U.S. patent application number 14/550592 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-26 for solar heating system for swimming pools.
The applicant listed for this patent is Steve Gornik. Invention is credited to Steve Gornik.
Application Number | 20160146508 14/550592 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56009850 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160146508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gornik; Steve |
May 26, 2016 |
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM FOR SWIMMING POOLS
Abstract
A solar heating system implemented inside a concrete slab around
a swimming pool, wherein said system absorbs solar thermal energy
and heats the water of the swimming pool, wherein said system
comprising of a plurality of areas around the swimming pool; a
plurality of solar thermal collector being embedded inside said
areas; a plurality of height adjustment means to keep said solar
thermal collector in a specific height; a separator means to
separate said solar thermal collector from the ground and acts as a
holder of said solar thermal collectors; an insulation sheet being
placed under said separator means; a plurality of trenches being
designed between said areas to use as a space to connect said solar
thermal collector; concrete being poured into said area to cover
said solar thermal collectors; and a pump being used to circulate
the water of said swimming pool to a plurality of filters and said
solar thermal collectors.
Inventors: |
Gornik; Steve; (Uxbridge,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gornik; Steve |
Uxbridge |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
56009850 |
Appl. No.: |
14/550592 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/561 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/141 20130101;
F24S 20/64 20180501; F24S 20/02 20180501; F24S 10/72 20180501; E04H
4/129 20130101; Y02B 10/20 20130101; Y02E 10/44 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/42 20060101
F24J002/42; E04H 4/12 20060101 E04H004/12 |
Claims
1. A solar heating system implemented inside a concrete slab around
a swimming pool, wherein said system absorbs solar thermal energy
and heats the water of the swimming pool, wherein said system
comprising: a. a plurality of areas around the swimming pool; b. a
plurality of solar thermal collector being embedded inside said
areas; c. a plurality of height adjustment means to keep said solar
thermal collector in a specific height; d. a separator means to
separate said solar thermal collector from the ground and acts as a
holder of said solar thermal collectors; e. an insulation sheet
being placed under said separator means; f. a plurality of trenches
being designed between said areas to use as a space to connect said
solar thermal collector; g. a concrete being poured into said area
to cover said solar thermal collectors; and h. a pump being used to
circulate the water of said swimming pool to a plurality of filters
and said solar thermal collectors.
2. The solar heating system implemented inside a concrete slab
around a swimming pool of claim 1, wherein said area having
different geometrical shape.
3. The solar heating system implemented inside a concrete slab
around a swimming pool of claim 1, wherein said solar thermal
collector being selected from the groups consisting of a plastic
pipe, and a metallic pipe.
4. The solar heating system implemented inside a concrete slab
around a swimming pool of claim 1, wherein said height adjustment
means being a plurality of wire mesh being connected to said area
in a specific height.
5. The solar heating system implemented inside a concrete slab
around a swimming pool of claim 1, wherein said separator means
being a plurality of wire mesh being connected to said area.
6. The solar heating system implemented inside a concrete slab
around a swimming pool of claim 1, wherein said concrete being
having a dark colour pigment to absorb more sun energy.
7. The solar heating system implemented inside a concrete slab
around a swimming pool of claim 1, wherein the depth of solar
thermal collector embedded inside said area being one to two
inches.
8. The solar heating system implemented inside a concrete slab
around a swimming pool of claim 1, wherein said system further
having a temperature sensor to measure the slab temperature.
9. The solar heating system implemented inside a concrete slab
around a swimming pool of claim 1, wherein said solar thermal
collectors being embedded inside said area in serpentine
configuration.
10. The solar heating system implemented inside a concrete slab
around a swimming pool of claim 1, wherein said solar thermal
collectors being pipe made from cross-linked polyethylene under
trademark name Wirsbo hePEX.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to solar heating
systems and particularly to a solar heating system implemented
within concrete decking around swimming pools which acts to heat
the pool water while simultaneously cooling the deck.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The global increase in energy consumption, limited reserves
of fossil fuels, and environmental pollutions associated with them
are the drivers for a drastic change from our fuel-based energy
towards alternative and renewable sources such as solar, wind, and
biomass. Solar energy in the form of heat is the most abundant
renewable energy form. Although it is not yet clear what portion of
our energy will eventually be supplied by solar power, it is well
known that its potential can far exceed the total energy demand of
the globe. This potential together with the need for green energy
sources has provided a unique opportunity for solar energy to grow
at a rate that is not imaginable for many other industries. Despite
the high potential and well established technology, solar energy is
not a main contributor to today's energy basket.
[0003] Implementation of solar energy in residential and commercial
buildings is a major challenge for builders and designers.
Designers struggle to provide the benefits of solar technology
without disturbing the visual appeal of the project. For many
consumers, the appearance and extra space occupied by solar
equipment outweighs the benefits of using a green energy source.
There is a need to incorporate solar energy equipment within
building materials to maintain the desired and expected appearances
to maximize the amount of green energy being used by the
consumer.
