U.S. patent application number 11/834985 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-12 for single-unit solar water heating device.
Invention is credited to Robert Aharonov, Avraham Mastov, Eduard Mastov.
Application Number | 20090038609 11/834985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40345313 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090038609 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mastov; Eduard ; et
al. |
February 12, 2009 |
SINGLE-UNIT SOLAR WATER HEATING DEVICE
Abstract
A solar water heater including an angularly inclined housing
structure. The housing structure includes an inlet for receiving
water and an outlet for discharging heated water. Encased within
the housing, lies a plurality of heating pipes for absorbing solar
energy. The plurality of heating pipes is operatively connected to
the fluid inlet. The plurality of heating pipes encompasses a
plurality of water storing pipes disposed therein. The plurality of
water storing pipes is in fluid communication with the plurality of
heating pipes and the fluid outlet. In this manner, the plurality
of heating pipes act as a solar receiver, and the enclosed
plurality of water storing pipes act as a storage tank. A solar
water heating and storage device wherein a solar receiver and water
storage tank are integrated into a single unit.
Inventors: |
Mastov; Eduard; (Jerusalem,
IL) ; Mastov; Avraham; (Jerusalem, IL) ;
Aharonov; Robert; (West Bloomfield, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOHN & ASSOCIATES, PLLC
30500 NORTHWESTERN HWY, SUITE 410
FARMINGTON HILLS
MI
48334
US
|
Family ID: |
40345313 |
Appl. No.: |
11/834985 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/640 ;
29/890.033 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 10/50 20180501;
F24S 60/30 20180501; F24S 70/30 20180501; F24S 70/225 20180501;
F24S 10/504 20180501; Y10T 29/49355 20150115; B21D 53/08 20130101;
Y02E 10/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/640 ;
29/890.033 |
International
Class: |
B21D 53/08 20060101
B21D053/08; F24J 2/24 20060101 F24J002/24 |
Claims
1. A solar water heating and storage device comprising: a housing
including a fluid outlet for discharging heated water; a plurality
of heating pipes encased within said housing, said plurality of
heating pipes operatively connected to a fluid inlet; and a
plurality of water storing pipes encased within said plurality of
heating pipes and in fluid communication with said plurality of
heating pipes and said fluid outlet.
2. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 1,
further comprising a bottom collector and an upper collector, said
bottom collector interconnected to and in fluid communication with
a first end of each said heating pipes, and said upper collector
interconnected to and in fluid communication with a second opposite
end of each said heating pipes.
3. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 2,
wherein said plurality of water storing pipes are eccentrically
encased within said plurality of heating pipes.
4. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 3,
wherein said upper collector includes a liquid flow passage adapted
to transfer heated water from said plurality of heating pipes to
said plurality of water storing pipes, and said bottom collector
includes a liquid flow passage adapted to transfer cool water from
said plurality of water storing pipes to said plurality of heating
pipes.
5. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 4,
wherein said plurality of heating pipes, said upper collector, and
said bottom collector individually include an external
heat-absorbing surface.
6. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 5,
wherein said housing further includes a transparent cover exposable
to sunlight, said transparent cover disposed over said plurality of
heating pipes, whereby said external heat-absorbing surfaces of
said plurality of heating pipes absorb solar radiation entering via
said transparent cover, thereby heating a volume of water in direct
contact with said plurality of heating pipes.
7. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 6,
wherein said housing further includes thermal insulating means for
covering an area of the externally blackened surfaces not exposable
to sunlight, said thermally insulating means disposed within said
housing.
8. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 7,
wherein said plurality of heating pipes are arranged in a
substantially parallel configuration.
9. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 8,
wherein said plurality of water storing pipes are fabricated out of
a plastic.
10. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 9,
wherein said transparent cover includes a pair of glass panes
having a gap therethrough, said gap filled with means for providing
thermal insulation therein.
11. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 10,
wherein said pair of glass panes further includes an
anti-reflective coating.
12. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 11,
wherein said bottom collector encases an electrical heating element
having a standard safety interlock.
13. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 1,
further including a sheet member having a rippled configuration
defining peaks having top and bottom surfaces, said top and bottom
surfaces including peak and valley portions when viewed in
cross-section, said device further including a flat sheet mounted
over each of said top and bottom surfaces, whereby the combination
of said valley portions in each of said sides of said sheet member
with said flat sheets define said heating pipes.
14. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 13,
wherein said peak and valley portions are squared in
cross-section.
15. A solar water heating and storage device according to claim 13,
wherein said peak and valley portions are rounded in
cross-section.
16. A method of making a solar water heating and storage device
comprising the steps of: providing a sheet member having a top and
a bottom surface; forming said sheet member to provide a rippled
configuration, said rippled configuration defining a plurality of
longitudinal corrugated grooves. encasing a plurality of water
storing pipes having a first open end and a second open end within
said plurality of longitudinal corrugated grooves; mounting a flat
sheet over said top and bottom surfaces of said sheet member;
covering said flat sheets with heat-absorbing material; disposing
said sheet member within a housing having a transparent cover; and
interconnecting said sheet member to a bottom collector at one end,
and to an upper collector at a second opposite end, wherein said
bottom collector is operatively connected to a fluid inlet for
receiving water, and said upper collector is operatively connected
to a fluid outlet for dispensing hot water.
17. A method of making a solar water heating and storage device
according to claim 16, wherein said longitudinal corrugated grooves
include square corners.
18. A method of making a solar water heating and storage device
according to claim 16, wherein said longitudinal corrugated grooves
included rounded corners.
19. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of heating pipes
operatively connected to a fluid inlet, and a plurality of water
storing pipes eccentrically encased within said plurality of
heating pipes and in fluid communication with said plurality of
heating pipes.
20. A solar water heating and storing device comprising: a housing
made as a greenhouse box containing a heat exchanger according to
claim 19, including a cold water inlet and hot water dispensing
outlet.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a solar water
heater. More particularly, it pertains to a unitary solar heating
and storing device. More specifically, water or any other liquid or
gas could be heated.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Numerous variations have been developed for solar water
heaters. Typically, such devices include a housing comprising two
primary, yet independent, components, interconnected to each other
via a duality of passageways. More specifically, solar water
heaters include a vertically oriented solar receiver for absorbing
heat and conducting water, and a thermally insulated storage tank
usually disposed immediately above the solar receiver. Solar
receivers commonly include a series of equidistantly disposed,
parallel heating pipes, thermo-mechanically connected to a
blackened radiator.
[0005] Such solar water heaters generally operate in a similar
manner. The radiator absorbs solar energy, and heat is then
imparted to the water within the pipes by conduction. In turn, the
heated water decreases in density and begins to rise towards an
upper passageway and into the storage tank. As the process
continues, the cooler water within the tank is gradually displaced
by the hotter and less dense, incoming water. As a result, the
displaced cooler water descends towards a bottom passageway and
into the heating pipes to be reheated. In this manner, hot and cold
water continue to circulate so long as there is an appropriate
temperature variance between the water within the solar receiver
and that within the storage tank.
[0006] Numerous embodiments of the aforementioned solar heater
exist. For instance, solar water heaters may additionally utilize
heat exchangers for heating the water, or such heaters may simply
differ in construction. Notwithstanding the fact that many
improvements have significantly increased the overall efficiency of
solar water heaters, various drawbacks remain. For example, in the
known embodiments, the heated water must flow through passageways,
panels, heat exchangers, or the like, prior to entering the hot
water storage tank. One drawback of such embodiments is that
various impediments, e.g., friction, turbulence, drag, etc., hinder
the water flow. Moreover, significant energy losses occur due to
the connection of radiators, and/or the utilization of external
water tanks and heat exchangers. Such energy losses result during
the absorption of solar energy and its transformation to heat.
[0007] Therefore, in order to promote the efficient use of energy,
minimize cost, and reduce overall space, it would be advantageous
to provide a unitary solar water heater, wherein external water
tanks and radiators are not required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a solar water heater including an angularly inclined housing
structure. The housing structure includes an inlet for receiving
water (or any other liquid or gas) and an outlet for discharging
heated water. Encased within the housing, lies a plurality of
heating pipes for absorbing solar energy. The plurality of heating
pipes is operatively connected to the fluid inlet. Additionally,
the plurality of heating pipes encompasses a plurality of water
storing pipes disposed therein. The plurality of water storing
pipes is in fluid communication with the plurality of heating pipes
and the fluid outlet.
[0009] In this manner, the plurality of heating pipes act as a
solar receiver, and the enclosed plurality of water storing pipes
act as a storage tank. Hence, a solar water heating and storage
device is provided wherein a solar receiver and water storage tank
are integrated into a single unit.
