WO2011008187A1

WO2011008187A1 - Solar heating and insulating systems

Info

Publication number: WO2011008187A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/004045
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael B. Flaherty
Original assignee: Flaherty Michael B
Priority date: 2009-07-13
Filing date: 2009-07-13
Publication date: 2011-01-20

Abstract

A solar heat collecting dome includes a frame having frame elements extending upward and inward from a floor structure to a disk at the top of the dome. A dome shaped helical structure including two flexible tubes is woven to extend along and around the frame elements, with the dome shaped helical structure extending across alternating inner and outer sides of the frame elements, and with the frame and the helical structure each containing a fluid path. The solar heat collecting dome may be surrounded by a dome shaped insulating structure including an internal space connected to a vacuum sustaining unit, which is alternately connected to spaces within a number of panels within a wall or box structure.

Description

SOLAR HEATING AND INSULATING SYSTEMS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus for collecting solar heat, and, more particularly to such apparatus including one or more paths through which a fluid is circulated to provide heat at one or more locations external to the apparatus, and additionally to apparatus for insulating chambers, including chambers within solar heating apparatus, from heat transfer to or from an external environment adjacent to the chambers.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A solar heat collector typically includes a heat receiving structure through which a fluid, such as water, is circulated to be heated by solar radiation. The heat receiving structure comprises elements such as piping, tubing, a reservoir tank, and a thermally conductive structure to absorb heat from radiant energy and to transmit the heat to the fluid. Preferably, a transparent cover is placed over the heat receiving structure, allowing the passage of radiant energy, so that the vessel is heated by sunlight, while minimizing the conduction of heat, allowing the heat receiving structure to rise to a relatively high temperature without substantial heat losses to the atmosphere around the solar heat collector. The effectiveness of the thermal insulation in preventing heat loss to the atmosphere has a significant effect on the overall efficiency of the solar heat collector, particularly when the solar heat collector is operated in a cold climate.

[0003] One method that has been employed for collecting heat is the use of a hemispherical dome including lenses for concentrating solar energy within fluids within the domes. For example, a solar energy collector with an energy concentrating unit having at least one converging lens is used for concentrating the sun's rays onto a collecting unit including a fluid-transporting member in which a heat transferring fluid is circulated. A spherical dome structure including two-way mirrors and an external convex lens may be used to direct and concentrate solar energy inside the dome.

[0004] In a solar heat collection system, it is particularly beneficial to insulate the heat collection apparatus from heat transfer to surrounding surfaces and air space while allowing the transmission of radiant solar energy through insulating materials. One method that has been applied to provide thermal insulation while allowing the transmission of radiant energy is the use of a pair of glass plates that are spaced apart to form an intervening air space. A single plate of glass has an insulation value of R1 , with this value being increased to R2 when a second plate is installed to provide a separate air space. Evacuating the air within the space between the glass plates can provide substantially higher insulation values of R30 to R50, at the cost of a need to provide air tight seals around the edges of the glass plates and of a need to provide a structure that can withstand a pressure of about 15 psi acting on each of the plates. However, the use of structures including evacuated spaces for thermal insulation has been the brittleness and relatively low strength of the glass materials generally used and by a lack of reliability of such structures in large thermally insulating systems because small leaks result in a loss of vacuum. Thermal insulation methods and materials that can be used to insulate solar heat collection systems can also be used in other places where thermal insulation is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, solar heat collecting apparatus is provided, including a dome shaped heat collector which in turn includes a floor structure, an upper plate, a frame, and a first plurality of transverse elements. The frame includes a plurality of frame elements, arranged in a circular pattern, with each of the frame elements extending upward and inward from a lower end, attached to the floor structure, to an upper end attached to the upper plate. The first plurality of transverse elements are interwoven with the frame elements so that each transverse element extends across the frame elements alternately inside and outside the frame elements. Each of the transverse elements includes a portion of first and second fluid paths, with fluid flowing in opposite directions within the first and second fluid paths. The transverse elements in the first plurality of transverse elements are connected to one another to form a dome shaped helical structure extending around and along the frame elements. The dome shaped helical structure includes a first end, having an inlet connected to the first fluid path and an outlet connected to the second fluid path, and a second end, in which the first fluid path is connected to the second fluid path.

[0006] Preferably, the solar heat collecting apparatus additionally comprises a thermally insulating structure and a vacuum sustaining unit. The thermally insulating structure forms a central space containing the dome-shaped heat collector, with at least one inlet for fluid flow into the central space and at least one outlet for fluid flow from the central space. The thermally insulating structure includes a dome-shaped framework having a plurality of frame openings; an inner transparent curved sheet and an outer transparent curved sheet held within each frame opening within the plurality of frame openings, and a plurality of openings connecting the portions of an internal space in adjacent frame openings to form an internal space. The inner and outer transparent curved sheets are held in a spaced-apart relationship to form a portion of an internal space. The vacuum sustaining unit includes a first input tube connected to the internal space, a pressure sensor sensing a pressure within the internal space; and a vacuum pump evacuating air from the internal space in response to a signal from the pressure sensor indicating that a pressure within the internal space has risen above a predetermined level.

[0007] Preferably, the floor structure includes a flat inner plate and a flat outer plate, each composed of a strong and resilient material, a frame holding the flat inner and outer plates in a spaced-apart relationship and forming an inner space extending within the frame and between the flat inner and outer plates; and a second input tube connecting the inner space within the floor structure with the vacuum sustaining unit.

[0008] Preferably, the frame additionally includes an inlet, an outlet, with a frame fluid path extending between the inlet and the outlet, and with each of the frame elements including a pair of tubular sections forming portions of the frame fluid path, with a fluid flowing in opposite directions within the pair of tubular elements.

[0009] The solar heat collecting apparatus may include an inner space surrounded by the frame and the transverse elements, an opening within the frame and the transverse elements allowing solar radiation into the inner space, a disk shaped heat absorber extending below the inner space; and a lens concentrating solar radiation passing through the opening on the disk shaped heat absorber, with the disk shaped absorber being held at the focal plane of the lens.

[0010] The solar heat collecting apparatus may additionally include a doorway, a doorway frame element within the plurality of frame elements at each side of the doorway; and a second plurality of transverse elements. The second plurality of transverse elements extend around each of the doorway frame elements, being interwoven with frame elements between the doorway frame elements so that each transverse element within the second plurality of transverse frame elements extends across the frame elements between the doorway frame elements in the circular pattern, alternately inside and outside the frame elements. Transverse elements adjacent one another cross each frame element between the doorway frame elements on opposite sides of the frame element, with transverse elements in the second plurality of transverse elements being joined to one another to form a reversing spiral structure connected to the dome shaped helical structure with a first path in the reversing spiral structure connected to the first path within the dome shaped helical structure, and with a second path within the reversing spiral structure connected to the second path within the dome shaped helical structure.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for building solar heat collecting apparatus is provided. The method includes forming a frame, moving a plurality of transverse elements downward through a plurality of gaps within the frame structure with the frame held in an inverted position, and installing a plurality of connectors to fill the gaps within the frame structure.

[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a thermally insulating system is provided, including a thermally insulating structure including an internal space; and a vacuum sustaining unit having a first input tube connected to the internal space, a pressure sensor sensing a pressure within the internal space; and a vacuum pump evacuating air from the internal space in response to a signal from the pressure sensor indicating that a pressure within the internal space has risen above a predetermined level.

[0013] The thermally insulating structure may include a plurality of thermally insulating panels. Each of the thermally insulating panels includes flat inner and outer plates, each composed of a strong and resilient material, and a frame holding the flat inner and outer plates in a spaced-apart relationship and forming an inner space extending within the frame and between the flat inner and outer plates. The interior spaces within each of the thermally insulating panels are connected to form the internal space within the thermally insulating structure.