[0004] Incorporating solar technology into the building materials
surrounding a pool offers an attractive and environmentally
friendly solution to heating swimming pool water with the added
benefit of increasing comfort and safety of the user by cooling the
concrete decking that surrounds the pool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This is a cheap and effective way to heat the water of a
swimming pool while reducing potential carbon footprint.
[0006] Another objective of the present invention is to cool the
concrete decking around a swimming pool. Doing this will increase
the comfort standing around a swimming pool in bare feet and
prevent the possibility of burns due to the hot concrete.
[0007] One of the embodiments of the present invention is to heat
the water of the swimming pool with solar energy without installing
a solar collector on a roof or around the swimming pool. Solar
thermal collectors of the present invention are embedded inside the
concrete in a pre-casting design for the concrete slabs around the
swimming pool.
[0008] The concrete slabs around the swimming pool have solar
thermal collectors embedded within which receive radiant energy
from the sun and transfer the heat to the water flowing inside
hoses embodied in the concrete panel which then raises the
temperature of the water passed through the collector and cools the
surface of the concrete slabs.
[0009] By increasing the collection area, the amount of heat
transferred to the water and the efficiency of the heat collection
are increased. The concrete slabs act as radiant energy absorbers
for the collectors embedded within.
[0010] By building the thermal collectors into the concrete slabs
around the pool the system is protected from mechanical damage and
tampering.
[0011] The material of the hose used as the heat collector needs to
be strong enough to withstand any forces incurred upon it during
installation such as the weight of the concrete while it is being
poured.
[0012] The heating effect of radiant energy from the sun is
greatest near the surface of the concrete which is why it also the
desired area of surface cooling. The thermal collector (a specific
water pipe) needs to be installed close to the surface of the
absorber (concrete slabs) to maximize the heating capabilities of
the system by exposing the collectors to the hottest part of the
concrete slabs which has the added effect of allowing the most heat
to be pulled from surface of the deck. During installation the
collector needs to be set at a predetermined height throughout
using a support system to achieve the desired results. Wire mesh is
used to evenly support the collector piping.
[0013] The water of the swimming pool flows through the pool pump
and the filter as a normal pool, and then is controlled by valves
to regulate the amount of water to be heated. The water to be
heated flows through piping embedded in the concrete slab around
the pool. As it flows through the slab, it pulls the heat away from
the concrete before returning to the pool.
[0014] Just like any swimming pool, the water is taken in from a
pool with a pump then pushed through a filter. After the filter, a
3 way valve is used to divert some of the water. Depending on the
size of the area being installed and the existing landscape, it may
be required to break up the area into zones. Doing this will help
maximize the output by being able to turn off or reduce flow in a
section that has no sun at the time with valves. Zones are done by
installing a header after the 3 way valve and teeing off to each
area. This is needed to help balance the flow. It is also the best
place to install valves to shut off a zone because of a lack of sun
in that area or even repairs. Each zone is then broken up again by
teeing off to separate pads of concrete. This is done by installing
another header to give an even flow to each pad to help maximize
output while making the surface a more consistent temperature.
After that the water flows back to the main pipe that directs the
water back to the pool to complete the system.
[0015] This is a cheap and effective way to heat the water of a
swimming pool while reducing potential carbon footprint.
[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to cool the
concrete decking around a swimming pool. Doing this will increase
the comfort standing around a swimming pool in bare feet and
prevent the possibility of burns due to the hot concrete.
[0017] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide
a solar heating collector few inches under the ground to get more
sun irradiant energy. For doing that, a wire mesh is used to keep
the solar heating collector in a specific height.
[0018] A solar heating system implemented inside a concrete block
around a swimming pool, wherein said system absorbs solar thermal
energy and heat the water of the swimming pool, wherein said system
comprising of a plurality of areas around the swimming pool; a
plurality of solar thermal collector being embedded inside said
areas; a plurality of height adjustment means to keep said solar
thermal collector in a specific height; a separator means to
separate said solar thermal collector from the ground and acts as a
holder of said solar thermal collectors; an insulation sheet being
placed under said separator means; a plurality of trenches being
designed between said areas to use as a space to connect said solar
thermal collector; a concrete being poured into said area to cover
said solar thermal collectors; and a pump being used to circulate
the water of said swimming pool to a plurality of filters and said
solar thermal collectors.
[0019] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will be readily appreciated from the following
description. The description makes reference to the accompanying
drawings, which are provided for illustration of the preferred
embodiment. However, such embodiments do not represent the full
scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Embodiments herein will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and
not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations
denote like elements, and in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a concrete slab which solar thermal collectors
are embedded inside;
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a swimming pool and a plurality of concrete
slabs with solar thermal collectors embedded inside the slabs;
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a swimming pool and a plurality of concrete
slabs with solar thermal collectors; and
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram for the flow of the water
inside the solar thermal collectors and some components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, a concrete slab 10 has a plurality of
solar thermal collectors 21 embedded inside the slab 10 to absorb
the radiant energy from the sun and transfer the heat to the water
flowing inside the solar thermal collector to raise the temperature
of the water passed through the collectors 21.
