Passive solar heater
OwnerEdward S. Rapozoinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosed passive solar heater system defines a three dimensional tube array for conveying liquid between an inlet and an outlet, including a serial flow path through a heating stage, and possibly also a preheating stage. The heating stage has adjacent substantially straight parallel runs, with alternate ends interconnected to define a cage-like serpentine pattern. The straight heating stage runs of the tube array extend in vertical orientation, substantially over the full height of the tube array; and are in a generally cylindrical pattern, annularly and outwardly spaced from any preheating stage. Several embodiments of preheating stages are disclosed; and of the manner of enclosing the tube array for yeilding high thermal outputs. The tube array is enclosed in a transparent housing that may be adjustably vented.
Claims20
A passive solar heater for a liquid, comprising the combination of
- a tube array for conveying the liquid between an inlet and an outlet, and including a heating stage arranged in a serial flow path between the inlet and the outlet;
- housing means substantially enclosing the tube array, and having transparent walls which substantially surround said tube array allowing for the passage of solar radiation therethrough so as to radiate against the tube array;
- the heating stage of the tube array having a plurality of adjacent substantially straight vertically disposed runs arranged in a generally cylindrical pattern;
- and
- the heating stage of the tube array extending substantially over the full height of the tube array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.