U.S. patent application number 13/677906 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-13 for solar water heating system.
This patent application is currently assigned to HOLOCENE, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Holocene, LLC. Invention is credited to Benjamin T. Gravely.
Application Number | 20130146047 13/677906 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48570843 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130146047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gravely; Benjamin T. |
June 13, 2013 |
SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM
Abstract
One or more hot water solar systems or solar collection
assemblies are disclosed herein. The solar collection assemblies
may include an insulating support assembly for supporting a tank
above a nearby ground surface. An immersion vent having improved
characteristics may be provided. A BTU meter positioned within an
equipment cavity and having improved characteristics may be
provided. Insulated tank supports having improved characteristics
may be provided. A heat exchanger to panel sizing ratio for
improved performance may be provided.
Inventors: |
Gravely; Benjamin T.;
(Raleigh, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Holocene, LLC; |
Raleigh |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HOLOCENE, LLC
Raleigh
NC
|
Family ID: |
48570843 |
Appl. No.: |
13/677906 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61570119 |
Dec 13, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/640 ;
126/646 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 10/40 20130101;
F24S 60/30 20180501; F24S 10/00 20180501; Y02E 10/44 20130101; Y02B
10/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/640 ;
126/646 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/34 20060101
F24J002/34; F24J 2/04 20060101 F24J002/04 |
Claims
1. A solar collection assembly comprising: an array configured for
receiving energy from sunlight and passing a fluid therethrough to
heat the fluid; a tank assembly in fluid communication with the
array and configured for storing heated fluids; and an insulated
support assembly that carries the tank assembly spaced-apart from a
surrounding surface.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the support assembly comprises
a skid that runs about the length of the tank assembly and the skid
is made from an insulating material.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the support assembly comprises
supports that define a joint about a medial portion, the joint
defining a gap that receives a block of insulating material.
4. The assembly of claim 1, further including an immersion vent
defined in a storage tank of the tank assembly and extending from a
sidewall thereof at an angle into a top portion of the tank.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the tank assembly includes a
tank that is receivably enclosed within an insulated casing, the
tank having a length shorter than the casing to thereby define an
insulated cavity therein.
6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein a line extends from the tank
through the insulated cavity outward of the tank assembly for
supplying liquid to the array.
7. The assembly of claim 6, further including a pump positioned
outward of the tank assembly and in communication with the line for
pumping liquids to the array.
8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein one or more heat generating
components are positioned within the insulated cavity.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the one or more heat generating
components are one of a heat exchange, pump, and flow sensor.
10. A tank assembly for use with a solar collection assembly, the
tank assembly comprising: a casing defining an inner insulating
layer and an insulated cavity therein; a tank that is received
within the insulated cavity; and an insulated support assembly that
carries the tank assembly spaced-apart from a surrounding
surface.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the support assembly
comprises a skid that runs about the length of the tank assembly
and the skid is made from an insulating material.
12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the support assembly
comprises supports that define a joint about a medial portion, the
joint defining a gap that receives a block of insulating
material.
13. The assembly of claim 10, further including an immersion vent
defined in a storage tank of the tank assembly and extending from a
sidewall thereof at an angle into a top portion of the tank.
14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein a line extends from the tank
through the insulated cavity outward of the tank assembly for
supplying liquid to an array.
15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein one or more heat generating
components are positioned within the insulated cavity.
16. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the one or more heat
generating components are one of a heat exchange, pump, and flow
sensor.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/570,119 entitled "SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM"
that was filed on Dec. 13, 2011, the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional equipment for commercial water heating consists
of many separate components assembled on site into a system. The
components typically include a boiler or water heater, with an
insulated tank to preserve the heat stored therein. Alternatively,
the boiler and hot water storage tank may be separate units. Other
components for generating, controlling, and distributing the heated
water include pumps, valves, site gauges, temperature sensors, flow
sensors, heat exchangers and others which are usually not
insulated, or only partially insulated, causing a significant loss
of heat from the system. It has been customary to oversize the
boiler or water heater capacity to compensate for these losses.
[0003] In addition, conventional hot water storage tanks typically
have uninsulated ports and mounting bases, and various uninsulated
fittings and gauges. The heat loss and inefficiency are great which
means a large amount of energy is wasted. Most equipment rooms are
very hot due to the excessive heat lost from hot water system
components.
[0004] Solar power has also provided energy to heat water. This
energy source may involve complex systems to efficiently harness
and store energy from the sun. Specifically, solar power requires
an array of solar collectors to capture the rays of the sun and
heat water. A fluid such as water may be used to transport the
solar energy from the collector to a storage tank. The solar heated
fluid may be used directly as hot water, or used to heat portable
water through a heat exchanger. Whatever the manner of creating
solar hot water, a key consideration in any system is the
transport, storage, and control of heated liquids.
