Heat collecting, utilizing and storage apparatus and method
US4340033A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 1979 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86372
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method is described and illustrated for maximizing the efficiency of a solar collector and the like as well as that of a liquid storage tank by maintaining the temperature of the liquid at the bottom of the tank at a relatively low point through the use of a temperature limiting valve which assures utilization of a major portion of the heat from the liquid by the load prior to transmission of the liquid below a predetermined temperature to a lower portion of the storage tank from which the liquid is again circulated as to a solar collector. Stratification is encouraged by introducing heated liquid from the collector to the storage tank at one or more raised positions, and by the use of velocity reducers such as are normally used to reduce turbulence, together with other temperature limiting apparatus which would limit the flow to high temperature liquid for efficient operation. Additional apparatus is described and illustrated for enhancing stratification and utilizing off-peak electric or other reliable power availability in connection therewith.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.