[0014] Such thermally insulating panels may be aligned along an interior surface within a building, or may be disposed between elongated members within a structural element within a building. Alternately, the thermally insulating panels may be arranged to form a box structure, extending around a central space, and a door structure, extending across an access opening within the box structure. An insulating panel within the door structure is connected to the vacuum sustaining unit by a path including a first flexible hose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar heat collecting dome built in accordance with the invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional plan view of the solar heat collecting dome of FIG. 1 ;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a dome shaped helical structure within the solar heat collecting dome of FIG. 1 , shown in a straightened condition;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a first alternative version of a dome shaped helical structure for use within the solar heat collecting dome of FIG. 1 ; [0019] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a second alternative version of a dome shaped helical structure for use within the solar heat collecting dome of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional elevation of an end of the dome shaped helical structure of FIG. 5;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a third alternative version of a dome shaped helical structure for use within the solar heat collecting dome of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first version of a frame within the solar heat collecting dome of FIG. 1 ;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view of the frame of FIG. 8,

[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 8, showing the dome shaped helical structure of FIG. 3 being interwoven with frame elements within the frame;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector within the frame of the frame of FIG. 8;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first alternative connector for use within the frame of FIG. 8;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second alternative connector for use within the frame of FIG. 8;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second version of a frame for use within the solar heat collecting dome of FIG. 1 ;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a fragmentary plan view of the frame version of FIG. 14;

[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the solar heat collecting dome of FIG. 1 including a translucent cover;

[0031] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of a solar heat collecting dome built in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; [0032] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative version of the solar heat collecting dome of FIG. 17;

[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a third version of a frame, for use with the dome shaped helical structure of FIG. 3;

[0034] FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of view of a dome-shaped thermal insulation structure extending around the solar heat collecting dome of FIG. 1 ;

[0035] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional plan view of the dome-shaped thermal insulation structure of FIG. 20;

[0036] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the dome-shaped thermal insulation structure of FIG. 20;

[0037] FIG. 23 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a frame member within the dome-shaped insulation structure of FIG. 20;

[0038] FIG. 24 is a first transverse cross-sectional view of frame member within the dome-shaped insulation structure of FIG. 20 at an edge of a removable frame section, showing a path between the interior spaces of adjacent frame sections;

[0039] FIG. 25 is a second transverse cross-sectional view of the frame member of FIG. 23, showing means for attaching the removable frame section;

[0040] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional plan view of a dome-shaped thermal insulation structure and a dome-shaped solar heat collecting structure including an access door and a pathway for access to a space within the heat collecting structure;

[0041] FIG. 27 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a frame member at which the access door of FIG. 26 is pivoted;

[0042] FIG. 28 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a frame member at which the access door of FIG. 26 is latched;

[0043] FIG. 29 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the frame member of FIG. 27; [0044] FIG. 30 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the frame member of FIG. 27;

[0045] FIG. 31 is a fragmentary perspective view of a dome-shaped insulation structure extending around the solar heat collecting dome of FIG. 17;

[0046] FIG 32 is a perspective view of a dome shaped insulation structure supporting a lens assembly above the insulation structure;

[0047] FIG. 33 is a fragmentary cross-sectional elevation of the lens assembly of FIG. 32;

[0048] FIG. 34 is a plan view of portions of a floor structure of the solar heat collecting structure of FIG. 20;

[0049] FIG. 35 is a fragmentary perspective view of a first version of a frame within the dome-shaped insulation structure of FIG. 22;

[0050] FIG. 36 is a fragmentary perspective view of a second version of a frame within the dome-shaped insulation structure of FIG. 22;

[0051] FIG. 37 is a fragmentary perspective view of a third version of a frame within the dome-shaped insulation structure of FIG. 22;

[0052] FIG. 38 is a plan view of an elongated version of the dome-shaped insulation structure of FIG. 20;

[0053] FIG. 39 is a schematic view of a vacuum sustaining unit used to maintain a vacuum in internal spaces within the dome-shaped insulation structure of FIG. 20;

[0054] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional elevation of a thermally insulating panel built for use within a thermally insulating structure;

[0055] FIG. 41 is a fragmentary front elevation of a thermal insulation system covering a wall, including a number of the thermally insulating panels of FIG. 40;

[0056] FIG. 42 is a fragmentary front elevation of a thermal insulation system built into a wall, including a number of the thermally insulating panels of FIG. 40; [0057] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional plan view of a thermal insulation system within a refrigerator, including a number of the thermally insulating panels of FIG. 40;

[0058] FIG. 44 is a first cross-sectional side elevation the refrigerator of FIG. 40, showing elements within the door thereof;

[0059] FIG. 45 is a second cross-sectional side elevation the refrigerator of FIG. 40, showing the pivotal mounting of the door thereof;

[0060] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional plan view of a thermal insulation system within a container, including a number of the thermally insulating panels of FIG. 40;

[0061] FIG. 47 is a first fragmentary cross-sectional elevation of the thermal insulation system of FIG. 46, showing a first method for connection internal spaces of thermally insulating panels therein;

[0062] FIG. 48 is a second fragmentary cross-sectional elevation of the thermal insulation system of FIG. 46, showing a second method for connection internal spaces of thermally insulating panels therein;

[0063] FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of a railroad car having a thermal insulation system including a number of the thermally insulating panels of FIG. 40;

[0064] FIG. 50 is a plan view of a thermal insulation system including a dome- shaped structure including an internal space connected to the vacuum sustaining unit of FIG. 39;

[0065] FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional elevation of the thermal insulation system of FIG. 50;

[0066] FIG. 52 is a fragmentary cross-sectional elevation of the thermal insulation system of FIG. 50;

[0067] FIG. 53 is a schematic view of a single-fluid solar heating system including the heat collecting dome of FIG. 1;

[0068] FIG. 54 is a schematic view of a first dual-fluid solar heating system including the heat collecting dome of FIG. 1; [0069] FIG. 55 is a schematic view of a second dual-fluid solar heating system including the heat collecting dome of FIG. 1 ;

[0070] FIG. 56 is a schematic view of a third dual-fluid solar heating system including the heat collecting dome of FIG. 1 ; and

[0071] FIG. 57 is a schematic view of a single-fluid solar heating system made from a kit for heating a pool or spa;

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0072] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar heat collecting dome 10 built in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention to include a frame 11 , having a plurality of frame elements 12, and a plurality of transverse elements 14. Each of the frame elements 12 includes a pair of rigid tubular elements 15, extending parallel to one another. Preferably, the rigid tubular elements 15 and peripheral tubular elements 16 within the frame 11 are interconnected to form a frame fluid path 17 extending from an inlet end 18 to an outlet end 19. Each of the transverse elements 14 includes a pair of flexible tubular elements 20. For example, the rigid tubular elements 15, 16 are formed from sections of metal pipes, while the flexible tubular flexible tubular elements 20 are formed from a hose.

[0073] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional plan view of the solar heat collecting dome 10, showing sections of the frame elements 12 therein and additionally showing an adjacent pair of transverse elements 14, each of which extends around a circular pattern 19 formed by the frame elements 12. The transverse elements 14 are interwoven with the frame elements 12 so that each transverse element 14 extends across the frame elements 12 alternately inside, in the direction of arrow 22, or outside, in the direction of arrow 24 adjacent frame elements 12. In addition, transverse elements 14 adjacent one another cross each frame element 12 on opposite sides of the frame element 12, i.e. inside the frame element 12, in the direction of arrow 22, or outside the frame element 12, in the direction of arrow 24. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, adjacent transverse elements 14 are connected to one another to form a single dome shaped helical structure 26 extending in a helical pattern around and along the frame elements 12, with all of the transverse elements 14 being sections of a single dome shaped helical structure 26.

[0074] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevation of the single dome shaped helical structure 26, shown in a straightened condition. The single dome shaped helical structure 26 is formed from a single section of hose to include the plurality of transverse elements 14, with the dome shaped helical structure 26 extending between a first end 28 and a second end 30. At the first end 28 of the dome shaped helical structure 26, a first fluid path 31 formed within a first hose segment 32, is connected to a fluid source (not shown), and a second fluid path 33, formed within a second hose segment 34 is connected to a fluid receiver (not shown). At the second end 30 of the dome shaped helical structure 26, the hose segments 32, 34 are connected to one another. Thus, each of the transverse elements 14 includes a portion of the first hose segment 32 and a portion of the second hose segment 34, with fluid flowing in opposite directions within the hose segments 32, 34. As shown in FIG. 1, the first end 28 of the dome shaped helical structure 26 extends outward so that connections to the hose segments 32, 34 can be made.

[0075] FIGS. 4-7 show alternate versions of a single dome shaped helical structure, configured for us as the dome shaped helical structure 26, described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, with FIG. 4 being a fragmentary perspective view of a first alternative version 40 formed from a hose 42 having a square opening 44. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B₁ hoses 45, 46 may be provided with interlocking features, such as circumferential ridges 47 or longitudinal ridges 48, to improve the transfer of heat between sections of the hoses 45, 46 when the sections are held together by clamps or ties 49. FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of a second alternative version 50 including an extrusion 52 having a first cylindrical opening 54 forming the first fluid path 31 and a second cylindrical opening 56 forming the second fluid path 33. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation of an end 60 of the second alternative version 50, showing the extrusion 52 in an exploded relationship with a path connector 64 having an opening 66 connecting the first fluid path 31 with the second fluid path 33. For example, the path connector 64 is attached to the extrusion 33 by a commercially available adhesive. FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a third alternative version 68, in which an extrusion 70 having polygonally shaped openings, such as square channels 72, is shown in an exploded relationship with a mating path connector 74.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first version 11 of a frame within the solar heat collecting dome 10, including a floor structure 76, an upper disk 78 and a number of the frame elements 12, each extending upward and inward between a first end 80 of the frame element 12 at the floor structure 76 and a second end 82 of the frame element 12 at the upper disk 78. The frame fluid path 17 extends within the tubular structure of the frame 11 , with the plurality of frame elements 12 including an inlet frame element 84, an outlet frame element 86, and a number of intermediate frame elements 88. The portion of the frame fluid path 17 within the inlet frame element 84 includes the inlet end 18 connected to fluid source (not shown) and a second end 92 connected to the portion of the frame fluid path 17 within an adjacent frame element 12. The portion of the frame fluid path 17 within the outlet frame element 86 includes the outlet end 19 extending outward to be connected to a fluid receiver (not shown) and a second end 94 connected to the portion of the frame fluid path 17 within an adjacent frame element 12. The frame fluid path 17 within each of the intermediate frame elements 88 is connected at each end 80 to a portion of the frame fluid path 17 within an adjacent frame element 12. At the first ends 80 of the frame elements 12, portions of the frame fluid path 12 are interconnected by peripheral tubular elements 16 and by removable connectors 96.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view of the first frame version 11, particularly showing the upper disk 78 and the second ends 82 of the frame elements 12. For example, the upper disk 78 includes an upper plate 100, a lower plate 102 and a number of screws 104 connecting the upper and lower plates 100, 102 so that the second ends 82 of the frame elements 12 are held between the plates 100, 102.

[0078] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first frame version 11 showing the dome shaped helical structure 26 being interwoven with the frame elements 12. This process occurs with the first frame version 11 resting in an inverted orientation and with the connectors 96 (shown in FIG. 8) not installed within the first frame version 11, so that a gap 110 is present between the peripheral tubular elements 16 extending between adjacent frame elements 12. A gap 112 also extends between the inlet end 18 and the outlet end 19 of the first frame version 11. The dome shaped helical structure 26 is moved downward, in the direction of arrow 114, through each of the gaps 110, 112 to pass inward, in the direction of arrow 22, or outward, in the direction of arrow 24 from alternating frame elements 12.

[0079] Exemplary forms of the connector 96 will now be discussed, with reference being made to FIGS. 11-13. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector 98, which is a first exemplary form of the connector 96. The connector 98 includes a first pipe fitting 100, a second pipe fitting 102, and a coupling 104. The first and second pipe fittings 100, 102 are attached to the peripheral tubular elements 16, for example by brazing. The coupling 104 engages a flange 106 of the first pipe fitting 100 and a threaded surface 108 of the second pipe fitting 102. As a hexagonal surface 110 of the coupling 104 is turned to increase engagement with the threaded surface 108, a rounded end 112 of the first pipe fitting 100 is brought into contact with a conical end surface 114 of the second pipe fitting 102. The connector 96 may then be disengaged to separate the two peripheral tubular elements 16 can be separated from one another, and pulled apart, if necessary, to form a gap 110, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0080] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first alternative connector 130, which can be used in place of the connector 96 described above, with flanges 132 being attached to the ends 134 of the peripheral tubular elements 16, for example by brazing. A number of screws 136, extending in a circular pattern from each of the flanges 132 are used to fasten the connector 130 in place between the flanges 132.

[0081] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second alternative connector 138 that can be used in place of the connector 96 described above. The connector 138 includes a central tubular section 140, which is preferably similar in diameter to the peripheral tubular elements 16, and a pair of outer sections 142, 143. All the threads within the connector 138 are similar, being, for example, right-hand threads. The central tubular section 140 includes external threads 144, which are similar to the external threads 146 of the peripheral tubular elements 16. Each of the outer sections 142 includes internal threads 146, engaging the external threads 144, 146. To remove the connector 138 from the peripheral tubular elements 16, the first outer section 142 is rotated in a direction indicated by the arrow 148 with the central tubular section 140 being held stationary, moving the first outer section 142 in the direction of arrow 150. Then, the second outer section 143 is rotated in the direction of arrow 152 with the central tubular section 140 being held stationary, moving the second outer section 143 in the direction of arrow 154, The connector 138 is then reinstalled between the peripheral tubular elements 16 by reversing this process.

[0082] While the connector 98 has an advantage of simplicity, the alternative connectors 130, 138 have an advantage of not requiring the ends 134 of the peripheral tubular elements 16 to be spread apart to remove or install the connector 130, 138. Each of the connectors 130, 138 may be made long enough to allow the passage of the helical element 26 between the ends 154 of the peripheral tubular elements 16.

[0083] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second version 160 of a frame for use within the solar heat collecting dome 10 in place of the first version 11 of the frame. The second frame version 160 includes a floor structure 162, an upper disk 164, and a number of frame elements 168, each including a pair of adjacent tubes 170, extending upward and inward between a lower end 172 at the floor structure 162 and an upper end 174 at the upper disk 164. A frame fluid path 176 extends within the tubular structure of the frame 160 between an inlet 178 and an outlet 180. The second frame version 160 includes an inlet/outlet frame element 182 in which one end of the frame fluid path 176 extends through the inlet 178, and in which the other end of the frame fluid path 176 extends through the outlet 180.

[0084] FIG. 15 is a fragmentary plan view of the second frame version 160, showing the upper disk 164, which includes an upper plate 183 and a lower plate 184, held together by screws 186, with the upper ends 174 of the frame elements 168, 182 being held between the plates 183, 184. At the upper ends 174 of each of the frame elements 168, 182, the portion of the frame fluid path 176 within the frame element 168, 182 is connected with the portion of the frame fluid path 176 within the adjacent frame element 168, 182. [0085] At the lower ends 172 of each of the frame elements 168, the portion of the frame fluid path 176 within the adjacent tubes 170 of the frame element are joined with one another. Since gaps 187 are present between adjacent frame elements 168, 172, a helical element 26 may be interwoven with the frame elements 168, 182, in the manner discussed above in reference to FIG. 10, without a need to employ a connector 98, 130, 138 as discussed above in reference to FIGS 11-13.

[0086] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the solar heat collecting dome 10 built in accordance with a preferred version of the first embodiment of the invention to include a translucent cover 190, extending over and around the apparatus discussed above in reference to FIG. 1. (As the terms are used herein, translucent materials are meant to include a subset of transparent materials.) For example, the translucent cover 190 includes a number of translucent plastic panels 192, which may also be transparent, that are fastened together along seams 194. The translucent cover 190 may be composed of a thermoplastic resin having suitable resistances to elevated temperatures and to the ultraviolet radiations in sunlight. The translucent cover 190 allows the inward passage of solar radiant energy while minimizing the outward transfer of heat by conduction and convection from the heat collecting dome 10.

[0087] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of a solar heat collecting dome 200 built in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, and shown with a front portion thereof removed to reveal internal details. The solar heat collecting dome 200 includes an opening 202 allowing the direct transmission of radiant solar energy into an internal space 204 within the frame 206 and transverse elements 208 of the dome 200. For example, in the dome 200, the upper disk 78, discussed above in reference to FIG. 9, is replaced with a ring 210 having a central opening 212, in which a lens 214 is held. The lens 214 concentrates solar radiant energy on a dish- shaped absorber 215 located, for example at the focal plane of the lens, above the floor surface 216. The dish-shaped absorber 215 absorbs energy that heats the air within the internal space 204, and additionally reflects a portion of the solar radiant energy to heat the frame 200 and transverse elements 208. An electrically-driven fan 220 is preferably additionally provided to circulate air within the internal space 204. Preferably, the dish-shaped absorber 215 is spaced away from the floor structure 216, so that the fan 220 can circulate air both above and under the floor structure 215.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 17, the translucent cover 190 is held apart from the frame 206 and transverse elements 208 by ribs 222, minimizing conductive losses of heat from the frame 216 and transverse elements 208. This arrangement may also be used in the solar heat collecting dome 10, described above in reference to FIGS. 1-16.

[0089] The dish-shaped absorber 215 may be covered with thermally absorbing and reradiating materials, such as rusty steel plates, with the floor surface 216 additionally being underlayed with an insulation material, such as glass wool to prevent a loss of heat. Experiments have shown that a temperature within the internal space 204 of 85° C (185° F) can be achieved with an ambient temperature of 34° C (93° F) using such insulation in the solar heat collecting dome 200.

[0090] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative version of a solar heat collecting dome 224, which includes the opening 202 within the ring 206 without the lens 210 described above in reference to FIG. 17, so that solar energy is admitted into the internal space 204 without being concentrated by a lens. Other features of the dome 224 are as described above in reference to FIG. 17.