[0005] Solar water heating systems convert sunlight into thermal
energy to heat water. Excessive heat may be wasted by the system
through uninsulated or poorly insulated components. Likewise, there
are different solar system designs that have different levels of
wasteful components. Systems using antifreeze and pressurized
storage tanks are an example of a wasteful system. These systems
require pressure relief valves, heat exchangers between the
collectors and tank, check valves, expansion tanks, air vents, heat
dumps, and other components that are usually field installed and
may be uninsulated or only partially insulated.
[0006] Several controls in a variety of materials and
configurations are required to run the system. Their purpose is not
to decrease the heat loss, and may actually contribute to wasted
energy. Hot fluids going through the components from the collectors
to the storage tank to the load will lose heat to the surroundings
when these components are not insulated and are exposed to the
ambient air. These components may be a significant source of heat
loss. Some of the components cannot be insulated, such as some air
cooled motors, however, other components may not be insulated
because it is difficult or inconvenient to do so.
[0007] Vents are also used to maintain atmospheric pressure
equilibrium in non-pressurized systems, but these vents are
designed in a manner which results in heat loss as well as
evaporation of the liquid.
[0008] In one drainback solar system design, the heat lost from the
components above is almost completely eliminated, resulting in the
highest thermal efficiency possible. This application describes
designs and methods for integrating all the components of a
drainback solar system into one integrated, factory assembled
package that contains the storage tank and heat losing and heat
generating components inside one insulating shell. This system also
minimizes the heat wasted through typical tank mounting
systems.
[0009] Thus, there has not been an effective device or system for
efficiently transferring and storing heated liquids. Accordingly,
it is desirable to provide a device for the effective storage of
heated liquids coupled with insulated components that can store and
transfer heated liquids without the loss of heat or liquid volume
due to static evaporation losses while addressing the limitations
of the conventional devices.
SUMMARY
[0010] The Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts
in a simplified form that are further described in the Detailed
Description of Illustrative Embodiments. This Summary is not
intended to identify key features or essential features of the
claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the
scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0011] Disclosed herein is a solar hot water system. The system
includes a collector system for receiving thermal energy from the
sun and a fluid handling system in communication therewith and
including a storage tank and a heat exchanger configured for
converting thermal energy from the collector system into heating
energy for heating a water source.
[0012] According to one or more embodiments, the insulation on the
storage tank is extended to form a cavity into which operating
components can be placed, thereby eliminating or minimizing their
heat loss, or effectively capturing their heat gain.
[0013] According to one or more embodiments, an immersion vent is
defined in the storage tank and extending from a sidewall thereof
at an angle into a top portion of the tank.
[0014] According to one or more embodiments, the system may include
heat losing components such as heat exchangers, site glasses,
valves, thermal wells, piping, and other components positioned
within the insulated cavity defined in the tank.
[0015] According to one or more embodiments, the system may include
heat generating components such as pumps, BTU meters, and other
electrical and heat producing devices positioned within the
insulated cavity defined in the tank.
[0016] According to one or more embodiments, the system includes
one or more supports for supporting the tank on a ground surface,
the supports having insulative properties for insulating the tank
from the ground surface. Some jurisdictions do not allow materials
that are not fireproof, such as wood, unless specially treated with
a fire retardant. Non conducting structural materials such as
polymers may be used in lieu of wood. However, metal skids welded
directly to the tank cause severe heat loss from the tank.
[0017] According to one or more embodiments, a solar collection
assembly is provided. The assembly includes an array configured for
receiving energy from sunlight and passing a fluid therethrough to
heat the fluid, a tank assembly in fluid communication with the
array and configured for storing heated fluids, and an insulated
support that carries the tank assembly spaced-apart from a
surrounding surface.
[0018] According to one or more embodiments, the support includes a
skid that runs about the length of the tank assembly and the skid
is made from an insulating material.
[0019] According to one or more embodiments, the support includes
supports that define a joint about a medial portion, the joint
defining a gap that receives a block of insulating material.
[0020] According to one or more embodiments, the solar collection
assembly includes an immersion vent defined in a storage tank of
the tank assembly and extending from a sidewall thereof at an angle
into a top portion of the tank.
[0021] According to one or more embodiments, the tank assembly
includes a tank that is receivably enclosed within an insulated
casing, the tank having a length shorter than the casing to thereby
define an insulated cavity therein.
[0022] According to one or more embodiments, a line extends from
the tank through the insulated cavity outward of the tank assembly
for supplying liquid to the array.
[0023] According to one or more embodiments, the solar collection
assembly further includes a pump positioned outward of the tank
assembly and in communication with the line for pumping liquids to
the array.
[0024] According to one or more embodiments, one or more heat
generating components are positioned within the insulated
cavity.
