent or transparent to solar radiation consists of mutually
overlapping tiles.
17. A plurality of panels as claimed in claim 15 wherein the layer
translucent or transparent to solar radiation consists of mutually
overlapping glass slates or shingles.
18. A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim
wherein an insulating layer is positioned behind the panels.
19. A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim
wherein a membrane is positioned behind the panels.
20. A plurality of panels as claimed in claim 19 wherein the panels
co-operate with the insulating layer to prevent solar radiation
from reaching the membrane.
21. A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim
wherein the panels mutually overlap so as to form a layer
impermeable to precipitation.
Description
[0001] This applications claims priority from UK patent application
number 0314232 filed on Jun. 19, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many different kinds of solar heat exchange panels are
known. Conventional flat plate panels have the disadvantage in that
they normally lie over the roof covering, and are thus visually
obtrusive and not easy to fit in the form of an array.
[0003] My international patent application PCT/GB01/04440 describes
panels which are integrated into a roof or wall covering and linked
by a fluid duct. This application discloses some advantageous
improvements which may be made to the system, and in particular to
the method of connecting absorber panels together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention concerns heat exchange panels of the type
used for absorbing solar radiation and using it to heat water. More
specifically it concerns that type of panel designed to be fitted
as an array to a wall or roof face.
[0005] Thus according to the invention there is a plurality of
panels absorbent to solar radiation laid adjacent to each other, a
duct for a heat transfer medium running along each said panel, each
duct having a terminal which is substantially cylindrical in form,
said terminals positioned so that a terminal on one panel is
adjacent to and shares a common axis with a second terminal on a
second panel, whereby the terminals may be connected together.
[0006] The panels are best placed on a roof or wall face orientated
generally towards the equator, and they ideally have a coating
which is highly absorptive to solar radiation. The panels my be
made of aluminium, stainless steel, copper, plastic or other
suitable material.
[0007] The panels may be arranged adjacent to each other in rows,
and a number of rows may be arranged next to each other so as to
form an array of panels. One way of achieving this is to support
the panels in the rows by means of a number of horizontal battens
of wood or suitable alternative material. The panels may overlie
these battens, and a portion of batten between two adjacent panels
may be left uncovered to receive fasteners to hold a covering of
translucent or transparent roofing tiles, slates or shingles. Such
a covering will let solar radiation pass through onto the panels,
while preventing heat loss to the external air. Alternatively the
panels may be made to overlap each other so they themselves form a
covering impermeable to precipitation.
[0008] The duct carries a heat transfer medium, such as water, a
water mixture or other fluid, along a panel so as to collect the
solar energy absorbed by it. One advantageous way of arranging this
is by means of a pipe welded, glued or otherwise attached to the
panel, whereby energy absorbed by the panel in the form of heat is
transmitted to the transfer medium in the pipe. The duct may
preferably be made of copper, although other metals or plastics may
be used. An alternative arrangement is by means of a panel which
embodies a duct, such as a double skin metal absorber, or a plastic
absorber with ducts moulded into it, but still having the function
of transmitting energy from the panel to the transfer medium in the
duct.
[0009] The means of connection of the panels is important, as
connections need to be reliable and easy to achieve while working
on a roof. This invention provides for this by having duct
terminals at the edges of the panels, positioned so that when two
panels are placed adjacent to each other the terminals line up and
thus may be connected with a suitable connector. An advantageous
method is to use a normal push fit pipe connector which may be
fitted to one terminal, the other terminal then being pushed into
it. If the panels are arranged in a horizontal row, with the
terminals on the ends of the panels and on an axis parallel to the
row, then making the connections is facilitated by being able to
slide one panel along the battens towards another panel, whereupon
the terminals line up and may be pushed into a connector. This
connector may be a discrete item, or may be attached to one or both
of two adjacent panels.
[0010] An insulating layer may be placed behind the panels to
reduce heat loss from the rear. A waterproof membrane may be placed
behind the panels catch any water penetrating through the panels.
Such a membrane may be damaged by ultraviolet radiation from the
sun, and so it is advantageous to provide a barrier to this
radiation. This barrier may be provided by means of offsetting the
gaps between panels, and the gaps in the insulation layer, so a gap
in one layer does not coincide with a gap in another. This may be
achieved by attaching the insulation layer to the panels, but
offset slightly in one direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a single absorber panel.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows an array of absorber panels.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a roof covered with
absorbers.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a roof and absorbers, with a
covering of glass slates.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The invention will now be described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0016] Referring first to FIG. 1, an absorber panel 11 is made of
an aluminium sheet 12 coated in a coating absorptive to solar
radiation, to which is welded a copper pipe 13. The pipe 13
traverses the sheet in a serpentine manner, and both ends are
terminated at the edge as terminals 15 and 15a. The panel is cut
away 16, 16a to allow space for connectors (not shown). An
insulation board 14 is attached to the rear of the panel and
protrudes at one end so that it underlies the gap between this
panel and a second panel placed adjacent to it, so as to provide a
barrier to light passing through the gap between the panels.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows an array of panels 21 formed of a number of
horizontal rows of panels (three rows are shown). The panels are
supported by horizontal battens (not shown) along the lines of the
panel edges 28, 28a. Note the gaps 22, 22a between the panels which
allows fixings for tiles, slates or shingles to be fixed directly
into the battens. The duct terminals are joined by connectors as
shown at 23. During installation a panel 25 is placed on the
battens near to a panel already installed 24. Panel 24 has had a
connector 26 fitted to its duct terminal. The panel 25 is moved
towards the panel 24 whereupon the terminal 27 slides into the
connector 26 to form a water tight seal. A fluid such as water may
then be passed through the array of panels for the purpose of
collecting the heat absorbed when the sun shines on the panels.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of roof with rafters 31
supporting battens 32, 32a. A waterproof membrane is placed between
the rafters and the battens in a well known manner. On the battens
are laid panels 33, 33a, 33b which consist of aluminium sheet 34
with a duct 35 fixed to it on the underside. An insulation board 36
is fitted between the battens. Gaps 37 are left between the panels.
Thus an effective solar collector is built up on the roof.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a roof with panels, similar to that in FIG. 3,
with the addition of a transparent covering in the form of glass
slates 41, 41a, 41b, 41c etc. These prevent loss of heat from the
panels to the outside. The slates are held by clips 42, 42a which
are fastened to the battens with fixings 43, 43a which pass through
the gap 46 between two adjacent panels. To create an insulating air
gap between the panels and the slates, the top edges of the slates
rest on a spacer consisting of a ridge of silicone or other
suitable material 44, 44a.
* * * * *