US20150034072A1

US20150034072A1 - Flat solar water heater collector

Info

Publication number: US20150034072A1
Application number: US13/955,069
Authority: US
Inventors: Seyed Asadollah Shahidian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-07-31
Filing date: 2013-07-31
Publication date: 2015-02-05

Abstract

Two sheets of polymer are sealed (S) and produce some dams (Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . ) behind which water is trapped. These dams (Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . ) trap some water around 3-5 liter water per 1 square meter of collector. Water remains behind these dams (Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . ) till its temperature raises. Hot water goes out and cold water is replaced. The temperature of water is controlled by a thermostat (W) which its sensor (T) is located under the collector (FIG. 2) exactly under the dams { Ch (n−1) } where the water is trapped.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hot water production is very important to us-specially in winter. One of the main applications of fossil fuel has been production of hot water. The population of the world and the consumption of fossil fuel are rising—hence more environment pollution. So we must use green energy instead of fossil fuel. We use a lot of energy for chillers in houses and offices in summer, but in these hot days we consume fossil fuel to heat water for baths and pools!
Solar water heaters are made in different ways. At least 200 inventions can be found in The United States. Solar water heater collectors come in different varieties: Flat collectors, Concentrating collectors and vacuum tube collectors.
Flat collectors are divided into two groups: flat collectors with pipes, and flat collectors without pipes. Flat collectors with pipes have sinus or spiral metal pipes in contact with black metal sheets. All metal pipes and black metal sheets are placed in an insulating panel. A glass covers the panel. A carrier (antifreeze fluid) transfers heat from panel to the water in an insulated tank. This kind of collector has less efficiency because the heat exchange area has reduced, but the price has increased.
Flat collectors without pipes have two metal sheets in between; which fluid passes. These metal sheets are placed in an insulating panel. A glass covers the panel. These kind of collectors are more efficient than collectors with pipes because the heat exchange area has increased and they are cheaper since the pipes have been eliminated.
There was a need for a better water heater; with corrosive properties and cheaper materials; to overcome the problems of the past water heaters.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Flat solar water heater collector of this invention is made of polymer sheets with 50-200 micron thickness (FIG. 2). Micron-thickness of polymers is good heat conductive. For example: A bag of polyethylene (using for food) full of water can stand 800° Celsius. As displayed in FIG. 3; a foil of aluminum F covers polymer P to protect it from destructive effect of sunshine especially ultraviolet. The foil F is covered by a black dye Y which converts solar energy to heat.
In FIG. 1; collector Q is in a panel. The panel is covered by glass G that lets sunshine pass through, however the glass does not let heat escape. Two sheets of polymer are sealed S in order to trap water behind the dams (Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . ).
A water inlet A is located higher than a water outlet U so the water moves down by gravity. But then it is trapped by the first dam Ch1. The first dam is overflowed by water then water moves down towards the second dam Ch2. All dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . are overflowed by water in sequences then the water moves out from the collector (FIG. 2) through water outlet U. These dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . trap some water (around 3-5 liters of water per 1 square meter of collector). Sunshine passes through the glass G and is converted by black cover Y to heat.
Aluminum foil F transfers heat to polymer and water. Trapped water behind the dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . gets warm and hot by heat conduction and convection. A sensor of thermostat T opens an electrical faucet R, and therefore Cold water goes into the collector (FIG. 2). When cold water is released behind the first dam Ch1, it pushes hot water upwards. This physical effect causes hot water to downfall into the next dam Ch2. This effect happens to all dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . . At last the hot water exits through water outlet U. When cold water reaches the sensor T, thermostat W closes the electrical faucet R and therefore cold water stays in the collector and becomes hot.
This kind of polymer collector is very cheap and light and it can be made in any size (FIGS. 2 and 4) and they can also be rolled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1; displays a flat polymer collector.

FIG. 2; displays a polymer collector up close with its many dams.

FIG. 3; displays polymer layers of a polymer collector; the sealing layers.

FIG. 4; displays a schematic view of the polymer collector.