[0025] According to one or more embodiments, the one or more heat
generating components are one of a heat exchange, pump, and flow
sensor.
[0026] According to one or more embodiments, a tank assembly for
use with a solar collection assembly is provided. The tank assembly
includes a casing defining an inner insulating layer and an
insulated cavity therein, a tank that is received within the
insulated cavity, and an insulated support that carries the tank
assembly spaced-apart from a surrounding surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed
Description of various embodiments, is better understood when read
in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of
illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments;
however, the presently disclosed invention is not limited to the
specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. In the
drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a single pass
drainback system according to one or more embodiments disclosed
herein;
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a storage tank with an insulated cavity
according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates the storage tank of FIG. 2 with an
insulated cavity and immersion vent according to one or more
embodiments disclosed herein;
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates the storage tank of FIG. 3 with
non-conducting tank supports according to one or more embodiments
disclosed herein;
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates the storage tank of FIG. 4 with heat
losing and heat producing components inside the insulated cavity
according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a drawing of a fluid handling system showing the
embodiments of the previous drawings and showing the placement of
pumps outside the cavity;
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical tank
with conducting support skids and having a thermal break between
the skid and tank according to one or more embodiments disclosed
herein;
[0035] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show a detailed view of the thermal
break components of FIG. 7;
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a rectangular tank with non-conducting
skids according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates a rectangular tank with conducting skids
with a thermal break between the skid and tank according to one or
more embodiments disclosed herein; and
[0038] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate one or more methods for
fastening conducting skids through a thermal break to a rectangular
tank according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] This disclosure is described with specificity to meet
statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not
intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor
has contemplated that the claimed inventions might also be embodied
in other ways, to include different steps or elements similar to
the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other
present or future technologies.
[0040] Disclosed herein are one or more storage tanks and
associated control components for transfer and storage of heated
liquids.
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a single pass
drainback solar system 100. When operational, fluid travels up the
supply line 302 via a collector pump 324 and passes through a solar
collector assembly 200 where the fluid becomes heated by the energy
of the sun. The collector assembly 200 may include an array of
solar panels, as illustrated. The collector assembly 200 is in
communication with a tank assembly 300. The heated fluid travels
down the return line 304 where it is stored in the non-pressurized
solar storage tank 306. When the system is not operational, the
fluid flows via gravity down the supply line 302 and the return
line 304 into the storage tank 306, where the fluid resides until
the system is activated again. Various valves and/or switches may
also be provided with the system and designated 323.
[0042] Simultaneously, domestic cold water (DCW) 1 may be
circulated through the heat exchanger 318 which resides submerged
within the storage tank 306. DCW 1 is warmed as it passes through
the heat exchanger 318 by the heated fluid within the storage tank
306. The warmed DCW 1 flows from the heat exchanger 318 to a
domestic hot water heater (DHW heater) 500 where it may be boosted
to the final output temperature as needed, and made available for
use. A flow sensor 322 monitors the flow of water through the heat
exchanger 318 to the DHW heater 500 to provide information to the
owner about the amount of energy delivered by the solar system.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded side view of tank assembly
300. Tank assembly 300 includes tank 306. Tank 306 may be made of
any appropriate material, such as metal, plastic, or composite, and
may take on a cylindrical shape as illustrated, or any other
desired shape. An insulation layer 310, also referred herein as an
insulated casing, extends around the periphery of tank 306. The
insulation may be foam or mineral wool or fiberglass as is common
in the industry for hot water storage. A sheet metal covering or
jacket may be provided over the insulation for protection.
Additionally, the insulation layer 310 extends beyond the tank 306,
meaning the insulation layer 310 is longer than the tank 306. An
insulated door or covering 312 is provided about an end of the tank
306 and enclosed the tank 306 to define an insulated cavity 311
between an end of the tank 306 and the door or covering 312. In
this manner, the insulated cavity 311 is insulated on all sides by
the insulation layer 310, door or covering 312, and tank 306. In
normal operation, the water level 314 in the tank is below the top,
creating an air gap 317 between the water surface and the top of
the tank.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates the system of FIG. 2 with the addition of
an immersion vent 315 that extends from the air gap 317 in the tank
306 downward through the tank face and out of the insulated cavity
311 to the outside to the ambient. When the system 100 is not in
operation, such as at night, or when temperature considerations are
satisfied, the air inside the vent pipe 315 has the same
temperature gradient as the water in the tank 306, thus tending to
rise in the pipe. This action prevents transmission of air and
moisture downward through the pipe 315 causing loss of moisture
from the tank 306 by evaporation. When the system 100 is operating
and the water in the tank 306 is being circulated to the
collectors, thus lowering the fluid level, and when the temperature
of the water and air is increasing, the vent 315 allows the volume
increase in the air to be vented to the atmosphere. The vent 315
also allows the escape of any steam that may be generated in the
collectors 200.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tank assembly 300 may further
include an insulative support system 316 that does not conduct the
tank heat to the surrounding floor. FIG. 5 illustrates the system
of FIG. 4 with the installation inside the insulated cavity 311 of
various heat losing components, including valves 319, piping, site
glass 320, temperature sensor wells, and heat exchanger 321 that
are not usually insulated in common systems. In use, door or cover
312 would not be spaced-apart from the insulation layer 310 and
would seal the tank 306 within the insulation layer 310, thereby
enclosing the various heat losing components within the tank
insulated cavity 311. In this manner, the one or more embodiments
of FIG. 5 show installation inside the insulated cavity 311 of heat
generating components, such as pumps 324 and other electrical or
otherwise heat generating components such as a flow sensor 325.
