AU2008100521B4 - Roof solar water and air heater - Google Patents

Description

EDITORIAL NOTE APPLICATION NUMBER 2008100521 This description begins at page 6.

This specification has 1 claim page which is numbered page Description 00 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

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SThe invention relates to a roof encompassing a solar heated water device; a heated water 00 exchanger device to heat air; and a separate integral water tank to collect rain water.

Description of Related Art Solar water heaters are a well introduced prior art. The systems available are typically (,i f expensive and provide outputs that are less than efficient in comparison to conventional Swater heating devices. The reasons for acceptance of solar technology is primarily to provide for an alternative energy system for heating applications to address the growing 00 problem of exhausting other natural energy resources and the adverse effect other energy Sresources have on the environment.

As a result, prior art solar water heaters have slowly gained in consumer acceptance however a need exists to provide for a less expensive, higher efficiency system. To achieve this, an alternative would be to offset the expense of the common art, which typically have been independent devices, with a range of integrated utilization tasks using the same materials needed to provide for solar water heating. The rational being an expense relationship that provides for savings on other tasks independently provided for, integrated into the solar water heating device expense.

For this reason, there is a need for: a device that maximises the surface area for collection of solar radiation for the water heating provision by integrating the solar water heater within the roof planking of the dwelling, or structure; a separate heated air ducting device within the roof planking to offset the cost of domestic home heating; controlled heat extraction from the roof to offset the cost of conventional under roof insulation; a separate integral rain water tank within the roof planking to offset the cost of a fresh water tank; a system providing for the roof itself to offset the cost of a conventional roof.

-6- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 00 0 The present invention is directed to provide for a dwelling roof, a solar heated water service, a heated air service, an alternative to under roof insulation, a fresh water tank and rain water fed from the roof by gravity. The solar water system is powered by towns Spressure (or a pressure pump in isolated regions). The circulation systems providing for a minimum energy input possibly powered by solar cell technology, or alternatively mains electricity supply.

The invention applies to providing a maximum solar radiation collection surface area, simply constructed by extruding the plank and fitting moulded manifolds on either end C connecting same to each other by sliding each unit plank together to form the roof.

The water and air circulation system gaining heat by flowing through an extensive array of conduits formed in the extruded plank. The overall length of the series of planks providing 00 considerable volume of heated water storage in vacuum flasks fitted in each unit plank. In addition, a separate integral tank arrangement formed in the extruded plank provides for C considerable capacity to capture and store rain water.

A blanket of heated air is provided under a clear polymer cover protecting the metal heat exchanges from radiant loss of heat during wind and rain periods throughout the day and the lower temperatures experienced at night.

The compact solid state arrangement of individual unit planks having all necessary circulation requirements moulded into each of the end manifolds allowing for the sizing of heating requirements of a home or dwelling to exacting needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is an exploded isometric view of the unit plank subassembly, a combined isometric view of the unit plank and an end elevation of the unit plank extrusion all of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a full sectional view of the unit plank extrusion as an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a full sectional view of the heated water storage vacuum flask as an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a full sectional view of the three heat exchanger extrusions as an exemplary embodiment of the invention and a full sectional view of both the top and side wind and rain covers all of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the combined unit plank extrusion with end manifold No.1 and end manifold No.2 all of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 4 is a top plan view, side elevation and end view of end manifold No.1 as an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 5 is a top plan view, side elevation and end view of end manifold No.2 as an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 6 is an included sectional side elevation view of the unit plank extrusion and end manifold No.1 combined showing each extrusion component fitted into end manifold No.1 and an end view of end manifold No.1 showing the inlet and outlet ports of the plumbed arrangement.

-7kFIGURE 7 is a schematic of the solar water circulation system as an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

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0 FIGURE 8 is a schematic of the rain water catchment arrangement and circulation system, N a side profile of the roof installation arrangement including the unit plank extrusion connected to the apex connection extrusion and gutter extrusion and a schematic of the heated air circulation system.

TABLE 1 is provided to describe by number, full name and abbreviation each identified component and defined task purpose as noted on FIGURES 1 through 8.

N DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings with numerals representing like parts throughout the various figures and described by name and number in the schedule marked Table 1, a roof solar 0 water and air heater is defined in accordance with the preferred embodiment of this invention. The solar heating device consists of a series of individual plank units CI horizontally connected together that provide for a dwelling, or structure roof, or portion of roof, as either the constructed roof itself or to be mounted on top of an existing roof. The combined utilization of the materials providing for both the roof and the solar heating device is a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The invention relies on the single length unit plank extrusion 2 with two end manifolds 1 and 3 screw fastened on either end of the unit plank (FIGURE The unit plank connected horizontally in series to form an array of unit planks provides for the roof, or alternatively the required surface area of a proportional sized system for adequate solar water and heated air production. The unit plank 80 forms a solid state component of the roof array and therefore the unit plank 80 is an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

In essence, and with particular reference to FIGURES 1 through 8 the basic details of the water and air heater are described. Unit plank extrusion 2 of black polymer material, provides a housing for individual metal heat exchangers 8, 9 and 10 in combination with a vacuum flask 13 fitted within, and of equal length to, unit plank extrusion 2.

