Solar water heater
First Claim
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1. A passive solar heater of the type combining a heat absorber and fluid storage in a tank adapted to be exposed to solar energy, said heater comprising:
- (a) a unitary enclosure structure having side walls defining an interior chamber, said enclosure having an opening adapted to admit the sun'"'"'s rays therethrough, said enclosure further having an exterior shell and interior insulative lining defining a generally central trough and interior side walls, portions of which are curved;
(b) a fluid storage tank having an inlet and outlet and being positioned within the chamber in said enclosure trough, said tank having a selective surface coating characterized by heat high absorptance and low emmissivity;
(c) a sun reflective surface on at least said curved interior side walls to reflect the sun'"'"'s rays impinging on the reflective surface and re-direct the rays toward said tank;
(d) tank support means connecting the tank to the enclosure, said tank support means including intermediate insulative means adapted to interrupt thermal conductivity along said tank support means; and
(e) at least one glazing member extending across the said opening of said enclosure, said glazing being secured to said enclosure by a suitable sealant to render the enclosure substantially air-tight.
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Abstract
A passive solar water heater having a heat absorber and storage tank within an insulative housing. The housing is formed in a mold as a unitary structure having an exterior shell and a curved insulative interior covered with a reflective inner surface. The tank rests in a trough in the housing and is secured by a mounting which prevents heat conduction to the environment.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A passive solar heater of the type combining a heat absorber and fluid storage in a tank adapted to be exposed to solar energy, said heater comprising:
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(a) a unitary enclosure structure having side walls defining an interior chamber, said enclosure having an opening adapted to admit the sun'"'"'s rays therethrough, said enclosure further having an exterior shell and interior insulative lining defining a generally central trough and interior side walls, portions of which are curved; (b) a fluid storage tank having an inlet and outlet and being positioned within the chamber in said enclosure trough, said tank having a selective surface coating characterized by heat high absorptance and low emmissivity; (c) a sun reflective surface on at least said curved interior side walls to reflect the sun'"'"'s rays impinging on the reflective surface and re-direct the rays toward said tank; (d) tank support means connecting the tank to the enclosure, said tank support means including intermediate insulative means adapted to interrupt thermal conductivity along said tank support means; and (e) at least one glazing member extending across the said opening of said enclosure, said glazing being secured to said enclosure by a suitable sealant to render the enclosure substantially air-tight. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification