William E Harper

US Patent:

41081609, Aug 22, 1978

Filed:

Jun 21, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/808716

Inventors:

William Anthony Harper - Boulder CO

International Classification:

F24J 302

US Classification:

126271

Abstract:

A utilization of solar energy to heat a domestic hot water supply wherein an apparatus employs fluid pressure generated by solar radiation as both the motive force of pumping and controlling agent for maximizing heat gain and timing of required transfers of the heat absorbing medium within the system. As the temperature of a simple solar collector rises when exposed to solar radiation, pressure is developed at a predetermined temperature by the vaporization of a fluid whereby a positive fluid pressure directly transfers a heat absorbing medium such as water into a second flat plate collector to absorb available solar generated heat developed by the collector. Upon removal of the solar radiation and concomitant collapse of the energy emission/absorption equilibrium in both collectors, the fluid pressure becomes negative with the condensation of the vapor and transports the water and its absorbed heat energy from the solar collector. The hot transport medium is transferred to a heat exchanger to heat a domestic water supply and transferred to a heat exchanger to heat a domestic water supply and to contribute to space heating needs. Upon the return of the next cycle of solar radiation the system responds by transferring fluids under pressure to collect available energy in the collector.