Solar heater freeze protection system

Patent · Tue Feb 13 04:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:6150694

Cartland, W H

A solar water heating system heats water in a solar panel and stores it in a water storage tank. A pump circulates the water in the system, from the water storage tank through the solar panel back to the water storage tank when energy can be transferred from the solar panel to the water. When the circulating pump stops, the water in the solar panel and associated conduits located in an area where freezing can be encountered drains down into the water storage tank and associated conduits which are located in an area where freezing will not be encountered. In order to provide for the necessary space in the system for draining, a predetermined air space is maintained in the top of the water storage tank by an automatic air replenishment system which includes a compressor for directing compressed air into said water storage tank at the top thereof at a predetermined maximum water level in accordance with a water level float operated control located adjacent the water storage tank. The water level float device comprises a float in a cylinder having a magnet connected to the top thereof, said magnet being moved by changes in water level to in turn actuate a second magnet at a predetermined water level which operates a switch for controlling the air compressor.

• Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 4138996
• OSTI ID: 6150694
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140901* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Space Heating & Cooling
140907 -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Water Heating
APPLIANCES
DRAIN-DOWN SYSTEMS
ELECTRIC APPLIANCES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FREEZE PROTECTION
GAS APPLIANCES
HEATERS
HEATING SYSTEMS
LEVEL INDICATORS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
SOLAR WATER HEATERS
SWITCHES
WATER HEATERS