Two separate solar radiation collector heat exchangers 9 with flat surface facing up, fit adjacent to each other on top of unit plank extrusion 2 allowing for a maximum horizontal surface area to capture the direct impact of solar radiation onto upper solar surface area 4.

A solar radiation collector heat exchanger 10 with flat surface facing out is fitted to the side of unit plank extrusion 2 providing for additional surface area to capture solar radiation striking from an angle onto solar surface area 5 over the course of the day. The series of unit planks 80 connected horizontally and stepping down the pitch of the roof provide for up to approximately forty percent additional solar radiation collection surface area depending on the roof pitch. An installation pitched either side of the roof apex would gain the advantage of incident solar radiation on one side during the first half of the day and then on the other side during the afternoon period. The upper solar surface area 4 collecting the direct impact of solar radiation throughout the day.

A clear polymer wind and rain top cover 14 is fitted in housing 16 of unit plank extrusion 2 above heat exchangers 9, and side cover 15 in housing 17 outside of heat exchanger 10 to protect the heat exchangers against radiant loss of heat to the atmosphere. Air portal 66 delivering heated air via inlet pipe 65 from air duct 62 and return bend 59 conditions the air under covers 14 and 15 to prevent condensation build up. The heated air blanket supplied from air duct 62 and return bend 59 also assists in maintaining temperature of the solar heated water for minimum heat loss over night.

00 0 Pressurized water towns pressure) is connected via apex extrusion 81 through inlet port 031 of unit plank 80 and directed via inlet pipe 32 moulded into manifold 1 to the first semi N, elliptical conduit of heat exchanger 9. Flow is directed forward and back along each Sconduit reversing via return bend 33. Each of the return bends 33 are moulded into both manifolds 1 and 3. Flow is then directed into side heat exchanger 10 via connection bend 34 and again sent forward and back along each conduit reversing via return bend 33. Solar Sheated water then fills vacuum flask 13 via fill pipe 35 moulded into manifold 1.

Delivery pipe 36 moulded into manifold 1 then directs flow from vacuum flask 13 into the N, first semi elliptical conduit of heat exchanger 8 fitted within and to the upper surface of air Sduct 60 of unit plank extrusion 2. The flat surface of this and all heat exchangers within the air duct arrangement facing inward. Flow is directed forward and back along each conduit again reversing via return bend 33 moulded into both manifolds 1 and 3. Flow continues 00 via return bend 33 in manifold 3 into heat exchanger 10 fitted within and to the upper 0surface of air duct 58 of unit plank extrusion 2. Flow is directed forward and back along C each conduit again reversing via return bend 33 moulded into both manifolds 1 and 3. Flow continues via connection bend 37 moulded into manifold 3, into heat exchanger 8 and 9 fitted within and to the angled under surface of air duct 58 and then into heat exchanger 8 fitted within and to the angled under surface of air duct 60 via return bend 33. Connection bend 38 moulded into manifold 1 then directs flow through heat exchanger 10 fitted within and to the side surface of air duct 58 of unit plank extrusion 2. Outlet port 39 then provides for flow of heated water to transfer into the next and subsequent unit planks 80 connected in series stepping down the pitch of the roof.

Each unit plank 80 provides for independent vacuum flask storage of solar heated water filling in turn one after the other to the 'end' unit plank 80 of the roof array and circulating via return pipe 41, moulded into each manifold 1, directly to the roof apex extrusion 81 and then into the first unit plank 80 using a low pressure circulation pump. Outlet port 39 of the 'end' unit plank 80 is direct connected to a circulation pump and then to return pipe 41.

Domestic hot water is provided by supply on demand port 44 via supply pipe 45 delivered from vacuum flask 13.

Rain water tank space 19 included in unit plank extrusion 2 underneath vacuum flask space 18, provides for four separate structural conduits in common connection via return space cavity 21 moulded into both manifolds 1 and 3. Rain water is captured on the roof, above each wind and rain cover 14, by damming lip 20, slowly draining via notches cut into the lip of each unit plank to gutter extrusion 82 allowing for transfer via pressure pump 84 mounted under gutter extrusion 82 connected to inlet port 53 with flow directed through return pipe 54 moulded into manifold 1. The return line extending to roof apex extrusion 81 to connect via inlet port 49 to the first unit plank 80. Fill pipe 50 delivers captured rain water to tank space 19 filling each unit plank 80 one after the other. A pipe connected under gutter extrusion 82 provides a head of water to pressure pump 84. Domestic supply is provided through direct connection to outlet port 52 of the 'end' unit plank 80. A float switch 87 is fitted within gutter extrusion 82 to turn the pump on during rain periods and a pressure switch 88 is fitted to turn the pressure pump off when all tank spaces of the roof are full.

Unit plank directional flow air duct 58 and reverse directional flow air duct 60 of unit plank are connected via inlet port 56 to an axial flow fan 83 mounted onto roof apex connection extrusion 81 providing for forced air flow through the ducting arrangement. Air is directed through each unit plank connected in series via inlet and outlet ports 56 and 63.

Air is heated by solar heated water flowing through the inward facing heat exchangers 8, 9 00and 10 within air duct 58 and 60 exchanging a proportional amount of heat by conduction C through the flat face of each heat exchanger. Outlet port 63 of the 'end' unit plank C) allows heated air to be supplied for domestic heating purposes. The air flow return conduit N 64 extends the full length of the roof eave on one side and mounts directly on top of the connected series of manifolds 3. Flow can be regulated throughout the home or circulated c- through the return conduit 64 to roof apex extrusion 81.

SThe preferred embodiment of this invention referred to by the drawings is specified to apply to a common roof pitch of thirty degrees however by varying the pitch angle of the _air duct housing arrangement on the lower section of unit plank 80, a range of roof pitch C angles can be provided for. This would involve either a coupling plate (not included) Sapplied to this extrusion shape or a separate plank extrusion shape (not included). A range of models would allow the same invention to accommodate roof pitch angles from five degrees through to thirty degrees.

00 CA 'female' connection lug system (upper and lower) 7 provided on the opposite side to C solar surface area 5 acts in combination with a 'male' connection lug system (upper and lower) 6 provided under solar surface area 5 to slide-on connect each unit plank alongside of each other, stepping down the roof pitch. The full length slide-on support provides for mechanical connection and a means to easily fit each unit plank 80 to form the roof.

A rain water drip tray conduit 30 provided underneath the lower male connection lug acts to disperse any rain water to the roof eave that may leak through the combined 'male/female' connection system. An eave drain conduit 67 moulded into both manifolds 1 and 3 connected via drip tray conduit 30 delivers leaked water to gutter extrusion 82.

Three separate circular conduits 27, 28 and 29 provided in each unit plank 80 act to save on material and can be used to carry services such as electrical, electronic wires and/or plumbing pipes. Access ports, with press-out notched sealing plates moulded into end manifold 1 and 3 allow for solid piping to be fed into circular conduit 27 should that be required. Separate plugs can be supplied to seal the conduit, if used. A notch 74 formed in unit plank extrusion 2 directly below conduit 27 allows for identifying access points from underneath the roof should services be fitted.

The plastic lined metal vacuum flask 13 is formed by combining an outer thin metal skin extrusion 12, alloy or otherwise, to accept an inner food quality, polymer lining extrusion 11. The extrusion shapes are designed with small 'male' and 'female' dove tail joints at regular intervals to slide-fit the two extrusions together. The combination stiffening vacuum flask 13 to strengthen the structural requirements of the flask to draw a vacuum on the void space between vacuum flask 13 and holding space 18.

Claims (4)

1. A unit roofing plank that combines to provide under-roof insulation, collect and store rain water and absorb solar radiation to produce heated water and air streams; Ssaid unit plank comprising: 00 a) a roofing plank with water and air directional flow manifolds fitted at either end; b) a first group of one or more heat exchangers for heating first water stream to N, produce a first hot water stream, said heat exchangers configured to collect t solar energy radiating onto the top and side surfaces of said roofing plank; O c) a storage container for storing said first stream of hot water, said storage _container being configured to minimise or limit heat loss; 00 d) a second group of one or more heat exchangers for heating an air stream, Ssaid second group of heat exchangers being configured to take heat from a stream of hot water exiting said storage container to heat said air stream; e) a clear view cover panel fitted above the top and side of said first group of heat exchangers, said cover forming a void space that is provided with a portion of said heated air to insulate said first group of heat exchangers from heat loss; wherein said roofing plank is built as an integral unit configured to transfer heated water and air to and from multiple unit planks fitted horizontally side by side each other forming the whole, or portion of a pitched roof.

2. The unit roofing plank of claim 1; wherein said storage container is a vacuum flask fitted integrally within the unit plank.

3. The unit roofing plank of claim 1 or 2; wherein said roofing plank is configured with connection elements such as connection lugs such that multiple unit planks may be linked together to form a whole, or portion of a roof.

4. The unit roofing plank of claims 1 3; further comprising an integral container for collecting and storing rain water falling onto the whole or portion of said roof. A unit roofing plank as herein before described with reference to Figures 1-8.