Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
115~111
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
1). Field of the Invention:
Solar collectors, particularly adapted for heating of
fluid.
2). Description of the Prior Art:
WILSON 4,061,129 discloses a solar furnace heating
system wherein the fluid to be heated is conveyed across the
exterior surfaces of a series of vane type heat collectors rota-
tably mounted within the collection chamber.
There is no suggestion of admitting water or any type of
~luid centrally of Wilson's vane type collector element. Wilson's
vane type collector elements are provided simply for an increase
of effective collector area over conventional prior heat col-
lectors.
SU~ARY OF THE INVENTION:
According to the present invention, the solar collector is
defined as an elongated paddle wheel of stellate cross-section.
The paddle wheel may be mounted upon an inclined axis defined as
-2-
115
p~ o~ Der~ r
~, a~f~min~Q~ conduit. Water is introduced through the forami~
aS4~ conduit such that droplets are sprayed laterally at one side
and onto the interior surfaces of the paddle wheel vanes. As
water accumulates within the tips of the vanes, gravity induces
turning of the vanes with accumulated water being discharged
through the abutting vane tips at the nadir of rotation. This
heated water may then be drained and transported to a reservoir
or other heat transfer device. The vanes may be metallic with
exterior surfaces blackened and the interior surfaces reflective.
Modifications of the invention include introducing air into a
chamber containing the collector as a humidifying or dehumidifying
device, depending upon the presence of water. Also, pumping of
water through the conduit may be varied, according to ambient
temperature requirements or heat transfer demands. In addition,
exteriorally supported reflector elements may be employed to
intensify the radiation effect upon the solar collector. The
prior art is devoid of any showing of exterior reflector elements
in combination with a paddle wheel type collector.
The present stellate solar collector utilizes a paddle
wheel configuration to achieve rotation and maintain a constant
relationship of the vanes with respect to the sun. An equally
important aspect is the concentration of an enormous amount of
collection surface, confined within a small space. The unique
paddle wheel vane collection surface enables maximum absorption,
since there is no surface to reflect the rays outward. Also, ex-
terior reflectors may be positioned to intensify the available
radiation imposed upon the collector surface va~es.
The direct water spray system is employed to remove the
energy in the fastest manner possible. As will be apparent, the
115~
present construction enables the following:
1. Increased surface for collection;
2. Enhanced concentration of radiation upon the reflector
vanes by use of external reflectors;
3. Trapping the maximum radiant heat within a minimum
space;
4. Transfer of the largest volume of heat within the
shortest time to a storage facility;
5. Virtual elimination of the necessity for outside
energy sources, other than spraying the water.
The improvement or combination that is claimed as the
invention herein is a solar collector device of the type adapted
for heating water, which device comprises: a base; a perforated
conduit supported in the base; an elongated, opaque collector
drum rotatably mounted upon the conduit, the drum having a
stellate cross-section defining a series of radially extending
vanes abutting at their tips to define drain apertures and a
hollow interior, encompassing a mid-portion of the perforated
conduit; and a source of fluid connected to the conduit, such
that fluid is expelled through the perforated portions of the
conduit onto the interior surfaces of the vanes, so as to
rotate the drum while being heated by conductive contact with
the vane interior surfaces, as well as by convection and
radiation within the hollow interior.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIN_S:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the solar reflector
showing the elongated collector drum of stellate cross-section
which may be mounted upon a horizontal or inclined axis.
Figure 2 is a front elevation of the perforated
conduit upon which the drum is rotatably mounted.
Figure 3 is a front elevation of the base, showing the
vertical end elements for support of the conduit.
kD
~ 4-
1 1 5 ~
Figure 4 is an elevational view of the outer plastic
cover.
Figure 5 is an elevational view of the arcuate, inner
glass cover.
Figure 6 is a perspective view from one end of the
housing, showing the glass and plastic covers forming a dead
air space, with laterally extending reflective elements,
supported on either side of the collector.
