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Solar Water Heater

a solar energy and water heater technology, applied in solar heat storage, manufacturing tools, lighting and heating equipment, etc., can solve the problems of increasing the overall cost of the system, increasing the efficiency of the system, and reducing the likelihood of the inner tank leaking, so as to increase the overall efficiency of the water heating system and reduce the cost

Inactive Publication Date: 2011-06-23
SCHARFE RONALD E
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a solar water heater that is lightweight, low cost, and efficient. It consists of a covered container enclosing an inner tank that is filled with a working fluid. The inner tank is made of a thin, high gauge material that is painted black and has a folded shape to hold any seams above the surface of the fluid. The folded tank is mounted horizontal within the container to minimize pressure at the bottom. The system includes a lightweight, low-volume inner tank which allows for quick heat transfer and reduces the need for reinforced structures. The method of constructing the folded tank involves folding a lightweight material in half lengthwise and aligning the edges. The technical effects of the invention include increased efficiency, reduced weight, and lower cost.

Problems solved by technology

Although the added material increases the overall cost of the system, the insulation substantially increases the efficiency of the system.
This configuration decreases the likelihood of the inner tank leaking by limiting the openings in the inner tank to areas above the surface of the enclosed working fluid.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0028]For the purpose of illustration, the present invention is shown in the preferred embodiments of a solar water heater with input and output pipes which enter a folded tank above the surface of a working fluid, a solar water heater with input and output pipes which enter a folded tank below the surface of a working fluid, and a solar water heater with a heating element attached to a folded tank to prevent a working fluid from freezing in cold weather. Additionally, a method of constructing a folded tank suitable for a solar water heater is demonstrated. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0029]Referring now to the most preferred embodiment of the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 a solar water heater 101 is illustrated. FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the solar water heater 101 installed on a roof 170. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a solar water heater 101 mounted on a roof 1...

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Abstract

A lightweight and low cost solar water heating apparatus which is comprised of an insulated container with a transparent cover enclosing a folded tank is provided. The tank is comprised of a lightweight material which is folded into a shape that allows any seams in the material to be held above the surface of fluid within the tank. The folded tank further contains a working fluid which absorbs solar energy when the tank is exposed to sun light through the transparent cover. A length of lightweight pipes is coiled in a serpentine fashion within the folded tank and is surrounded by the working fluid. Pressurized supply water flows through the serpentine length of pipe and absorbs heat from the working fluid as it travels through the folded tank. The heated supply water is then used as pre-heated supply water for a standard hot water heater.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The present invention is in the technical field of solar water heaters. More particularly, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate generally to solar water heaters which preheat supply water for standard water heaters in order to improve overall efficiency. More particularly, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate generally to passive solar water heaters. More particularly, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate generally to solar water heaters which absorb and retain heat from solar energy in a working fluid. Additionally, the present invention relates generally to a method of constructing an inexpensive heat-storag...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F24J2/04B21D39/03
CPCB21D51/06F24J2/248F24J2/30Y10T29/49826F24J2002/0405Y02E10/44F24J2/34F24S10/748F24S2020/18F24S10/30F24S60/30
Inventor SCHARFE, RONALD E.
Owner SCHARFE RONALD E
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