[0010] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal
construction of the plurality of heating pipes;
[0013] FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the internal
construction of the plurality of heating pipes shown in FIG. 2A
taken along lines 3-3;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment,
wherein the peak and valley portions are squared; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment,
wherein pipe-like channels formed from steel enclose pipes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-2, where like numerals
indicate like and corresponding elements, a solar water heating and
storage device in accordance with the invention is illustrated as
including a unitary housing structure 10. Any other liquid or gas
could be heated in accordance with the present invention. The
housing structure 10 includes a plurality of elongated heating
pipes 12 disposed therein. Preferably, the plurality of elongated
heating pipes 12 are equidistantly spaced apart and in parallel
with each other. The heating pipes 12 can be formed from various
materials known in the art, such as galvanized iron, stainless
steel, copper, or other suitable material. Additionally, each
heating pipe 12 comprises an external, heat-attracting surface 40
for absorbing solar energy. The heat-attracting surface can be
formed with a suitable black paint or other selective absorbing
material. The housing structure 10 can be in the form of a
greenhouse box.
[0017] The housing structure 10 further includes a transparent
cover 20, which may be composed of glass, plastic, or the like. If
desired, the transparent cover 20 can include an anti-reflective
coating. One embodiment of the present invention contemplates a
transparent cover 20 comprising a pair of glass panes slightly
spaced apart to define an intermediate gap. The gap can comprise
thermal insulating means such as, but not limited to, air, gas, or
vacuum. Importantly, and notwithstanding the embodiment, the
housing structure 10 is angularly positioned such that the
transparent cover 20 is exposable to the sun. In this manner, as
sunlight passes through the transparent cover 20, the
heat-attracting surface 40 of the plurality of elongated heating
pipes 12 absorbs solar radiation.
[0018] In order to minimize energy losses and maximize heat
efficiency, the housing structure 10 includes thermal insulation
42. In one aspect of this invention, thermal insulation is provided
to cover the areas of the heating pipes not exposable to sun. In
this manner, thermal insulation can be efficiently provided to
simply surround the areas wherein heated water is stored.
[0019] As best illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the plurality of
elongated heating pipes 12 encases a plurality of elongated water
storing pipes 14 of smaller diameter. In one embodiment, the
plurality of elongated water storing pipes 14 are fixedly disposed
on an internal, bottom surface of the plurality of elongated
heating pipes 12, such that the water storing pipes 14 are
eccentrically positioned within. Each water storing pipe 14
includes a first open end 24, and a second, opposite open end 34.
The plurality of elongated water storing pipes 14 can be formed
from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polybutylene (PB), or other suitable
compressible material.
[0020] The plurality of elongated heating pipes 12 and the
plurality of elongated water storing pipes 14 fluidly communicate
with each other via a pair of collectors 16, 18. Both collectors
16, 18 are defined by fluid passageways adapted to receive and
transfer fluid. In the preferred embodiment, each heating pipe 12
is interconnected to a bottom collector 16 at one end 22, and to an
upper collector 18 at a second opposite end 32. The bottom
collector 16 is operatively connected to a fluid inlet 26, wherein
cool water enters the solar water heating and storage device via
the bottom collector 16. The upper collector 18 is operatively
connected to a fluid outlet 28 for dispensing hot water. For
instance, if the invention is adapted to a water faucet, hot water
exits the fluid outlet 28 and enters a hot water circuit connected
to the faucet. Preferably, the housing structure 10 is angled so as
to facilitate fluid flow via the process of natural convection.
[0021] Analogous to the plurality of elongated heating pipes 12,
various materials can be used to construct the bottom and upper
collectors 16, 18, including, but not limited to, galvanized iron,
stainless steel, copper, or other suitable material. If desired,
the collectors 16, 18 can also include an external, heat-attracting
surface 40. Further, the heating pipes 12 and collectors 16, 18 may
be interconnected by various means known in the art. For example,
the two may be glued, welded, clamped, screwed, etc. Similar means
may also be employed for securing the collectors 16, 18 and the
plurality of elongated heating pipes 12 within the housing
structure 10.
[0022] In operation, the heat-attracting surfaces 40 of the
plurality of elongated heating pipes 12 absorb solar radiation. Via
conduction, this absorbed energy is transferred to a volume water
located in-between the heating pipes 12 and the water storing pipes
14. As the aforementioned water becomes hotter, it expands and
becomes less dense. By the process of natural convection, the
heated water then rises and flows into the upper collector 18. In
turn, the heated water advances through the upper collector 18 and
subsequently enters, via the second open end 34 of the water
storing pipes 14, into a cooler volume of water stored within the
water storing pipes 14.
[0023] Simultaneously, due to its greater density, the cooler
volume of water within the water storing pipes 14 begins to
descend. The cool water exits the water storing pipe 14 via the
first open end 24, and advances into the bottom collector 16. In
turn, the cooler water flows throughout the bottom collector 16 and
enters the volume of water located in-between the heating pipes 12
and the water storing pipes 14, wherein the cooler water is heated
in the foregoing manner. Generally, so long as sunlight is present,
solar radiation will generate a temperature differential between
the two bodies of water, i.e., the volume of water in-between the
heating pipes and water storing pipes, and that within the water
storing pipes. As such, water will continue to circulate in
accordance with the aforementioned process.
[0024] By encasing the plurality of elongated water storing pipes
14 within the plurality of elongated heating pipes 12, the former
set of pipes 14 functions as a water storing tank, and the latter
functions as a solar receiver. Accordingly, integrating the two
sets of pipes eliminates the need for providing a separate
component for storing water. Such integration not only decreases
overall surface area and thereby the costs generated by additional
components, but moreover, significantly reduces energy losses and
other common drawbacks associated with solar water heaters known in
the art.
[0025] The present invention additionally contemplates a nearly
identical solar heating and water storing device, as shown in FIGS.
3 and 4. In this embodiment, however, the solar receiver component
has been modified by the elimination of the plurality of elongated
heating pipes 12, and substituted with a metal sheet composite 38.
The metal sheets 38 can be bent, pressed, stamped, or otherwise
fabricated to provide a rippled configuration. The rippled
configuration includes peaks having a top surface 44 and a bottom
surface 46. When viewed in cross-section, the top and bottom
surfaces 44, 46 include alternating peak and valley portions. As
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, depending on the fabrication method,
these peak and valley portions can be squared, curved, or otherwise
shaped. A flat metal sheet 36 having an external heat-attracting
surface is optionally mounted over each of the top and bottom
surfaces 44, 46 as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the combination of
the flat metal sheet 36 with the foregoing surfaces 44, 46 defines
a series of corrugated grooves 50 wherein the plurality of water
storing pipes 14 are encased therein alternating along the bottom
surface 46 and the metal sheet 38 in mounted connection with the
bottom surface 46. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, two metal
sheets 38 can be combined with the top surface 44 of one metal
sheet 38 in contact with the bottom surface 46 of a second metal
sheet 38, thereby forming the corrugated grooves 50. In operation,
the corrugated grooves 50 act as fluid passageways wherein incoming
water is heated in the same manner as outlined above.
[0026] The aforementioned metal sheets can be welded, glued,
brazed, soldered, or otherwise joined together and mounted within
the housing. One advantage provided by this embodiment is the
reduction of the high costs associated with manufacturing a
plurality of metallic pipes. This is especially true when the
plurality of elongated water storing pipes is formed out of
plastic-like material, since the composition of metal sheets
entirely eliminates the need for utilizing metallic heating pipes.
Hence, the foregoing embodiment provides a simpler and more cost
efficient means for producing a solar water heating and storage
device in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bottom
collector 16 comprises an electrical heating element for
maintaining heat during prolonged lapses of sunshine. If desired,
the electrical heating element can include standard safety
interlocks disposed in either the bottom collector 16 or the upper
collector 18. For example, the electrical heating element can
include a thermostat for regulating water temperature.
Additionally, the electrical heating element can include a pressure
regulator for maintaining water pressure within a maximum allowable
level.
[0028] In order to provide instant hot water, the electrical
heating element can be installed within the upper collector 18.
With regard to this embodiment, the electrical heating element is
preferably equipped with a flow switch sensitive to water flow. The
flow switch can be installed in either the fluid inlet 26 or the
fluid outlet 28. Analogous to the thermostat and pressure
regulator, the flow switch also functions as a safety interlock.
For example, when hot water is drawn out, the flowing hot water
actuates the switch so that the electrical heating element receives
electrical power and heats the water exiting the upper collector
18. Furthermore, when the hot water circuit is closed, the flow
switch automatically turns off the electrical power.
[0029] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner,
and it is to be understood the terminology used is intended to be
in the nature of description rather than of limitation.
[0030] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For
instance, while the present invention is more particularly directed
to a solar water and heating device, the foregoing disclosure is
also applicable to a heat exchanger. It is, therefore, to be
understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the
invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described.
* * * * *