Solar heating/cooling system

Patent · Tue Jun 07 00:00:00 EDT 1977

OSTI ID:5385144

Hayes, W R; Shikasho, S

A heliothermal heating and cooling system of the type using a heat transport fluid such as water is disclosed. The energy collector comprises an assembly of individual solar collector panel modules in a series/parallel configuration and function to heat water flowing therethrough. Each solar collector panel includes a pair of stepped headers respectively disposed at its input and output portions and which function to reduce water flow resistance therethrough. The input and output headers communicate with an insulated water storage tank by way of return and supply lines, respectively. A pump is provided in the return line to circulate the water through the system upon receipt of a command signal. The storage tank communicates with a thermal energy utilization device and includes an integral, internal expansion chamber to accommodate expansion of the water. The storage tank is stratified by means of baffles, and the strata are interconnected by a selector valve under the control of a differential temperature detector thereby to assure that the hottest available water is presented to the utilization device. The danger of freezing is avoided and the need for anti-freeze additives or solutions is eliminated by means of a vent line which connects the expansion chamber at the top of the storage tank to the top of the energy collector assembly and functions to drain the energy collector assembly of its water charge when the pump is de-energized. 14 claims, 5 figures.

• Assignee: International Telephone and Telegraph Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 4027821
• OSTI ID: 5385144
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 18 Jul 1975
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
DESIGN
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
FREEZE PROTECTION
SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE
SOLAR COLLECTORS
TANKS
WATER
WORKING FLUIDS
CONTAINERS
ENERGY STORAGE
FLUIDS
HEAT STORAGE
HEATING SYSTEMS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
STORAGE
140901* - Solar Thermal Utilization- Space Heating & Cooling