LIST OF ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWINGS

- Aluminum Foil F
- Polymer cover P
- Black dye Y
- Collector Q
- Glass G
- Sealed sheets of Polymer S
- Dams Ch1, Ch2 , . . .
- Water Inlet A
- Water Outlet U
- Sensor for Thermostat T
- Thermostat W
- Heat Insulator K
- Electric Faucet R
- Frame V

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFICATION

Micron-thickness of polymers is good heat conductive. For example: A bag of polyethylene (using for food) full of water can stand 800° Celsius. So we can use them for solar water heater collector instead of metal sheets. Polymers with high melting point have longer lifetime than polymers with low melting point. Polyethylene is the cheapest polymer, but its lifetime is short. Polyethylene is the best for winter.
Silicone rubber is the best polymer for this kind of collector. All kind of polymer sheets can be used.
A foil of aluminum F, covers a polymer P, to protect it from destructive effect of sunshine especially ultraviolet. The foil F is covered by black dye Y which converts solar energy in to heat. Two sheets of polymer are sealed S. Sealing depends on the polymer: Thermal sealing, waterproof sealant, mechanical seal (pressure), etc.
When we use mechanical seal by a metal frame (not shown), we can use all kind of polymer sheets. Aluminum foil (not shown) and two sheets of polymer (not shown) and insulation material (not shown) are between two frames of metal (not shown) which produce pressure. The pressure points produce some dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . Mechanical seal is economic.
As displayed in FIG. 1; flat polymer collector Q is located in a panel. Back of the panel is closed by a metal sheet B and an aluminum frame V surrounds the panel. Heat insulation K is located back and around the collector Q.
A glass G is placed in front of the panel. A water inlet A is situated at higher level than a water outlet U. Sensor of thermostat T is between the collector Q and heat insulation K exactly where the water is trapped by dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . .
The collector Q is supplied by a ⅙ inch polymer pipe E which connect to an electrical faucet R. The thermostat W opens or closes the electrical faucet R.
FIG. 2, displays a 180 cm*90 cm polymer collector. Water inlet A is situated at higher level than water outlet U ,so when water downfalls by gravity, water is trapped by dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . . About 3-5 liter of water per 1 square meter of collector is trapped. Sensor of thermostat T will be located under collector exactly under the dam Ch (n−1) where the water is trapped.
FIG. 3, displays a section of the polymer collector Q. The collector is made of two layers of polymer P, with 50-200 micron thickness. These two layers are sealed S by any kind of sealant depending on the polymer, for example: thermal, waterproof sealant or pressure of a metal frame (not shown) on the two layers. An aluminum foil F covers the polymer P in order to protect the polymer P from sunshine. The black dye Y on the aluminum foil F produces heat by adsorbing solar energy.
FIG. 4, displays a larger size of the polymer collector (4 meter*80 centimeter). Water inlet A and water outlet U. Two layers of polymer are sealed S and produce some dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . . Sensor of thermostat T will be located under it exactly under the dam Ch (n−1) where the water is trapped.
The collector (FIG. 2) is put into a panel (FIG. 1). Aluminum frame V was used for panel because it is light. As an example a rectangular aluminum profile 2.5*9.5 centimeter was used. Back of the panel is closed by a metal sheet B.
A Polystyrene foam with 3 centimeter thickness or more (not shown) and a sheet of fiber with 0.6 millimeter thickness or more (not shown) are used for insulation K for back of the collector Q. Polystyrene foam remains intact because sensor of the thermostat T does not let the temperature go up in the panel (FIG. 1). Collector Q and fiber (not shown) protect polystyrene foam from ultraviolet.
Polystyrene with 5*5 centimeter thickness is used for insulation K around the collector Q. This becomes a base for supporting the glass G where it will be covered by aluminum foil (not shown) to protect it from UV. Collector Q must be attached to a fiber (not shown) evenly in order to avoid sliding and producing folds.
Before installation of collector Q, sensor of the thermostat T must be exactly put under the dam {Ch (n−1)} where the water is trapped. A cut is made on the 9.5 centimeter side of aluminum frame V for water inlet of the collector A and water outlet of the collector U.
A ⅙ inch-polymer pipe E is used for supplying water to the collector. One side of the pipe E is connected to an electrical faucet R and another side is into the water inlet of the collector A. The pipe E is fixed on the aluminum frame V to avoid damaging the collector Q.
Electrical faucet R is controlled by a thermostat W which its sensor T is placed in the panel (FIG. 1) between the collector Q and insulation K exactly under the dam {Ch (n−1)} where the water is trapped.
The best regulation for thermostat W is 65° Celsius in winter and 55° Celsius in summer, but we can adjust it for any degrees (less than 100° Celsius in which water boils).
The water inlet A is located higher than the water outlet U so the water moves down by gravity. But water is trapped by the first dam Ch1. The first dam is overflowed by water then water moves down toward the second dam Ch2. All dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . are overflowed by water in sequences then the water exits from the collector (FIG. 2) through water outlet U. These dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . trap some water (around 3-5 liter water per 1 square meter collector).
When the solar radiation passes through the glass G and is changed to heat by black dye Y, trapped water behind the dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . will get hot by heat conduction and convection at a desired temperature the sensor of the thermostat T opens the electrical faucet R.
Continuously cold water enters into the collector Q (FIG. 2). When this cold water arrives behind the first dam Ch1, it pushes the heated water upwards. This physical effect causes hot water to downfall into the second dam Ch2. This effect happens to all dams Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . continuously and respectively.
At last hot water exits out through water outlet U for the consumer to use. When cold water reaches the sensor of thermostat sensor T, thermostat W closes the electrical faucet R and therefore cold water stays in collector Q (FIG. 2) to get hot.
Thermostat W closes electrical faucet R during night and cloudy sky. If the temperature is low, water freezes in the collector Q and does not damage the collector Q because water is between polymer sheets. The ice will be defrosted by solar radiation and becomes hot water and goes out.
Water outlet of the collector U goes into a funnel-shaped pipe (not shown) which brings hot water to an insulated-polymer tank (not shown). All pipes (not shown) that bring the hot water must be insulated. The tank (not shown) is made of polymer (Polyethylene) which is insulated by polystyrene foam (not shown).
The temperature of the hot water that exits from the collector is less than 70° Celsius (when thermostat adjusted to 65° Celsius) so it does not have any effect on the tank (not shown). A polymer-tank (not shown) is not corroded by water and it can be cleaned from mineral deposits every year. The polyethylene tank (not shown) is covered by insulation (not shown) so that it won't be damaged by UV. So it is claimed to produce a whole polymer solar water heater.
The temperature of the water in the tank (not shown) is almost equal; therefore the user does not need cold-water faucet (not shown). Production of hot water increases in the summer, but the temperature inside the panel (FIG. 1) and water depends on the thermostat W.
Q=M.C(T2−T1) (1)