[0091] The previous discussion has described various versions of two-fluid systems, with a first fluid flowing within the first and second fluid paths 31. 33, within the dome shaped helical structure 26, and with a second fluid flowing within the frame fluid path 17, 176. Such systems have a number of advantages arising from the structure formed as the dome shaped dome shaped helical structure 26 is woven to extend around opposite sides of frame elements 12, 182. The flow of fluids in opposite directions in both the dome shaped helical structure 26 and in the frame elements 12, 182 encourages heat transfer within these structures, reducing a chance that hot spots may occur at various locations within the structure. Heat transfer also occurs readily between the fluid paths 31 , 33 within the dome shaped helical structure 26 and the fluid path 17, 176 within the frame elements 12, 182, at all of the points where the dome shaped helical structure 26 crosses the frame elements 12, 182. Fluids flowing within the frame 11 , 160 and the dome shaped helical structure 26 can thus be used for different purposes, with heat being transferred between the frame 11, 160 and the dome shaped helical structure 26 as heat is used more in one of the fluid paths than in the other.

[0092] Nevertheless, solar heat collection apparatus may be built in accordance with another version of the invention to include only a single-fluid system, with fluid flowing only within the dome shaped helical structure 26. Such apparatus may be built as described above, with the frame fluid path 17, 176 being unused. For example, the frame fluid path 17, 176 may be left empty and capped to prevent corrosion. Alternately, if it is desirable to increase the thermal capacity of the frame 11, 160 to reduce fluctuations in the temperature of a fluid flowing within the dome shaped helical structure 26, the frame fluid path 17, 176 may be filled, for example with water that is not circulated, with the water being left in place to absorb and release heat from a fluid circulating in the dome shaped helical structure 26.

[0093] Alternately, solar heat collection apparatus having fluid flowing only within the dome shaped helical structure 26 of FIG. 3 may be constructed using a second alternative frame 230, shown in FIG. 19, to include a number of frame elements 232 not including a fluid path. Each of the frame elements 232 extends upward and inward between a floor structure 234 and an upper disk 236. Before the frame elements 232 are attached to the floor structure 234, the frame elements 232, attached to the upper disk 236, are held in an inverted orientation, with the dome shaped helical structure 26 being wound onto the frame elements 232, generally as described above in reference to FIG. 10. In the frame 230, the upper plate 236 may be replaced with a ring including an opening 238, for use as described above regarding FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0094] A thermal insulation system 250 using a vacuum established within a space between transparent sheets within a dome-shaped structure 252 built to extend around and over a dome-shaped solar heat collector 10, built as described above in reference to FIGS. 1-19, will now be described, with reference being made to FIGS. 20-22. Such an insulation system 250 provides a substantial improvement in the operation of the solar heat collector 10 by substantially reducing the transmission of thermal energy to the surrounding environment while allowing the transmission of radiant solar energy to the heat collector 10. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the thermal insulation system 250, as shown with a front portion of the dome-shaped structure 252 cut away to reveal internal details. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional plan view of the dome-shaped structure 252, extending around the dome shaped solar heat collector 10, and FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the dome-shaped structure 252 extending around and over the dome-shaped solar heat collector 10.

[0095] The dome-shaped structure 252 includes a frame 320 having frame members 322 including horizontal frame members 324 and vertically extending frame members 326, intersecting with one another to form a plurality of frame openings 327. The dome-shaped structure 252 additionally includes base members 328 attached to the lowermost horizontal frame members 324 and to a floor structure 330. The inlet and outlet ends 18, 19 of the frame tube 17, and the first end 28 of the dome-shaped helical structure 26 extend outwardly through holes 332 in the base members 328. As shown in FIG. 21 , each of the frame members 322 includes slots 334 holding adjacently extending outer transparent curved sheets 336 and inner transparent curved sheets 338. Optionally, upper panels 340 may be opaque, since the plate 268 within the frame 256, disposed below the panels 340, is opaque. Preferably, the dome-shaped structure 252 includes a vertically extending frame member 326 outwardly adjacent each of the frame elements 258, allowing the dome-shaped structure 252 to be placed closer to the solar heat collector 10, since the transverse elements 14 are held inward, extending between adjacent frame elements 258.

[0096] FIG. 23 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a frame member 322. Spaces 342 between outer transparent curved sheets 336 and inner transparent curved sheets 338 are connected by a channel 340 extending through the frame member 322, allowing air within the spaces 342 to be evacuated simultaneously. Sealing material 344 is provided to prevent or at least minimize a flow of air into the spaces 342. A vacuum tube (not shown) is connected to one of the spaces 342 to sustain a vacuum within all of the spaces 342 by the movement of air through channels 340 between the spaces 342. [0097] For example, the transparent curved sheets 336, 338 are composed of glass or of a transparent thermoplastic material. Shattering may be prevented by attaching an impact resistant film to one or more of the surfaces 345 of the transparent curved sheets 336, 338. Furthermore, significant strengthening may be achieved by composing either or both of the transparent curved sheets 336, 338 of a transparent ceramic material.

[0098] FIGS. 24 and 25 are transverse cross-sectional views of a frame member

345 showing optional provisions made therein for removing a removable frame section 346, including an outer transparent curved sheet 336 and an inner transparent curved sheet 338. Such provisions, which may be made to provide for the removal of one or more removable frame sections 346 for performing maintenance on the heat collector 254, include splitting the frame member 322 into an outer frame member section 348 and an inner frame member section 350, which are held together by a number of screws 352. A gasket 354 is provided around the removable frame section

346 at the interface between the section members 348, 350. Removing the frame member section 346 by loosening the screws 352, provides access through the dome-shaped structure 252.

[0099] FIG. 26 is a fragmentary cross-sectional plan view of a lower portion 370 of a dome-shaped structure 372, extending around a lower portion 374 of the solar heat collector 376 built in accordance with another embodiment of a solar heat collector. The solar heat collector 376 includes an upper portion built as shown in FIG. 21 and the lower portion 374 built as shown in FIG. 26 to include a space 378 between doorway frame elements 380, through which a person can enter a region 384 within the solar heat collector 376 to enjoy the heat in the manner of a sauna. Within the lower portion 374, transverse elements 385 extend around each of the doorway frame elements 380 to be interwoven with other frame elements 385a, so that the transverse elements extend across the frame elements 385a in a circular pattern, forming a reversing spiral structure 385b. Similarly, the dome-shaped structure 372 includes an upper portion built as shown in FIG. 21 and the lower portion 370 built as shown in FIG. 26 to include an access door 386 pivotally mounted by hinges 388 to be opened in the direction of arrow 390. [00100] The mounting and latching of the door 386 will now be discussed with reference being made to FIGS 27 and 28. FIG. 27 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a frame member 392 at which the access door 386 is pivoted, taken through one of the hinges 388 joining the frame member 392 and the access door 386.. The cross-sectional view is taken perpendicular to an axis of rotation formed by the pins 389. The access door 386 and the frame member 392 are curved outward to present surfaces 393 between a pair of the hinges Each of the hinges 388 is mounted on spacers 394 so the axis formed by the pins is outwardly disposed from the surfaces 393.

[00101] FIG. 28 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a frame member 395 at which the access door 386 is latched. A knob 396, rotatably mounted in the access door 386, is attached to a pawl 400 engaging a latching tab 402 within the frame member 395. When the knob 396 is rotated ninety degrees, the pawl 400 is moved out of alignment with the latching tab 402, allowing the access door 386 to be pivoted open in the direction of arrow 390. A resilient pad 404 may be included to increase a level of force acting between the pawl 400 and the latching tab 402. A handle 405, rotating with the knob 396 is provided for opening the access door 386 from inside the access door 386. While a simple latching mechanism has been described above, it is understood that a conventional latching mechanism of a form well known to those skilled in the art of designing and installing doors, including, for example, a locking knob or latch, could be readily used in this application.

[00102] FIGS. 29 and 30 are additional transverse cross-sectional views of the frame member 392, showing an upper end 406 and a lower end 407, respectively, of a tube assembly 408 connecting a space 410 between transparent curved sheets 412 within the door 386 with a space 414 between transparent curved sheets 416 adjacent to the door 386. The tube assembly 408 includes a formed upper rigid tube 418 connected to the space 414, a formed lower rigid tube 420, connected to the space 416 and a flexible tube 422 extending between the rigid tubes 418, 420. Preferably, the flexible tube 422 is axially aligned with the pivot pin 389 of the hinge 388, so that movement of the door 386 is accommodated by torsional deflection within the flexible tube 422, allowing the space 410 within the door 386 to remain evacuated as the door 386 is opened and closed. [00103] FIG. 31 is a fragmentary perspective view of a dome-shaped structure 440 extending around a solar heat collecting dome 200 built as described above in reference to FIG. 17. Both the dome-shaped structure 440 and the solar heat collecting dome 200 are shown with front portions thereof removed to reveal internal details. The solar heat collecting dome 442 includes an opening 444 allowing the direct transmission of radiant solar energy into an internal space 446 within the frame 448 and transverse elements 450 of the dome 442. For example, a ring 452 at the top of the dome shaped structure 440 includes the opening 444, in which a lens 454 is held. The ring 452 also includes transparent curved sheet attachment features 455 for the attachment of adjacent transparent curved sheets 464 within the dome-shaped structure 440. The lens 454 concentrates solar radiant energy on structures within the solar heat collecting dome 200 as described above in reference to FIG. 17.

[00104] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a dome-shaped structure 500 including brackets 502 supporting elongated members 504 holding a lens assembly 506 in place over the dome-shaped structure 500. For example, the solar heat collecting dome 472, described above in reference to FIG 19, is disposed within the dome- shaped structure 500, with solar radiation being concentrated on the solar heat collecting dome 472 by the lens assembly 506.

[00105] FIG. 33 is a fragmentary cross-sectional elevation of the lens assembly 506, showing an annular frame 508 holding a Fresnel lens 510 in place between a pair of protective transparent sheets 512. While a convex lens can alternatively be used this say, the use of a Fresnel lens provides significant size and weight savings.

[00106] FIG. 34 is a plan view of floor portions 520 of the floor structure 330, discussed above in reference to FIG. 20, in an exploded relationship with one another. For example, the floor structure 330 has been divided into two floor portions 520 to simplify its transportation. Each of the floor portions 520 includes a flat inner plate 522, shown as partially cut away to reveal details within the floor portion 520, and a flat outer plate 524. The flat plates 522, 524 are composed of a strong and resilient material, such as a metal or a reinforced plastic. A frame 526 holds the flat plates 522, 524 in a spaced-apart relationship with one another, forming an internal space 527 within each of the floor portions 520. Preferably, a number of spacers 528 additionally hold the flat plates 522, 524 apart when the internal spaces 527 are evacuated. The floor portions 520 are connected to one another with conventional hardware (not shown), such as screws and brackets, with a connecting tube 530, extending within a gasket 532, connecting the inner spaces 526. A second input tube 534 connects one of the internal spaces 527 with a vacuum tube (not shown).

[00107] Thus, the dome shaped structure 250 (shown in FIG. 20) and the floor structure 330 become evacuated structures, with air being evacuated from internal spaces 342 (shown in FIG. 23) of the dome-shaped structure 250 and from internal spaces 127 of the floor structure 126. As the term is used herein, the evacuation of air does not mean that a perfect vacuum is achieved or approximated, but rather that a pressure low enough to substantially reduce the transfer of heat is achieved.

[00108] FIG. 35 is a fragmentary perspective view of the frame 254, described above in reference to FIG. 22, holding outer transparent curved sheet 336 and an inner transparent curved sheet 338 within a frame opening 327. The frame 254 and the transparent curved sheets 336, 338 are curved inward, in the direction of arrow 540, and upward, in the direction of arrow 548, but are straight in the direction of arrow 550, extending around the frame 254.

[00109] FIGS. 36 and 37 are fragmentary perspective views of alternative versions of the frame 254. In a first alternative frame version 560, shown in FIG. 35, the frame 560 and the transparent curved sheets 336, 338 are straight in the upward direction of arrow 562, while being curved in the direction of arrow 550, extending around the frame 560. In the second alternative frame version 564, shown in FIG. 36, the frame 564 and the transparent curved sheets 336, 338 are curved inward, in the direction of arrow 540 and upward, in the direction of arrow 548, and additionally in the direction of arrow 550, extending around the frame 564.

[00110] Curving the transparent sheets 336, 338 as shown in FIGS. 35-37 increases the strength and stiffness of these sheets 336, 338 in resisting the atmospheric pressure applied to these sheets 336, 338 when the space 342between these sheets 336, 338 is evacuated. In this way, a significant advantage is gained over prior art systems in which flat transparent sheets are used. The curvature of the sheets 336, 338 allows these sheets 336, 338 to be composed of a brittle material, such as glass, or of a flexible material, such as a transparent thermoplastic material, without requiring the use of a multitude of spacers, which in themselves add to thermal conductivity. Furthermore, curving the vertical frame members 326, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 36, increases the strength and stiffness of these frame members 326 in regard to gravitational forces acting on these members 326. It is noted that various curved dome structures have been associated since ancient times with an ability to span relatively long distances within a structure without a need for intervening pillars. The vertical frame members 326 may be curved along a path of a circular arc or along a path, such as a parabolic or catenary path traditionally associated with providing an ability to resist gravitational loading.

[00111] FIG. 38 is a plan view of an elongated version 570 of the dome-shaped structure 252, described above in reference to FIG. 20. Preferably, each of the vertical frame members 572 within the elongated dome 570 is curved in the manner described above in reference to FIG. 35.

[00112] FIG. 39 is a schematic view of a vacuum sustaining unit 573 built in accordance with the invention for use in a thermally insulating system including evacuated spaces, such as the thermally insulating dome 252 described above in reference to FIGS. 20. The vacuum sustaining unit 573 includes an input tube 574 connected, for example, to the spaces 342 between transparent outer sheets 336 and transparent inner sheets 338 (shown in FIG. 23). The vacuum sustaining unit 573 additionally includes a vacuum pump 575, which pulls air from the input tube 574 to be expelled through an opening 576 in the a housing 578. Preferably, a check valve 580 allows the outward movement of air, in the direction of arrow 582 while preventing a reverse flow of air, opposite the direction of arrow 582. A pressure sensor 584 may also be included, turning on the vacuum pump 575 when the pressure within the input tube 572 is above a predetermined level and turning the vacuum pump 575 off when the pressure within the input tube 572 is low enough. The pressure sensor 584 may also provide an input signal to operate an indicator light 586, turning on the indicator light 586 when the vacuum pump 575 is being driven. For example, a constantly running vacuum pump 575 would mean that the vacuum sustaining unit 573 could not keep up with an air leak, indicating a need for repairs. [00113] While, in the example of FIG. 39, the pressure sensor 584 is shown within the housing 578 of the vacuum sustaining unit 573 to measure a pressure within the interior spaces 342 (shown in FIG. 23) by its effect on the pressure within the input tube 574, which is connected to the interior spaces 342, it is understood that the pressure sensor 584 may alternatively be placed within the interior spaces 342 to measure this pressure directly. It is additionally understood that additional indicator lights 586 may be connected to the vacuum sustaining unit 573 through wired or wireless connections to provide similar indications at various locations.

[00114] Thus, through operation of the vacuum sustaining unit 573, the interior spaces 342 and internal spaces 527 within the floor structure 330 (shown in FIG. 33) become evacuated. As the term is used herein, the evacuation of air does not mean that a perfect vacuum is achieved or approximated, but rather that a pressure low enough to substantially reduce the transfer of heat is achieved.

[00115] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional end elevation of a thermally insulating panel 610 built for use within a thermally insulating structure including a plurality of such insulating panels 610 attached to the vacuum sustaining unit 573 (described above in reference to FIG. 39).

[00116] The insulating panel 610 includes a pair of side panels 612 held in a spaced-apart condition within a frame 614. An evacuation tube 616 extends through the frame to provide for the evacuation of air from the interior space 618 between the side panels 612, and seals 620 prevent, or at least minimize, the return of air into the interior space 618 following evacuation. In the example of FIG. 27, the side panels 612 are composed of an opaque material, such as a metal, plastic, or composite material including wood chips. Spacers 622 may be attached to extend between the side panels 612, preventing deflection and possible breakage of the side panels 612 due to atmospheric pressure applied by the air around the insulating panel 610.

[00117] The thermal insulation panel 610 of FIG. 40 is readily useful in architectural applications for separating areas to be held at different temperatures. For example, at least a portion of the interior space within a structure may be thermally isolated from the temperature outside the building, substantially reducing the cost of heating and air conditioning within the building, or a single room may be thermally isolated from other areas in the building. With the active vacuum method of the invention it is practical to provide efficient thermal insulation along large areas using a number of panels 610 within a building, because small leaks, which may occur due to the settling of the building or due to the aging of materials, are taken care of by automatic operation of one or more vacuum sustaining units 573, described above in reference to FIG. 39.

[00118] FIG. 41 is a fragmentary front elevation of a thermal insulation system 700 covering a wall 702 and including a number of thermal insulation panels 610, each of which is attached to the inner surface 704 of the wall 702. The evacuation tube 616 of each of the thermal insulation panels 610 is connected to a vacuum sustaining unit 573 through a manifold tube 706. Each of the thermal insulation panels 610 may be covered with a decorative cover 708. The piping, including the manifold tube 706 may be surrounded by conventional insulation 710 to reduce thermal transfer below the panels 610 and is covered by a trim strip 712. The thermal insulation system 700 may be installed after the wall 702 is finished, and may even be applied to an existing building after its construction.

[00119] FIG. 42 is a fragmentary front elevation of a thermal insulation system 720 built into a wall 722, and including a number of thermal insulation panels 610. An exhaust tube 616 from each of the insulation panels 610, is attached to a vacuum sustaining unit 573 through a manifold tube 724. The wall 722 includes a number of elongated support members 726. Conventional insulation 730 is placed in various locations not occupied by the panels 610. The wall is additionally covered by a wall board material 732, which is generally shown as cut away to reveal internal details. A front panel 734 of the vacuum sustaining unit 573 extends through the wall board material 730.

[00120] While FIGS. 41 and 42 show insulating panels 610 placed against or within walls, it is understood that such panels 610 can readily be placed against or within other elements within a building, such as floors and ceilings, according to the invention.

[00121] Versions of the thermal insulation panel 610 may be used within appliances to form internal spaces that can be cooled or heated to a desired temperature with very little transfer of heat to or from the ambient air. For example FIGS. 43-45 show a thermal insulation system 740 within a refrigerator 742, with FIG. 43 being a cross-sectional plan view of the refrigerator 742, and with FIGS. 44 and 45 each being a cross-sectional side elevation thereof. FIG. 44 is taken as indicated by section lines 44-44 in FIG. 43 to show elements within a thermal insulation box structure 744 and in a door insulation panel 746. FIG. 45 is taken as indicated by section lines 45-45 in FIG. 43 to show the pivotal mounting of a door 748 holding the door insulation panel 746 and the connection of an evacuated space 750 within the door insulation panel 746 and an evacuated space 752 within the box structure 744.

[00122] Referring first to FIGS. 43 and 44, the thermal insulation system 740 includes a thermal insulation box structure 744 having a pair of thermally insulating side panels 754, a thermally insulating rear panel 756, a thermally insulating top panel 758, and a thermally insulating lower panel 760. An opening 760 at a front side 762 of the box structure 744 is covered by the door 748 when closed, with sealing being provided by a flexible gasket 764 extending around the opening 760. The box structure 744 includes a frame 766 having corner frame members 768 holding panel plates 770 extending in directions perpendicular to one another and front frame members 772 extending around the opening 760, hold ing panel plates 770 extending rearward. A vacuum is maintained within the evacuated spaces 752 within the box structure 742 through the operation of a vacuum sustaining unit 573, configured as described above in reference to FIG. 4. The input tube 574 (shown in FIG. 39) of the vacuum sustaining unit 573 is connected to the box structure 744 by a connecting tube 774 and to the various evacuated areas 752 within the box structure 744 by openings 776 extending through the corner frame members 768. The refrigerator 742 includes conventional elements, such as an external cover 778, an internal cover 780 and a door cover 782.

[00123] Referring to FIG. 45, the door 748 is pivotally attached to the main portion 784 of the refrigerator 742 by means of an upper pin 786 extending downward from an upper bracket 788 and a hollow lower pin 790 extending upward from a lower bracket 792. The space 750 within the door insulation panel 746 is connected to a space 752 within one of the thermally insulating side panels 744 by a flexible tube 794 extending through the hollow lower pin 790, so that the opening and closing motion of the door 748 is accommodated by twisting an elongated portion 796 of the flexible tube 794, with the elongated portion 796 preferably being coaxially aligned with the pins 786, 790.

[00124] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional plan view of a container 800 including an evacuated structure 802 including a box structure 804 having an access opening 804 at a rear end 806 and a pair of door structures 808. The container 800 may be of the type that is loaded on a ship, a railroad car, or on a truck trailer. Alternately, the container 800 may form a permanent part of a truck trailer. Each of the door structures 808 is disposed within a door 810 of the container 800, with the door 810 being pivotally mounted by a hinge 812 to moved between the closed position in which it is shown and the open position indicated by dashed lines 814. The panels 610 are generally constructed as described above in reference to FIG. 39. Preferably, the panels 610 extend along each side 820 of the container 800, along the front end 822 thereof, along the floor 824 thereof, and along the ceiling (not shown) thereof, being inwardly disposed, and attached to, structural elements of the container 800, such as ribs 826. All of the internal spaces 618 (shown in FIG. 39) of the panels 610 are connected to one or more vacuum sustaining units 573, discussed above in reference to FIG. 38, which may be located inside the container 800, as shown, or outside the container 800.

[00125] FIG. 47 is a first fragmentary cross-sectional elevation of the container 800, showing a first method for connecting the internal spaces 618 to a vacuum sustaining unit 113. Each of the panels 610 includes an evacuation tube 830, which is connected to a manifold tube 832 extending along a corner of the box structure 804. All of the manifold tubes 822 are connected to the vacuum sustaining unit 573, with the connections being made, for example, . by welding or by screw thread attachment.

[00126] FIG. 48 is a second fragmentary cross-sectional elevation of the container 800, showing a second method for connecting the internal spaces 618 to a vacuum sustaining unit 573. The internal spaces 618 within adjacent panels 610 are connected through a tube 834 extending through a gasket 836 At least one of the panels 610 is directly connected to a vacuum sustaining unit 573. Internal spaces 618 within the door structures 808 are connected to internal spaces 618 within the box structure 804 by flexible tubes extending in alignment with the hinges 812 as described above in reference to FIGS. 43-45.

[00127] The vacuum sustaining unit 573 may be operated through the use of a rechargeable battery that is plugged into the electrical system of a truck carrying the container. Furthermore, the container 800 may additionally include a refrigeration system (not shown) sharing a power source with the vacuum sustaining unit 573. Alternatively, the unit 573 may not be provided with the container 800, with an external connection to a manifold tube 832 being instead provided for periodic use of an external version of the vacuum sustaining unit 573.

[00128] FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional plan view of a railroad car 850, which is, for example, an insulated boxcar or refrigerator car, in which an insulating structure 852 is installed. This insulating structure 852 is similar to the insulating structure 802 within the container 800, described above in reference to FIG. 33, except that different provisions are made for the access doors 854, each of which includes a door structure 856 having thermally insulating panels 610. Each access door 854 is movably mounted using standard railroad car hardware providing a plug-door arrangement, in which the access door 854 is moved outward before being slid along a track 858 for opening, and closed by being moved inward after sliding along the track 858. In the figure, the access door 854 in a first side 860 of the railroad car 850 is shown in a closed position, while the access door 854 on a second side 862 of the railroad car 854 is shown in an open position, so that access is provided through an opening 864

[00129] The insulating panels 610 within each of the door structures 856 are connected with the insulating panels 610 within a box structure 860 by means of a flexible tube 864 resting within a tray 866. Preferably, the tray 864 is installed near the roof of the railroad car 850, with the tubes 862 being attached near the top of the doors 854.

[00130] While the structures described above in reference to FIGS. 20-38 provide relatively large versions of a dome including evacuated spaces between transparent sheets, it is additionally possible to build a much smaller dome to achieve high thermal efficiency. For this purpose, FIGS. 50-52 show a thermal insulation system 910 including a dome-shaped structure 912, built for enclosing a dome shaped heat receiving structure within a solar heat collector within a central space 914. FIG. 50 is a plan view of the thermal insulation system 910, with FIG. 51 being a cross-sectional elevation thereof, taken as shown by section lines 51-51 in FIG. 50, and with FIG. 52 being a fragmentary cross-sectional elevation thereof, taken as shown by section lines 52-52 in FIG. 50.

[00131] The dome-shaped structure 912 includes an outer transparent dome 916 and an inner transparent dome 918, each including a hemispherical portion 920 and a flange 922. A number of alignment brackets 924 fasten the dome-shaped structure 912 to a floor structure 926 by means of bolts 928, with a resilient gasket 930, disposed between the flanges 922 of the transparent domes 916, 918, sealing an internal space 932 therebetween, and allowing the evacuation of the internal space 932 by the vacuum sustaining unit 573, described above in reference to FIG. 39. An input tube 574 from the vacuum sustaining unit 573 extends through the resilient gasket to draw air from the space 932 between the transparent domes 916, 918. The flanges 922 may be formed as integral portions of the transparent domes 916, and 918, as shown in FIG. 51 , or as separate structures rigidly attached to the hemispherical portions 920 as shown in FIG. 52.

[00132] The thermal insulation system 910 is additionally prepared for the installation of solar heat collecting apparatus (not shown), which preferably has overall dome-shaped structure, within the dome-shaped central space 914 by providing a fluid inlet tube 936 and a fluid outlet tube 938, each of which extends from an area 940 outside the dome-shaped structure 912 into the dome-shaped inner space 914, for the circulation of a fluid through the solar heat collecting apparatus.

