Atmospheric heat exchange method and apparatus

• US 4,036,209 A
• Filed: 06/26/1975
• Issued: 07/19/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Jack J. Press
• Original Assignee: Jack J. Press
• Inventors: Press, Jack J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Camby, John J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Yuen, Henry C.
• Application Number:
  US05/590,644
• Time in Patent Office: 754 Days
• Field of Search: 126/270, 126/271, 126/400, 237/1 A
• US Class Current: 202/234
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 10/501 having conduits of plastic material
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 10/503 having conduits formed by paired plates, only one of which is plane
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 10/504 having conduits formed by paired non-plane plates
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 10/505 having curved plate-like conduits, e.g. semi-spherical
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 10/60 the working fluids trickling freely over absorbing elements
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 80/30 Arrangements for connecting the fluid circuits of solar collectors with each other or with other components, e.g. pipe connections; Fluid distributing means, e.g. headers
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 90/00 Solar heat systems not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/44 Heat exchange systems

Abstract

An atmospheric heat exchange method and apparatus is provided that is simple and inexpensive to construct and made from readily available, low cost materials; that is adaptable to be configured for mounting to a wide variety of existing structures; and which is highly efficient, lightweight and readily collapsible to facilitate storage and shipment.

Claims

1. An atmospheric heat exchanger comprising:

a sealed container having front and rear walls both made of thin, pliable sheet material having substantially the same physical properties and having smooth inner surfaces capable of contacting each other in face-to-face relationship defining therebetween an unrestricted liquid passageway substantially throughout the inner dimensions of said walls, said container walls capable of conforming to the shape of its supporting structure;

said container having liquid inlet and outlet means for circulating a liquid medium through said container;

negative pressure means for maintaining said conformable film walls in close, uniform relation to said other wall to define a liquid passageway therebetween having a minimum thickness;

whereby said minimum thickness passageway creates a venturi to uniformly spread the liquid over the entire passageway and to increase the velocity of the liquid flow therethrough to enhance the heat transfer between said walls and said liquid.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein said outlet includes a uniformly perforated tubular mesh member enclosed by the pliable ends of both walls.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein said container is constructed in tubular form with the open opposite wall ends sealed together.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein the liquid inlet is positioned at the top of the container;

means for introducing air into said liquid inlet whereby air bubbles are formed in the water flow downward through said passageway;

a collector at the bottom of said container for collecting the heated vaporized air particles and water carrier;

means for removing the water carrier;

a condenser for removing distilled vapor from said air flow; and

means for collecting the distilled water.

5. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein said rear wall is of a vapor permeable and liquid impermeable material;

a spaced enclosure mounted to said rear wall; and

condensing means provided for said enclosure whereby vapor passing through said rear wall will condense within said enclosure.

6. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein an upright liquid tank is provided for supporting the container;

a portion of said container being air inflatable for securing the container to the periphery of said tank.

7. The heat exchanger of claim 6 wherein said tank is a reservoir for said container.

8. An atmospheric heat exchanger comprising:

a container having front and rear walls having smooth inner surfaces capable of contacting each other in face-to-face relationship defining therebetween an unrestricted liquid passageway substantially throughout the inner dimensions of said walls;

said container having liquid inlet and outlet means for circulating a liquid medium through said container;

at least one wall of said container being made of a thin pliable and conformable plastic film material;

negative pressure means for maintaining said conformable film walls in close, uniform relation to said other wall to define a liquid passageway therebetween having a minimum thickness;

said outlet means including a perforated pipe having a tubular netting material telescopically mounted thereover to prevent the pliable plastic film from blocking the discharge flow therethrough;

whereby said minimum thickness passageway creates a venturi to uniformly spread the liquid over the entire passageway and to increase the velocity of the liquid flow therethrough to enhance the heat transfer between said walls and said liquid.