WO2001018459A1

WO2001018459A1 - Solar heater arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2001018459A1
Application number: PCT/IB2000/001265
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gavin John Brits
Original assignee: Gavin John Brits
Priority date: 1999-09-07
Filing date: 2000-09-07
Publication date: 2001-03-15
Also published as: AU7677700A

Abstract

Solar heater arrangement (10) which includes a manifold (12) having an inlet port (14) at a first side thereof, an outlet port (16) at an opposed, second side thereof, and a transfer port (18) extending between the first and second sides; at least first and second containers (29) being connectable to the first and second sides of the manifold (12) respectively; an inlet pipe (36) extending laterally from the inlet port of the manifold into the first container; and an outlet pipe (38) extending laterally from the outlet port of the manifold into the second container; the transfer port placing the first and second containers in fluid communication with each other.

Description

SOLAR HEATER ARRANGEMENT

This invention relates to a solar heater arrangement, to a manifold for a solar heater arrangement and to a method of heating water.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a solar

heater arrangement which includes: a manifold having an inlet port at a first side thereof, an outlet port at an opposed, second side thereof, and a transfer port extending between the first and second sides; at least first and second containers being connectable to the first and second sides of the manifold respectively; an inlet pipe extending laterally from the inlet port of the manifold into the first container; and an outlet pipe extending laterally from the outlet port of the manifold into the second container; the transfer port placing the first and second containers in fluid communication with each other.

Preferably, a plurality of connecting formations, each having an

CONFIRMATION COPT inlet/outlet communication opening and a transfer communication opening, are

provided for connecting the containers to the first and second sides of the

manifold.

It will be appreciated that in this specification and in the appended

claims, the term "inlet/outlet communication opening" refers to a communication opening in a connecting formation through which a pipe extends from either the

inlet or the outlet port of the manifold, depending on which side of the manifold the connecting formation is located.

In a preferred form of the invention, transfer pipes extend from the transfer port, through the transfer communication opening in the connecting formation and into the first and second containers respectively.

In a preferred form of the invention, the manifold is elongate and

rectilinear in cross section with discrete inlet, outlet and transfer flow passages along the length of the manifold, the transfer flow passage being located between the inlet and outlet flow passages, the inlet, outlet and transfer ports being in fluid communication with the inlet, outlet and transfer flow passages respectively.

The inlet and outlet pipes may be telescopically extendible and retractable.

In a preferred form of the invention, the connecting formations are

generally rectilinear in shape and each includes; opposed lip formations for connecting to corresponding opposed groove

formations on the manifold; and a collar formation for gripping a container in a sealed manner.

The collar formation may be a split collar formation, defining an inner

collar for bearing against a rim of a container, and an outer collar for bearing

against the inner collar.

The containers may be beverage cans with their lids removed. The

arrangement may include gaskets to effect sealing connections between the containers and the manifold.

The arrangement may include a plurality of manifolds with containers

connectable thereto.

The inlet valve may be a pressure sensitive valve which opens, in use, when fluid pressure in the manifolds or containers decreases to below a predetermined minimum value.

The outlet flow passage may be connected to an outlet valve.

Preferably, a dual flow path valve is provided and connected to the

inlet and the outlet flow passages, the dual flow path valve including: an inlet flow path for connecting the inlet flow passage to a water source; a seat and washer arrangement mounted in the inlet flow path; and an outlet flow path for connecting to the outlet flow passage.

A pressure sensitive fluid controller may be located in the outlet flow path of the dual flow path valve. The fluid controller may be a diaphragm type fluid controller.

In a preferred form of the invention, a dual flow path conduit may be

provided for connecting the inlet and outlet flow passages to the dual flow path valve.

End caps may be provided at the ends of the manifold for sealing the flow passages and for providing connection formations between multiple manifolds and the dual flow path valve. 9o Dual flow path connecting formations may be provided, the

connecting formations defining an inlet flow path and an outlet flow path.

The arrangement may be mountable on a stand which may be movable to vary the orientation the containers relative to the sun.

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According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a manifold for a solar heater arrangement, including: an inlet port located at a first side thereof, an outlet port located on an

opposed, second side thereof, and a transfer port extending between the first and

oo second sides; an inlet pipe extending laterally from the inlet port of the manifold into a first container; and an outlet pipe extending laterally from the outlet port of the manifold into a

second container.

05

In a preferred form of the invention, the manifold is elongate and rectilinear in cross section with discrete inlet, outlet and transfer flow passages along the length of the manifold, the transfer flow passage being located between

the inlet and outlet flow passages, the inlet, outlet and transfer ports being in fluid o communication with the inlet, outlet and transfer passages, respectively. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of heating water which includes the steps of: providing a solar heater arrangement as described above;

us allowing an inflow of water into the inlet flow passage of the manifold; and allowing the water to heat up in the sun.

One embodiment of this invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 20 Figures 1 and 2 are schematic, partly exploded, sectioned side views of a manifold according to the invention showing two containers sealingly connected thereto;

Figure 3 is a top view of a connecting formation for use in the arrangement according to the invention;

25 Figure 4 is an isometric view of an end cap for use in the arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic, partly exploded, top view of a solar heater arrangement according to the invention including a plurality of manifolds with containers sealingly connected thereto; 30 Figure 6 is a sectioned side view of a dual flow path valve for use in the arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a top view of a diaphragm type fluid controller for use with the valve of Figure 6; 135 Figure 8 is an isometric view of a dual flow path connector for use with the arrangement according to the invention; and

Figure 9 is a cross section of a dual flow path hose for use with the

arrangement according to the invention.

O In Figure 1 , a solar heater arrangement 1 0 is shown in section to include an elongate, rectilinear manifold 1 2 having an inlet flow passage 1 4, an outlet flow passage 1 6 and a transfer flow passage 1 8 defined therein. The flow passages 14, 1 6 and 1 8 are orientated along the length of the manifold 1 2. An inlet port 20 and an outlet port 22 are in communication with the flow passages 14

145 and 16 at first 1 2.1 and second 1 2.2 sides of the manifold 1 2 respectively.

Transfer ports 24.1 and 24.2 are in communication with the transfer flow passage 1 8 at the first 1 2. 1 and the second 1 2.2 sides of the manifold 1 2 as

shown.

1 50

Referring now to Figures 1 and 3, a plurality of connecting formations 26 are provided to connect a plurality of containers 29, beverage cans with their

lids removed in this embodiment, to the manifold 1 2. The formations 26 include lip formations 28 and collar formations 30. In Figure 3, rib formations 32 are shown to 155 be located on the connecting formations 26.

The collar formations 30 are split collar formations and comprise inner collars 30.1 and outer collars 30.2. In use, the inner collars 30.1 fit snugly around 160 rims 29.1 of the containers 29 and the outer collars 30.2 bear against the inner collars 30.1 when the lip formations 28 are engaged with groove formations 1 2.3 on the manifold 1 2. Gaskets 34 are located between the containers 29 and the

manifold 1 2 to effect a sealing connection between the containers 29 and the

manifold 1 2.

1 65

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, an inlet pipe 36 extends from the inlet port 20 laterally into a container 29 and an outlet pipe 38 extends from the outlet port 22 laterally into a container 29 as shown. Transfer pipes 40 are

arranged as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

170

Referring now in particular to Figure 2, the arrangement 1 0 is orientated as shown with the upper container located operatively higher than the lower container in order to take advantage of the fact that heated fluid rises in a cooler environment, in heating water with the arrangement 10, as is described

175 hereunder. The inlet passage 14 is connected to a source of cold water (not

shown) and the outlet flow passage 1 6 to a valve (not shown) In use, a single, dual

180 flow path valve (not shown) is used, as will be described further on.

In use, water flows from the inlet flow passage 14 in direction A down

pipe 36 into the lower container 29. As the water heats up as a result of solar radiation, it rises in direction B. The water flows into the lower transfer pipe 40 in 185 direction C, through the transfer flow passage 1 8 and into the upper container 29 as shown. In the upper container 29, the now warmer water continues to rise in

direction B and flows into pipe 38 in direction D and into the outlet flow passage 1 6 where it leads to an outlet (not shown) for use.

190 A plurality of manifolds 1 2 with a plurality of containers 29 connected thereto are used to provide a solar heater arrangement as will be described below.

In Figure 4, an end cap 42 is shown which includes sealing members 44 for the transfer passage 1 8 of the manifold 1 2 and for either the inlet flow

195 passage 14 or the outlet flow passage 1 6, depending on which end of the manifold the end cap 42 is located. Each end cap 42 includes a connecting member 46 for

connecting to a corresponding connecting member 46 on an adjacent manifold 1 2 to effect a flow of water between the manifolds 1 2. In Figure 5, a solar heater arrangement 10 according to the invention is shown to include two banks 48 and 50 of containers 29, each connected to a manifold 12. The arrangement 10 is located in a rectangular container 54 and includes a lid (not shown) with which the arrangement may be closed at night to minimise heat loss. Water flow is effected by way of conduits 52 as will be

described hereunder.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 5, in use, a first dual flow path connector 56 is connected to both an inlet conduit 52.1 , which in turn is ft connected to an inlet flow passage 14 of a manifold 1 2 and an outlet conduit 52.2, which is connected to an outlet flow passage 1 6 of a manifold 1 2. The outlet flow

passage 1 6 of one of the manifolds 1 2 is connected to the inlet flow passage 1 4 of the other manifold 1 2. The arrangement 1 0 also includes a second dual flow path

connector 58 for connecting to a second arrangement 1 0, if required. The

connector 58 includes a seal cap 60.

When water is introduced into conduit 52.1 , it flows in direction X through the arrangement 10 as shown and out via conduit 52.2.

In Figure 8, a dual flow path connector 56 is shown to include a hose

connecting formation 62, a dual flow path spigot formation 64 and a screw-on fastener 66 for attaching a dual flow path hose 68 as shown in Figure 9. The dual flow path hose 68 is a flexible hose which defines two flow passages 68.1 and

68.2 as shown.