[00133] Preferably, the floor structure 926 is formed as a thermally insulating vacuum panel structure including a flat inner plate 942, a flat outer plate 944, and a frame 946, which are attached and sealed to one another so that an internal space 948 is formed, with the internal space 948 being evacuated by the vacuum sustaining unit 933 through an evacuation tube 950. Preferably, the flat plates 942, 944 are composed of a tough, resilient material, such as a metal or a reinforced plastic, since transparency is not needed. The floor structure 926 may also include a number of spacers 952 extending between the panels 942, 944 to resist the tendency of the pressure acting on these panels 942, 944 to push these panels 942, 944 together. The spacers 952 may, for example, be cylindrical or elongated.

[00134] It is noted that the shape of the hemispherical portions 920 of each of the transparent domes 916, 918 is considered ideal for resisting internal and external pressure. Evidence of this is seen in the design of tanks for storing gas at relatively high internal pressures, which are generally spherical or cylindrical with hemispherical ends, and in the design of deep diving equipment, including diving helmets and submersible vehicles, which generally include spherically shaped surface for resisting high external pressures. Nevertheless, if additional structure is needed to maintain the space 932 between the transparent domes 916, 918, spacers (not shown) may be attached to extend between the transparent domes 916, 918.

[00135] Various systems including heat collecting domes built as discussed above will now be discussed in reference to FIGS. 53-57. While the heat collecting dome 10 of FIG. 1 is shown within these various systems, it is understood that heat collecting apparatus built in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, including versions having thermal insulating domes, as discussed in reference to FIGS. 20-39, could be used as well.

[00136] FIG. 53 is a schematic view of a single-fluid solar heating system 1040, in which the first fluid path 31 and second fluid path 33 of a dome shaped helical structure 26 (shown in FIG. 3) within a heat collecting dome 10 are connected to a heat receiving structure 1042. The heat receiving structure 1042 includes a swimming pool 1044 and conventional associated elements, such as a pump 1046 and a filter 1048. Water from the filter 1048 is recirculated to the pool 1044, either through the solar heating system 1040, with a first valve 1050 open while a second valve 1052 is held shut, or through a bypass line 1054, with the first valve 1050 held shut, while the second valve 1054 is open. Since this is a single-fluid system, no connection is made to the frame fluid path 17.

[00137] FIG. 54 is a schematic view of a first dual-fluid solar heating system 1060, in which the first fluid path 31 and the second fluid path 33 within a heat collecting dome 10 are connected to a first heat receiving structure 1042 including a swimming pool 1044, operating as described above in reference to FIG. 100. Additionally, the frame fluid path 17 within the heat collecting dome 10 is connected to a second heat receiving structure 1062 including an air handling unit 1064 of and air conditioning system 1066 within a structure (not shown). The air conditioning system 1066 includes a supply duct 1068 supplying heated air from the air handling unit 1064 within the structure and a return duct 1070 returning air from within the structure to the air handling unit 1064. A conventional heating system is provided for warming air moving through the air conditioning system 1066, using, for example, a refrigerant moving through a line 1069 including coils (not shown) within the air handling unit 1064, with the refrigerant being heated by a reverse-cycle air conditioning compressor.

[00138] In the solar heating system 1060, air is circulated within the frame fluid path 17, being moved by a fan unit 1071 into a plenum 1072 additionally receiving air from the return duct. For example, a curved plate 1074 within the plenum 1072 deflects air from the fan unit into the air handling unit 1064. Preferably, the system 1060 additionally includes a first thermal sensor 1078, sensing a temperature within the frame fluid path 17, and a thermal sensor 1080, sensing a temperature within the return duct 1070. Output signals from these sensors 1078, 1080 are provided as inputs to a controller 1082, which then, for example, operates the fan 1071 so that air is moved into the plenum 1072 only when it can heat the air being delivered through the return duct 1070.

[00139] FIG. 55 is a schematic view of a second dual-fluid solar heating system 1090, showing the first fluid path 111 and the second fluid path 113 of the heat collecting dome 10 connected to a first heat receiving structure 1092 including a hot water storage reservoir 1094 and a recirculation pump 1096. For example, water within the storage reservoir 1094 may be used for conventional purposes, such as dish washing and showering within a residence. Preferably, the solar heating system 1090 additionally includes a first thermal sensor 1096, sensing the temperature of the second fluid path 31 and a second thermal sensor 1098, sensing a temperature within the hot water storage reservoir 1094. Output signals from these sensors 1096, 1098 are provided as inputs to a first controller 1100, which causes the recirculation pump 1096 to operate when fluid from the heat collecting dome 10 is needed and can be used to increase the temperature of water within the storage reservoir 1094.

[00140] In the solar heating system 1090, the frame fluid path 17 within the heat collecting dome 10 is connected to a second heat receiving structure 1102 in the form of a hot water system for heating a structure (not shown), including a hot water reservoir 1104, in which water is heated by conventional means, such as electrical power or the combustion of oil or gas, and a number of heat exchangers 1106 through which hot water is circulated to heat various spaces within the structure. A recirculation pump 1108 is used to keep water circulating through the heat exchangers 1106 and into the reservoir 1104, either through the frame fluid path 17 with a first valve 1110 open and a second valve 1112 closed, or through a by-pass line 1114 with the first valve 1110 closed and the second valve 1114 open. For example, a controller 1116 controls operation of the valves 1110, 1112, in response to output signals from a thermal sensor 1118 sensing a temperature within the frame fluid path 17 and a thermal sensor 1120 sensing a temperature within a fluid path 1122 returning water from the heat exchangers 1106.

[00141] FIG. 56 is a schematic view of a third dual-fluid solar heating system 330, showing the first fluid path 31 and the second fluid path 33 of the heat collecting dome 10 connected to the first heat receiving structure 1092, operating as discussed above in reference to FIG. 54. Additionally, the frame fluid path 17 is connected to a second heat receiving structure 1132 including an electrical power generating system 1134, including a turbine 1136 driving an alternator 1138 to power an electrical load 1140. For example, the solar heating system 1130 includes a vacuum pump 1142, which is operated to lower the temperature at which a liquid, such as water turns to a vapor, such as steam, providing for operation of a steam-driven system at temperatures that can be achieved within the solar heating dome 10. Steam released from the vacuum pump 1142 is supplied to a vapor expansion tank 1144, which supplies steam to the turbine 1136. Steam from the turbine 1136 is supplied as an input to a vapor condenser 1146, in which the steam is cooled with air blown through a cooling fan (not shown) to return the steam to a water state. The water is then pumped back into the heat collecting dome 10 through a recirculating pump 1148. Fluid from the vapor expansion tank 1144 may be also recirculated into the heat collecting dome 10 with a flow control valve 1150 being held open. A system controller 1152 controls operation of the vacuum pump 1142 and the flow control valve 1150, receiving input signals from the alternator 1138 and from a thermal sensor 1154, which provides an indication of the temperature within the frame fluid path 17. Preferably, the system controller is additionally connected to the controller 1100 within the first heat receiving structure 1092 for overall coordination of the use of thermal energy available within the heat collecting dome 10.

[00142] FIG. 57 is a schematic view of a single-fluid system 360 for heating a spa or swimming pool 1162, made from a kit including the heat collecting dome 10, a recirculation pump 1164, and a switching unit 1166. The switching unit 1166, which is connected to line voltage, for example, through a plug 1168, additionally includes a thermal sensor 1170, which senses a temperature within the heat collecting dome 10. The switching circuit 1166 switches the recirculating pump 1164 on and off in response to an output from the thermal sensor 1166, so that the recirculating pump 1164 recirculates water from the pool through the first fluid path 31 and a second fluid path 33 of the heat collecting dome 10.

[00143] While the invention has been shown and described in its preferred versions or embodiments with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description as been given only by way of example, and that many changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. Solar heat collecting apparatus including a dome shaped heat collector comprising:

a floor structure;

an upper plate;

a frame including a plurality of frame elements, arranged in a circular pattern, wherein each of the frame elements extends upward and inward from a lower end attached to the floor structure to an upper end attached to the upper plate, and

a first plurality of transverse elements, extending across each of the frame elements and interwoven with the frame elements so that each transverse element extends across the frame elements alternately inside and outside the frame elements, and so that transverse elements adjacent one another cross each frame element on opposite sides of the frame element, wherein each of the transverse elements includes a portion of first and second fluid paths, with fluid flowing in opposite directions within the first and second fluid paths, wherein the transverse elements in the first plurality of transverse elements are connected to one another to form a dome shaped helical structure extending around and along the frame elements, and wherein the dome shaped helical structure includes a first end, having an inlet connected to the first fluid path and an outlet connected to the second fluid path, and a second end, in which the first fluid path is connected to the second fluid path.

2. The solar heat collecting apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising: a thermally insulating structure forming a central space containing the dome-shaped heat collector, with at least one inlet for fluid flow into the central space and at least one outlet for fluid flow from the central space, wherein the thermally insulating structure comprises a dome-shaped framework including a plurality of frame openings; an inner transparent curved sheet and an outer transparent curved sheet held within each frame opening within the plurality of frame openings, wherein the inner and outer transparent curved sheets are held in a spaced-apart relationship to form a portion of an internal space; and a plurality of openings connecting the portions of an internal space in adjacent frame openings to form an internal space; and

a vacuum sustaining unit including a first input tube connected to the internal space, a pressure sensor sensing a pressure within the internal space; and a vacuum pump evacuating air from the internal space in response to a signal from the pressure sensor indicating that a pressure within the internal space has risen above a predetermined level.

3. The solar heat collecting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the floor structure includes:

a flat inner plate composed of a strong and resilient material;- a flat outer plate composed of a strong and resilient material;

a frame holding the flat inner and outer plates in a spaced-apart relationship and forming an inner space extending within the frame and between the flat inner and outer plates; and

a second input tube connecting the inner space within the floor structure with the vacuum sustaining unit.

4. The solar heat collecting apparatus of claim 1 , wherein

the frame additionally includes an inlet, an outlet, and a frame fluid path extending between the inlet and the outlet; and

each of the frame elements includes a pair of tubular sections forming portions of the frame fluid path, with a fluid flowing in opposite directions within the pair of tubular elements.

5. The solar heat collecting apparatus of claim 4, wherein

tubular sections within each individual frame element are connected to one another at the upper end of the frame element,

the plurality of frame elements includes an input frame element, an output frame element, and a plurality of intermediate frame elements, a first tubular section within the input frame element is connected to the inlet of the frame at the lower end of the input frame element;

a second tubular section within the input frame element is connected at the lower end of the input frame element to a tubular section within an adjacent intermediate frame element by a peripheral tubular element including a removable section,

a first tubular section within the output frame element is connected to the inlet of the frame at the lower end of the output frame element,

a second tubular section within the output frame element is connected at the lower end of the input frame element to a tubular section within an adjacent intermediate frame element by a peripheral tubular element including a removable section,

each tubular section within each intermediate frame element is connected at the lower end of the intermediate frame element to a tubular section within an adjacent frame element by a peripheral tubular element including a removable section.

6. The solar heat collecting apparatus of claim 4, wherein

the plurality of frame elements includes an input/output frame element and a plurality of intermediate frame elements,

a first tubular section within the input/output frame element is connected to the outlet of the frame at the lower end of the input/output frame element,

a second tubular section within the input/output frame element is connected to the output of the frame at the lower end of the input frame element,

the tubular sections within each intermediate frame element are connected to one another at the lower end of the frame element, and

each of the tubular sections within each frame element are connected at the top of the frame element to one of the tubular sections within an adjacent frame element .

7. The solar heat collecting apparatus of claim 4, additionally comprising: a translucent cover extending around and above the frame and the transverse elements.

a plurality of ribs holding the translucent cover outward from the frame and transverse elements.

8. The solar heat collecting apparatus of claim 4, additionally comprising:

an inner space surrounded by the frame and the transverse elements;

an opening within the frame and the transverse elements allowing solar radiation into the inner space:

a disk shaped heat absorber extending below the inner space; and a lens concentrating solar radiation passing through the opening on the disk shaped heat absorber, wherein the disk shaped absorber is held at the focal plane of the lens.

9. The solar heat collecting apparatus of claim 4, additionally comprising: a doorway;

a doorway frame element within the plurality of frame elements at each side of the doorway; and

a second plurality of transverse elements, extending around each of the doorway frame elements and interwoven with frame elements between the doorway frame elements so that each transverse element within the second plurality of transverse elements extends across the frame elements between the doorway frame elements in the circular pattern, alternately inside and outside the frame elements, and so that transverse elements adjacent one another cross each frame element between the doorway frame elements on opposite sides of the frame element, wherein transverse elements in the second plurality of transverse elements are joined to one another to form a reversing spiral structure connected to the dome shaped helical structure with a first path in the reversing spiral structure connected to the first path within the dome shaped helical structure, and with a second path within the reversing spiral structure connected to the second path within the dome shaped helical structure.

10. The solar heat collecting apparatus of claim 9, additionally comprising:

a thermally insulating structure forming a central space containing the dome-shaped heat collector, with at least one inlet for fluid flow into the central space and at least one outlet for fluid flow from the central space, wherein the thermally insulating structure comprises a dome-shaped framework including a plurality of frame openings; an inner transparent curved sheet and an outer transparent curved sheet held within each frame opening within the plurality of frame openings, wherein the inner and outer transparent curved sheets are held in a spaced-apart relationship to form a portion of an internal space; a plurality of openings connecting the portions of an internal space in adjacent frame openings to form an internal space; a door section mounted to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and a flexible tube extending between the door and an adjacent surface of the dome-shaped framework, wherein access from outside the dome-shaped structure to the central space within the dome-shaped structure is provided with the door section in the open position and prevented with the door section in the closed position, the door section extends around one of the frame openings, the door section holds the inner and outer transparent curved sheets within the frame opening in the door section, and the flexible hose connects the portion of the internal space between the inner and outer transparent curved sheets within the frame opening in the door section with the portion of the internal space within an adjacent frame opening, and

11. A method for building solar heat collecting apparatus, comprising: forming a frame including a plurality of frame elements disposed in a circular pattern, wherein each of the frame elements extends upward and inward from a lower end, and a plurality of peripheral frame sections extending toward one another at lower ends of adjacent frame members within the plurality of frame members;

with the frame in an inverted orientation, moving a first plurality of transverse elements downward through gaps between adjacent peripheral frame sections and along each of the frame elements, with each of the transverse elements extending across alternating inner and outer sides of the frame elements, with the transverse elements being brought into adjacent positions along the plurality of frame elements, and with adjacent transverse elements extending across opposite sides of each of the frame elements, wherein the transverse elements are connected to one another to form a dome shaped helical structure; and

after moving the plurality of transverse elements downward along each of the frame elements, installing a plurality of connectors to extend between peripheral frame sections attached to adjacent frame members.

12. The method of claim 11 , additionally comprising, with the frame in the inverted orientation, moving a second plurality of transverse elements downward along each of the frame elements, with the transverse elements extending around a pair of doorway frame elements, adjacent one another within the plurality of frame elements, to leave a space between the doorway frame elements, and with each of the transverse elements extending across alternating inner and outer sides of the frame elements between the door frame elements, with the transverse elements being brought into adjacent positions along the plurality of frame elements between the door frame elements, and with adjacent transverse elements extending across opposite sides of each of the frame elements between the door frame elements.

13. A thermally insulating system comprising: a thermally insulating structure including an internal space;

14. The thermally insulating system of claim 13, wherein

the thermally insulating structure includes a floor structure and a dome-shaped structure, extending upward from the floor structure,

the dome-shaped structure includes an internal surface forming a central space extending from the internal surface to the floor structure, and an external surface,

the internal space extends within the dome-shaped structure, separate from the central space and between the internal and external surfaces, and

the dome-shaped structure transmits solar radiation from outside the dome-shaped structure to the central space within the dome-shaped structure.

15. The thermally insulating system of claim 14, wherein the dome- shaped structure comprises:

an inner transparent dome including the inner surface, a first lower surface and a lower flange extending outwardly around the first lower surface; an outer transparent dome including the external surface, a second lower surface, upwardly disposed from the first lower surface, and an upper flange extending outwardly around the second lower surface;

a gasket extending between the lower flange and the upper flange to enclose a space extending between the inner and outer transparent domes to form the internal space; and

at least one bracket holding the inner and outer transparent domes in a spaced-apart relationship.

16. The thermally insulating system of claim 13, wherein

the thermally insulating structure comprises a plurality of thermally insulating panels,

each of the thermally insulating panels includes a flat inner plate composed of a strong and resilient material, a flat outer plate composed of a strong and resilient material, and a frame holding the flat inner and outer plates in a spaced-apart relationship and forming an inner space extending within the frame and between the flat inner and outer plates, and

the interior spaces within each of the thermally insulating panels are connected to one another to form the internal space within the thermal insulating structure.

17. The thermally insulating system of claim 16, wherein the thermally insulating panels are aligned along an interior surface within a building.

18. The thermally insulating system of claim 15, wherein the thermally insulating panels are disposed between elongated members within a structural element within a building.

19. The thermally insulating system of claim 15, wherein

the thermally insulating panels form a box structure, extending around a central space, and a door structure,

the box structure includes an access opening.

the door structure is movable between a closed position, extending within the first access opening, and an open position,

access into the central space is provided with the door structure in the open position and prevented with the door structure in the closed position, and

an insulating panel within the door structure is connected to the vacuum sustaining unit by a path including a first flexible hose.

20. The thermally insulating system of claim 20, wherein

the box structure is disposed within a refrigerator, and

the first door structure is disposed within a pivotally mounted door of the refrigerator.