Solar Photovoltaic Water Heating System Utilizing Microprocessor Control and Water Heater Retrofit Adaptor
OwnerMichael Steven Lichtenbergerinventor
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Abstract
A solar-powered photovoltaic thermal fluid heating system having an array of photovoltaic modules, an energy conversion control unit, sensors for tank temperature, with resistance heating element/tank flush water heater adaptor installed in a fluid-filled gas or electrically heated thermal storage tank. The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, include an simple, safe, and efficient method for utilizing solar energy for the heating of water that is protected from the dangers of freezing and/or overheating, and easily retrofittable to new and existing gas and electric hot water storage tanks.
Claims1
A solar energy conversion apparatus comprising:
- 1. A threaded tubular structure that attaches to drain valve bung of gas or electric water heaters;
- an electrically powered tubular resistance heating element that passes through and is mounted to said threaded tubular structure and includes obstruction clearance axial deviation (bend);
- a non-rotating flange and captive-nut mounting interface for said heating element;
- a fluid output conduit and valve attached to said tubular structure;
- 2. A microprocessor controlled energy conversion control unit including;
- multiple sensor inputs for tank temperatures;
- multiple simultaneous sensing of current and voltage of solar photovoltaic array;
- a maximum power tracking circuit and programming of microprocessor;
- a pulse width modulator (PWM) output circuit driven from microprocessor;
- an inverter if optionally required;
- multiple simultaneous sensing of output current and voltage of pulse width modulator;
- a user interface and controls;
- a thermal energy output monitor, recording, and display;
- a safety shutdown monitor and disconnect programming.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.