Figure 7 is an elevational view of a parabolic
reflector, which pivots, according to the movement of the
sun due to the variant expansion characteristics of the
metallic support elements.
Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view of a pumping
element, utilizing a charge of Freon in its bottom portion, the
Freon
~-s -4a-
1~$~
alternately expanding so as to urge the piston upwardly as a
pump, then condensing in the condenser element for return of the
Freon as liquid to the bottom of the chamber for re-cycling.
FIG. 9 is a vertical section of a solar collector, having
a modified cover.
DESCRIPTION O~ THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
Applicant's purpose, method and application have been
defined as follows:
Purpose: To collect the sun's radiation in the most efficient
manner possible.
Method:
A. Use a material that conducts heat - aluminum is the
third best conductor. Silver being first and copper
second. Cost versus efficiency dictates that alum-
inum is to be used.
B. Expose as much surface in the least possible space.
The stellate cross-section design gives a maximum
exposed area in a small diameter. By rotating the
"stellate drum" all the surface is exposed to the
sun.
C. Use a color and surface that absorbs heat. A flat
(non-glossy black) surface will absorb heat better
than any other color or finish.
D. Trap as much radiation as possible. Radiant heat
~ travels in a straight line until it is refracte~,
reflected or absorbed. The stellate design reflects
rays (any that are not already absorbed) back to its
own surface giving more concentration, th~ls a higher
temperature potential. By use of a reflector the
concentration is intensified to create more heat.
115~
E. Increase the ability to absorb more by rapidly remov-
ing the heat from the aluminum. Water will insulate
itself and inhibit it's ability to absorb. By forc-
ing the water into a spray and directing it to the
aluminum surface it readily absorbs the heat from the
aluminum. As the metal cools and is rotated away
from the sun, the metal is then prepared for greater
absorption when the cycle repeats itself and again is
exposed to the sun's rays.
As will be apparent, the forcing of the liquid into a
fine spray achieves the effect of refrigeration where-
in a liquid is changed to gas in order to absorb
heat.
Efficiency:
A. Use as few parts as possible to cut cost. Due to the
design the size is reduced, requiring less material.
B. Use existing kenetic energy produced by flowing wate
to rotate the drum.
C. Only one transfer of heat from collector to storage
medium (water).
D. Water is used for storage of heat, as it has the great-
est heat capacity of any common substance.
E. The aluminum drain tray is flat black to give addi-
tional collecting surface.
~ F. The only operating cost is one small electric water
pump. The energy used by the pump is partially re-
covered in heat picked up by the water when going
through the pump and pipe and when forced through the
spray holes. This force is also used to turn the drum
which gives off heat at the two nylon bearings, which
I .
1 1 ~
are the only friction points.
t~i G. With three sides exposed,the collecting surface is
always at the proper attitude to the sun regardless
of the time of day or year.
H. The only insulation required is the back side. The
other sides are insulated by the dead air space and
a clear radiation reflective coating applied to the
ir r,~,^r
~e~-glass surface.
I. No anti-freeze solution is required. As the water is
not circulating in a freezing condition, damage by
freezing is eliminated, The small amount which could
remain in the drum would be in a V-shaped crevice,
which will allow for expansion. In the collector
there is an inclined axis which facilitates ready
drainage into the collector tray, eliminating the
necessity for pumps.
Versatility of Use:
A. As a water heater.
B. As an air heater.
C. As an air and water heater, plus humidifier or de-
humidifier.
D. Adaptabie to convert radiation to electrical energy.
Practical Application for Construction:
A, May be used on ground.
~ B. For use on slanted roof of any angle (with adjustable
supports).
C. On flat roofs.
D. On multi-storied buildings.
E. Light weight - does not require special support to the
roof structure.
115~
Durability - Materials Consist of:
_
A. Clear plastic outer cover. Has an extremely long
life and a high impact resistance. Not affected
by the elements.
B. Clear glass inner cover. Long life and protected
from breakage by outer cover.
C. Stellate drum of aluminum will not rust. Has an
extremely long life. A corrosion inhibitor is ap-
plied to the surface to make the drum last almost
indefinitely (as long as inhibitor is maintained).
D. Bearingc are of nylon for long life with no effects
from water.
E. Collector tray is aluminum.
l F. Foam insulation should require no maintenance.
lS I Repairing:
Ease and simplicity of construction make repairs un-
necessary. Anyone could replace parts as easily as
changing an auto tire (in the average home model).
Protection Against Leaks:
As there is no need for protection from soldered
joints in the collector the design dictates little
concern of leakage. The drain tray and flow pipe
are the only susceptible locations for leakage.
This would be minimal with proper construction.
` Accordingly, in FIG. 1, solar collector 10 is illustrated
~ as including horizontal base 28 with vertical end elements 12 and
n .~ p~rf~r~f~J
14, supporting ~ ~a-i~t-d conduit 18, about which the elongated
collector drum of stellate cross-section rotates.
~ ~ r~
FIG. 2 there is illustrated more particularly the erd~i~r
~ d conduit 18, supported at either end in annular bearing
115~1 i1
elements 22, 24 and connected to a source of pressurized water by
valve 26.
In Figure 3 the base 28 and vertical end elements 12 and
14 are illustrated as including expanded foam insulation and having
aluminum inner surface covers 28, 30 and 32 painted black or opaque.
In Figures 4, 5 and 6 ~here is illustrated the plastic
outer cover 42 and the glass inner cover 44, defining intermediate
dead air space.
Manifestly, water may be introduced at such pressures so
as to spray particles laterally onto the inside of the interior
surfaces of the stellate vanes, so as to create imbalance, thus
inducing rotation of the collector element.
As illustrated in Figure 6, a pair of laterally extending
reflector plates 47, 48 are employed to intensify the radiation
effect upon the collector drum.
Also, as illustrated in Figure 7, a parabolic reflector
58 may be mounted upon vertical stand 64 and base element 6~ by
me~ns of swivel J oint 66. Two or more sheet aluminum elements
60, 62 may be employed. Each sheet aluminum element may be painted
2û black on one side and retain its aluminum reflective surface on
the other, such that movement of the sun during the day will vary
expansion and contraction of the elements, thus pivoting the par-
abolic reflector 58 towards the sun for appropriate reflection
upon the solar collector drum or the base 82 of the suggested in-
ternal expansion engine defined in Figure 8.
In Figure 8 an internal expansion engine is a water pump-
ing device 72 illustrated as including a double glass retainer
with intervening dead air space, having a black interior surface
74. A stainless steel liner or piston chamber 96 is illustrated
1 1 5 ~ 1 1 1
as encompassing piston ~, having oil and compression rings,
mounted upon push rod 78. An oil breather valve ~0 must be em-
ployed. A condenser 88 is positioned adjacent to the chamber and
is fed by means of entry conduit 86 and inlet flutter valve 9~.
Condensed Freon may be recycled through conduit 92 with flutter
valve 95. A Freon charge 85 may be placed initially within the
bottom of the chamber 82, so as to expand and push piston 76.
The gasified Freon is thence condensed in condenser 88, recovered
as liquid as at 90 and returned to the chamber bottom 82 for re-
cycling and pumping action of the piston.
As will be apparent, the water or similar fluid being
sprayed onto the inner surfaces of the vanes of the collector
drum collects heat radiated upon the exterior surface of the
range by conduction. In addition, this fluid is heated both by
convection and by radiation of ambient heat within the interior
of the air space. The differences in temperature upon the inner
surface of the vanes and within the inner air space with respect
to ambient temperature causes a high-low temperature relationship
between 'the outer and inner surfaces, thereby generating a constan t
flow of warm, dry air to the interior for pre-heating of the liq-
uid. Thus, the exterior surfaces of the vanes collect direct
rays of the sun, and the interior surfaces collect both these
direct rays and that which is reflected between the vanes.
Manifestly, various configurations may be employed without
departing from the spirit of invention.
I CLAIM:
