Patent · US Expired

Dual phase solar water heater

US4227515A · kind A · utility

14Cited by
3References
20Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 18, 1979
Grant dateOct 14, 1980
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 18, 1999

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/44
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A solar energy conversion apparatus having two phases of operation which, in one phase, absorbs thermal energy from sunlight incident on the device, and in a second phase, absorbs energy from air in an attic-type space heated by solar radiation. The two phases may be utilized independently or in concert dependent upon conditions. A solar energy collector is disposed to collect and transfer incident solar energy to a fluid, such as water, flowing through the collector. A heat exchanger is disposed to permit flow of heated air therethrough from an attic-type space in a building, such air having been heated by solar energy incident on the roof of the building. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the air to a fluid, such as water, flowing therethrough. The solar collector and heat exchanger are connected via a plurality of valves and a pump to a water storage tank. Temperature sensors associated with the solar collector, the heat exchanger, and the water storage tank operate a control system which controls the valves and pump to determine the phases of operation of the system.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.