This arrangement allows for the recapture of heat from the heat
generating components within the tank assembly 300 to thereby
provide heat to the tank 306 to heat the fluids contained
therein.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a tank assembly 300 where
collector pumps 324 cannot be used inside the tank cavity 311 due
to temperature limitations and are mounted outside the cavity 311,
but on fittings 326 that originate inside the cavity. In this
embodiment, the collector pumps 324 are unable to safely function
within the heated environment in the insulated cavity 311 and are
installed outwardly of the tank 306, yet within the insulated
cavity.
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical tank
with a mounting bracket 8 and conducting skid 328 with an
insulative layer 350 introduced in a support leg 330 to prevent
thermal conduction from the tank 306 to the skid 328. The
insulating layer 350 can be any material known to have high
compressive strength and low thermal conductivity, including
refractory boards and various fiber impregnated plastics. Fastening
the conductive skid to the conductive tank without causing thermal
short circuits may be done by having opposing bolts whose heads are
countersunk into the insulative material 350 to a depth that
prevents contact with the metal part adjacent to the bolt head.
While a skid assembly is illustrated, any support system may be
used with the one or more embodiments illustrated herein.
[0048] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show a detailed close up of the
insulative structure of FIG. 7. The insulating block 350 has
countersunk holes to fit fasteners pointing in opposite directions.
FIG. 8B shows the bolt arrangement. The upper bolt 354 would be
installed first to the tank mounting bracket 8, then the skid with
mounting post 355 would be positioned and the lower bolts 353
installed. The nuts for bolts 353 would be pressed into the
respective countersunk holes 351 which could be a tight fit to hold
the nuts in place. The countersunk holes prevent any bolt from
contacting the lower plate and the tank mounting bracket at the
same time. FIG. 8C is a side view center cross section of FIG. 8B,
illustrating the tank and mounting bracket relationship. The one or
more embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are intended
to be illustrative only, as many different mounting and fastening
methods would accomplish the same function of thermally insulating
the skid from the tank.
[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates a tank assembly 400 that may include a
rectangular tank 406 with non-conducting skids 432 according to one
or more embodiments disclosed herein. The tank 406 shares many
features with cylindrical tank 306 as also described herein. The
non-conducting skids 432 may be any appropriately configured
not-conducting, or insulating material. The tank assembly 400 may
include an insulating layer 410 that, in conjunction with door or
covering 412, defines an insulated cavity 411.
[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates that conducting skids 433 may be used in
conjunction with an insulating layer 450 known to have high
compressive strength and low thermal conductivity, such as
refractory boards, various fiber impregnated plastics, and others
that may be used between the tank surface and the skid surface. The
insulating layer 450 may be interposed between the bottom of the
tank and the skid and may be fastened in a manner that does not
thermally connect the tank with the skid.
[0051] FIG. 11A illustrates the insulating layer having
counter-sunk holes 436 in the insulator 450 to allow opposing bolts
to be inserted without the heads touching metal. The insulator 450
is bolted to the skid 433, which is then bolted to the threaded nut
plate 438 welded on the tank. Bolt access holes 455 on the top of
the skid allow the bolts to be inserted through the skid without
contacting the skid metal. FIG. 11B illustrates various skid
structures, including skids made of angle metal 460, and pipe and
angle 461. In any case, the insulation prevents the transfer of
heat from the tank to the support.
[0052] As used herein, support may be any of a skid, mount, base
plate, upright, or the like. Any structure capable of positioning
and support of the one or more tanks and systems described herein
may be provided.
[0053] While the embodiments have been described in connection with
one or more embodiments of the various figures, it is to be
understood that other similar embodiments may be used or
modifications and additions may be made to the one or more
embodiments for performing the same function without deviation
therefrom. Therefore, the one or more embodiments disclosed herein
should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather
construed in breath and scope in accordance with the appended
claims.
* * * * *