Method and system for utilizing a flexible tubing solar collector
US4112921A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 1977 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S126/907
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The practical large scale use of solar energy depends primarily upon the first cost of solar collectors per unit area being greatly reduced below known designs without loss of efficiency. The subject invention introduces a method of making flat plate solar collectors for heating liquid in which the use of metal and glass is almost totally eliminated, weight is greatly reduced, and assembly of the components is done at the site from rolls of flexible materials in lengths to fit the available space. While materials of much lower thermal conductivity than metal are used, the increased surface area and close spacing of liquid tubes provided by employing this invention more than make up for the lower conductivity. Standard insulation board covered with roofing cement and other adhesives serves as the base and frame to hold small synthetic rubber tubes, headers, and flexible cover material made of transparent fiberglass reinforced plastic. Field assembly assures participation of local personnel who are then prepared to sell, service and maintain the system. The cover material may be used in place of roofing across rafters and then insulation board covered with the rubber tubes and adhesi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.