Referring now in particular to Figures 6 and 7, a dual flow path valve 70 is shown to include an inlet flow path 72 with a washer 74 and seat 76

arrangement mounted in the flow path 72. Furthermore, the valve 70 includes an outlet flow path 78. A diaphragm type pressure sensitive flow controller 80 is

located at the end of the outlet flow path 78 of the valve 70 as shown.

The flow controller 80 comprises a deformable diaphragm 82

connected by lands 84 to an outer ring 86. The diaphragm deforms outwardly in direction A to open the flow path 78 when pressure in the flow path 78 exceeds a

predetermined maximum value.

In use, the valve's inlet flow path 72 is connected at end 72. 1 to a

pressurised water source (not shown) and at end 72.2 to a dual flow path hose 68,

which in turn is connected to the connector 56 (see Figure 5). When the washer 74 is lifted from the seat 76 (by means of a nandle 77), water flows through the inlet flow path 72 in direction B into the arrangement 1 0 (see Figure 5) and back via outlet flow path 78. This causes an increase in water pressure in the outlet flow path 78 which causes the flow controller 80 to open. When the inlet flow path 72

is closed, the pressure drops again and the flow controller 80 closes the outlet flow

path 78.

Thus, water is let into and tapped from the arrangement 1 0 in a single

operation, i.e. by opening the valve 70.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A solar heater arrangement which includes: a manifold having an inlet port at a first side thereof, an outlet port at an opposed, second side thereof, and a transfer port extending between the first and second sides; at least first and second containers being connectable to the first and second sides of the manifold respectively; an inlet pipe extending laterally from the inlet port of the manifold into the

first container; and an outlet pipe extending laterally from the outlet port of the manifold into the second container; the transfer port placing the first and second containers in fluid communication with each other.

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein a plurality of connecting

formations, each having an inlet/outlet communication opening and a transfer communication opening, are provided for connecting the containers to the first and second sides of the manifold.

3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 and 2 including transfer pipes which extend from the transfer port, through the transfer communication opening in the connecting formation and into the first and second containers respectively.

4. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the

manifold is elongate and rectilinear in cross section with discrete inlet, outlet and transfer flow passages along the length of the manifold, the transfer flow passage being located between the inlet and outlet flow passages, the inlet, outlet and transfer ports being in fluid communication with the inlet, outlet and transfer flow

passages respectively.

5. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the inlet and outlet pipes are telescopically extendible and retractable.

6. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the

connecting formations are generally rectilinear in shape and each includes; opposed lip formations for connecting to corresponding opposed groove formations on the manifold; and a collar formation for gripping a container in a sealed manner.

7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6 wherein the collar formation is a

split collar formation, defining an inner collar for bearing against a rim of a container, and an outer collar for bearing against the inner collar.

8. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the containers are beverage cans with their lids removed.

9. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, including gaskets for effecting sealing connections between the containers and the manifold.

10. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, including a plurality of manifolds with containers connectable thereto.

1 1 . An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 0, including an inlet valve.

1 2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein the inlet valve is a

pressure sensitive valve which opens, in use, when fluid pressure in the manifold or containers decreases to below a predetermined minimum value.

1 3. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 2 wherein the outlet flow passage is connected to an outlet valve.

14. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 0, including a dual flow path valve and which is connected to the inlet and the outlet flow passages, the dual flow path valve including: an inlet flow path for connecting the inlet flow passage to a water source; o a seat and washer arrangement mounted in the inlet flow path; and an outlet flow path for connecting to the outlet flow passage.

1 5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 4 including a pressure sensitive fluid controller located in the outlet flow path of the dual flow path valve.

5

1 6. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 5 wherein the fluid controller is a diaphragm type fluid controller.

1 7. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 4 to 1 6, including a o dual flow path conduit for connecting the inlet and outlet flow passages to the dual flow path valve.

1 8. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 7, including end caps located at the ends of the manifold for sealing the flow passages and for

5 providing connection formations between multiple manifolds and the dual flow path valve.

1 9. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 8, including dual flow path connecting formations, each defining an inlet flow path and an

outlet flow path.

20. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 9 wherein the arrangement is mountable on a stand which may be movable to vary the orientation the containers relative to the sun.

21 . A manifold for a solar heater arrangement, which includes: an inlet port located at a first side thereof, an outlet port located on an

opposed, second side thereof, and a transfer port extending between the first and second sides;

an inlet pipe extending laterally from the inlet port of the manifold into a first container; and

an outlet pipe extending laterally from the outlet port of the manifold into a second container.

22. A manifold as claimed in claim 21 , which is elongate and rectilinear in cross section with discrete inlet, outlet and transfer flow passages along the length thereof, the transfer flow passage being located between the inlet and outlet flow passages, the inlet, outlet and transfer ports being in fluid communication with the inlet, outlet and transfer passages, respectively.

23. A method of heating water which includes the steps of: providing a solar heater arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20; allowing an inflow of water into the inlet flow passage of the manifold; and 365 allowing the water to heat up in the sun.

24. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the previous claims, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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25. A manifold substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

26. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the

75 accompanying drawings.