Solar water heating system

Abstract

A system for solar heating of water in combination with a domestic hot water system having a hot water storage tank having an inlet and an outlet, and a controllable heater arranged for heating water for storage within said storage tank. A solar heat collector has a surface which absorbs sunlight to produce heat, and a heat exchange passage for water in heat conductive relation. Piping and pump means are provided for circulating water from said tank outlet through said collector heat exchange passage to said tank inlet. An inflatable elastic member extends substantially the entire length of said collector passage. Means are provided to maintain air within said inflatable member at a higher hydrostatic air pressure than the static hydrostatic water pressure in said passage whereby the collector is rendered tolerant to freezing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.