[0026] By having a plurality of the concrete slabs 10-19 as shown
in FIG. 2, the water inside the swimming pool 30 will pass through
the concrete slabs 10-19 and the temperature of the water increases
by flowing in solar thermal collectors 21.
[0027] Again as shown in FIG. 2, based on the shape and size of the
swimming pool 30, the configuration of the solar thermal collectors
10-19 can vary. The shape of the solar thermal collectors 11-19 can
be any geometric shape 61 made to fit around the swimming pool 30
to absorb the sun radiant energy for increasing the water
temperature.
[0028] The solar thermal collectors 11-19 are connected to each
other in a parallel circuit. There is a possibility to connect all
solar thermal collectors 11-19 together or a portion of them based
on the capacity of the swimming pool and the equipment needed to
run the water inside the solar thermal collector from the swimming
pool 30 to the collectors) 1-19 and again into the swimming pool
30.
[0029] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide
the solar thermal energy without adding more equipment for the
swimming pool. The traditional equipment for the swimming pool such
as pump, filter are used for the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows around area side of a swimming pool 30 which is
prepared for the concrete pouring. As shown in FIG. 3, the area
around the swimming pool 30 is divided into smaller areas 10-19
that contain embedded solar thermal collectors 21 inside each small
area 10-19.
[0031] The solar heating system is implemented inside a concrete
slab around a swimming pool wherein a solar thermal collector being
selected from the groups consisting of a plastic pipe, and/or a
metallic pipe.
[0032] A plastic 1/2'' pipe that conventionally used for radiant
floor heating is placed onto a steel mesh is installed to help
strengthen concrete and evenly support the pipe. The pipe is looped
back and forth at 6'' centers with the ends left long to be dealt
with later.
[0033] The solar heating system is implemented inside a concrete
slab around a swimming pool wherein a height adjustment means and a
separator means being a plurality of wire mesh being connected to
the area around the swimming pool in a specific height.
[0034] Again as shown in FIG. 3, the area around the pool was
formed into small sections each section preferably being around
4'.times.8' to place the wire mesh 41 with the pipe 21 on it.
Between each section a trench 51-52 for the pipes 21 to run is
left. When finished the trench 51-52 will be covered with
interlocking stone or other means to add to the look. This trench
51-52 will also allow the concrete pads to move with the frost in
winter. The loose end 53 of the pipes 21 should be tied in later. A
lip is formed with each section of concrete to support the
interlocking stone. This is very important in order to allow the
pipes to run in an air space and not in the ground. If the pipes
were to be run in the ground they would lose the heat they pulled
from the concrete.
[0035] After the area is formed, the wire mesh 41 with the pipes 21
in each space is placed and raised them up so the pipes 21 are
between 1/2'' and 1 1/2'' below the surface of the concrete. An
insulating Styrofoam or a sheet of plastic can be installed under
areas to help prevent heat loss to the ground. The insulation does
help but is unnecessary for most areas. Concrete can be poured and
cares taken to not damage the piping or knock it off the supports.
The darker the concrete the hotter it gets and the hotter the pool
will get, but it can also get too hot.
[0036] When the concrete is set, the forms can be removed and the
separate pads can be hooked up. This is done by running a 3/4''
pipe from the main header and teeing off to one side of the loop
(in the concrete) (1-3/4'' line feeding 6-10 sections to make 1
zone). After the 8.sup.th section the end is plugged, to act like
another header to give an even flow between sections. Another 3/4''
pipe is then installed in the same manor for the return pipe. The
returns are then plumed into the return to the pool.
[0037] The solar thermal collector embedded inside the concrete
preferably has a serpentine configuration to increase the area of
the solar thermal collectors inside the concrete slab and increase
the time that the water passes through the collectors.
[0038] The present invention uses a specific pipe that has been
used in concrete for over twenty years without problems. It can
also handle the high amounts of chlorine in swimming pools.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram for the flow of the water
inside the solar thermal collectors and some components. The water
of a swimming pool 30 is pumped with a pool pump 71 and regulated
to a pool filter 72 and then by using a 3 way valve, some of the
water navigates to the solar thermal collector 74-75 which are
embedded inside the concrete. The hot water then comes back into
the swimming pool 30.
[0040] One of the embodiments of the present invention is to have a
temperature sensor to measure the slab temperature If the
temperature is more than a set value the sensor automatically
navigates the hot water through the system.
[0041] The pipe acts as solar thermal collector preferably made
from Cross-linked polyethylene which is available in the market
under trademark name Wirsbo hePEX.TM..
[0042] Other embodiments of the present invention is to have the
solar heating system implementing inside a concrete slab around a
swimming pool wherein the concrete has a dark colour pigment to
absorb more sun energy. The color pigments being selected from the
groups of dark range colours to absorb the sun radiant energy with
higher efficiency.
[0043] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and
operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
[0044] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized
that the optimum relationships for the parts of the invention in
regard to size, shape, form, materials, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious
to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to
those illustrated in the drawings and described in the
specification are intended to be encompassed by the present
invention.
* * * * *