- C=heat capacity is constant
- Q=heat increases in summer
- T2=temperature is constant (adjusted by thermostat)
- M=mass of water increases.

Formula (1) shows that thermostat W does not let the temperature inside the panel and water to increase beyond a certain level and it will open the electrical faucet R when desired temperature is reached.
In a different embodiment a larger collector can be produced as displayed FIG. 4. In this embodiment all panels (not shown) must be made and mounted like each other. Collectors (not shown) which are used in panels (not shown) must be made exactly like one another. They have to have the same size and dams. And their polymer sheets (not shown) and polymer thickness and sealing must be alike.
Height of all water inlets of all the collectors (not shown) must be located at the same level in order to get same supply of water. All pipes (not shown) that supply water must have the same size and they must connect to one electrical faucet (not shown). With this design, temperature of a lot of these panels (not shown) can be regulated by a thermostat (not shown) and a sensor of the thermostat in a panel (not shown).
Heat production of all panels (not shown) is the same and they get equal amounts of water by electrical faucet (not shown). The water trapped behind each dam is almost the same throughout.
It is understood that the above description and drawings are illustrative of the present invention and that changes may be made in materials, method steps without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A flat solar water heater comprising a collector placed in a panel; wherein said panel comprises heat insulation located around and on back of said collector; an aluminum frame surrounds said panel and back of said panel is closed by a metal sheet wherein a glass is placed in front of said panel; said collector comprises a water inlet and a water outlet; wherein said water inlet is located at a distal end of said collector and said water outlet is located a formal end; a sensor of thermostat is located inside said collector measuring temperature of water trapped inside said collector and sending data to a thermostat; wherein said thermostat operates a water faucet to transport heated water or cold water as needed.

2. The solar water heater of claim 1, further comprising at least two sheets of polymer, covered in aluminum foil; wherein said aluminum foil is covered in a black dye, converting solar energy to heat; wherein said panel is covered by glass, letting sunshine through.

3. The flat solar water heater of claim 2, wherein said two sheets of polymer are sealed, and creating many dams for trapping water in between.

4. The solar water heater of claim 3, wherein said sensor of thermostat is placed under said panel between said collector and said insulation; exactly under one before last of said may dams where water is trapped.

5. The flat solar water heater of claim 4, wherein said dams are parallel and are connected with each other through an opening; wherein said opening allows water to move from one of said many dams to another one of said many dams when level of said water trapped behind each of one of said many dams overflows a wall of said opening.

6. The flat solar water heater of claim 5, wherein said inlet is located at a first dam and said water outlet is located at an end of a last dam.

7. The flat solar water heater of claim 6, wherein said two sheets of polymer are parallel to each other and said seal connects said two sheets of polymer perpendicularly and wherein said black dye covers a distal side of said aluminum foil wherein said aluminum foil is placed on distal end of one of said polymer sheets placed distally in with regards to another one of said polymer sheet and wherein said aluminum foil transfers heat to said polymer sheets and said water.

8. The flat solar water heater of claim 7, wherein said panel is light weight using polystyrene foam for insulation; wherein said polystyrene foam increases durability of said panel and reduces temperature inside said panel; wherein said thermostat regulates said temperature inside said panel.

9. The flat solar water heater of claim 8 wherein said collector is very cheap and very simple to produce and does not corrode with water.

10. The flat solar water heater of claim 9, wherein said collector is rolled due to its elasticity and comprises a very long length.

11. The flat solar water heater of claim 9, wherein said temperature of said water increases between layers of said polymer; and wherein said water freezes inside said collector without damaging it; solar energy will defrost ice inside said collector and increase said temperature next day.

12. The flat solar water heater of claim 11; wherein said water moves to adjacent dams respectively by force of gravity and no motor is needed for circulation of said water and therefore said flat solar water heater's electricity consumption is very minimum.

13. The flat solar water heater of claim 12; wherein when electricity is disconnected and cut from said collector, said trapped water behind each one of said many dams starts to boil and creates steam; however said water inlet and said water outlet are open and therefore steam does not damage said collector exiting said water inlet and water outlet.

14. The flat solar water heater of claim 13 wherein said collector does need a safety valve; and a temperature of said collector does not rise more than 100° Celsius till said trapped water completely exits said many dams.

15. The flat solar water heater of claim 14 wherein said sensor of thermostat opens up said faucet and therefore cold water enters inside said collector; said cold water is trapped behind said first dam and therefore pushes up said water that was originally trapped and heated behind said first dam; said cold water moves said water into one of said many dams adjacent to said first dam;

until said water is moved to said last dam and exits through said outlet.

16. The flat solar water heater of claim 15, wherein said cold water reaches said sensor of thermostat; said thermostat closes said faucet and therefore said cold water will be trapped inside said collector till it is heated.

17. The flat solar water heater of claim 16, wherein a polymer pipe supplies said cold water to said collector and wherein said pipe is connected to said faucet on a formal end; and on a distal end it is connected to said water inlet.

18. The flat solar water heater of claim 17, wherein said temperature is preferably regulated at 65° Celsius in winter and 55° Celsius in summer, but can be adjusted for any degrees Below 100° Celsius.

19. The flat solar water heater of claim 18, wherein said thermostat closes said faucet during night and cloudy sky.

20. The flat solar water heater of claim 19, wherein said water outlet is connected to a funnel-shaped insulated pipe wherein said heated water is transferred into an insulated polymer tank.