Thermal solar collector device for heating a fluid

Abstract

A thermal solar energy collector device (1) is disclosed, comprising a solar energy absorption tube (10) for a fluid and a reflector (20) arranged along the tube (10) to focus reflected light onto the tube (10), thereby heating the fluid inside the tube (10). The device (1) has walls (30, 35) and feet (40, 45) at its respective first end (1a) and second end (1b), through which the tube (10) extends. The reflector (20) and walls (30, 35) are rotatable relative to the feet (40, 45). The walls (30, 35) and feet (40, 45) are sized such that the reflector (20) can rotate from its open position, where it receives sunlight, to a closed position, in which the inner side (22) of the reflector is surrounded by the walls (30, 35) and the rotated reflector. Thus, the reflector can be easily protected, for example, during a sandstorm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a thermal solar energy collector device for heating fluids. More specifically, the invention relates to a solar energy collector device comprising a solar energy absorption tube for the fluid and a reflector arranged along the solar energy absorption tube, the reflector being configured to focus reflected light onto the solar energy absorption tube, thereby heating the fluid inside the solar energy absorption tube. Background Technology

[0002] Solar energy is a virtually inexhaustible energy source, accessible anywhere on the Earth's surface during the day. Moreover, it is a clean and renewable energy source. Furthermore, everyone is permitted to utilize solar energy because no one possesses the energy of the sun's rays, contrasting sharply with fossil fuels, hydroelectric power, and the like. All in all, this makes solar energy the most suitable energy source for everyone, especially in poorer countries.

[0003] One type of device that utilizes solar energy is a thermal solar collector. A thermal solar collector uses solar energy to heat a medium, particularly a fluid, such as water. Typically, a thermal solar collector device includes a solar absorber tube for the fluid and a reflector arranged along the solar absorber tube to focus reflected light onto the solar absorber tube, thereby heating the fluid inside the solar absorber tube.

[0004] Examples of such thermal solar collector devices are described in published international patent applications WO23187373A1 and WO22245197A1. The thermal solar collectors described therein are rotatable to follow the sun's movement across the sky. These thermal solar collectors are used in rural areas and are therefore exposed to severe weather conditions and other external impacts that can affect them. For example, if the thermal solar collector device of WO22245197 is exposed to a sandstorm, the motors and transmissions providing the rotational and tilting motion of the upper support structure may be damaged. Furthermore, sandstorms can impact the inner surface of the reflector. In short, sandstorms can severely shorten the lifespan of such thermal solar collector devices. Therefore, there is a need for a thermal solar collector device capable of withstanding severe weather conditions and other external impacts. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a thermal solar collector device capable of withstanding severe weather conditions and other external shocks. Another object is to provide a cost-effective thermal solar collector device that is affordable for most people. Yet another object is to provide an easy-to-operate thermal solar collector device. At least one of these objects can be achieved by using a thermal solar collector device as defined in any of the appended claims.

[0006] According to one aspect, a thermal solar energy collector device is provided, extending in its extending direction from a first end toward a second end. The solar energy collector device includes a solar absorber tube for receiving fluid, the solar absorber tube having a central axis extending in the extending direction. The solar energy collector device also includes a reflector extending along the solar absorber tube from its first end to its opposite second end. The reflector has a reflective inner surface pointing toward the solar absorber tube. The reflector has a curved shape arranged such that light falling onto the inner surface of the reflector falls onto the solar absorber tube after being reflected. The curved shape is a curved cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the extending direction. The curved cross-sectional shape extends from the first cross-sectional end of the reflector to the second cross-sectional end in a plane perpendicular to the extending direction. The solar energy collector device also includes a first wall fixed to the first end of the reflector along the inner surface of the reflector. The first wall has a base extending between the first and second cross-sectional ends of the reflector, the base being spaced apart from the reflector between the first and second cross-sectional ends. The solar energy collector device also includes a second wall fixed to the second end of the reflector along the inner surface of the reflector. The second wall has a base extending between a first cross-sectional end and a second cross-sectional end of the reflector, the base being spaced apart from the reflector between the first and second cross-sectional ends. The solar collector device also includes: a first foot disposed at a first end of the solar collector device, the first foot having a base for positioning on the ground or a support; and a second foot disposed at a second end of the solar collector device, the second foot having a base for positioning on the ground or a support. Furthermore, a solar absorber tube extends through the first foot, the first wall, the second wall, and the second foot. The reflector, the first wall, and the second wall are rotatably disposed to the first foot and the second foot and are rotatable about the central axis of the solar absorber tube. Furthermore, the dimensions of the first foot, the first wall, the second foot, and the second wall are designed such that when rotated about the central axis, the reflector can rotate to a closed position, in which the base of the first wall is flush with the base of the first foot, and the base of the second wall is flush with the base of the second foot. Furthermore, when the bases of the first and second feet are positioned on the ground, the thermal solar collector is arranged to be lifted when the reflector is to rotate around the central axis to a closed position.

[0007] In this closed position, the base of the first wall is approximately at the same level as the base of the first foot. Similarly, the base of the second wall is approximately at the same level as the base of the second foot. Furthermore, when the bases of the first and second feet are positioned on the ground, this means that the bases of the first and second walls are also on the ground. Moreover, since the first wall is fixed to the first end of the reflector along its inner surface, and the second wall is fixed to the second end of the reflector along its inner surface, when the reflector is rotated to the closed position and the bases of the first and second feet are positioned on the ground, the first and second walls, together with the ground and the reflector, or in fact, the outer side of the reflector, form a more or less enclosed space, at least provided the ground is fairly flat. Thus, by rotating the reflector to the closed position, together with the first and second walls fixed to it—that is, making the reflector more or less upside down compared to, for example, in the open position (i.e., when used as a reflector to reflect sunlight toward the solar absorber tube)—the inner surface of the reflector is well protected in the event of events such as sandstorms or other types that could damage it. In the long run, the lifespan of a solar collector device can be significantly extended by simply rotating the reflector when not in use and / or during inclement weather. With the bases of the first and second feet positioned on the ground, the thermal solar collector is arranged to be lifted when the reflector is to be rotated to the closed position. This is done to allow the reflector to be rotated to its closed position without being obstructed by the ground. With the bases of the first and second feet positioned on one or more supports, this rotation can be performed without any lifting, provided the supports are high enough to allow the reflector to pass freely over the ground where the supports are placed during rotation. When the device is placed on a support, the protection against inclement weather in the closed position is not as good as when it is placed on the ground. However, the protection is better than when the device is in the open position. Furthermore, for better weather protection when the device is positioned on a support, the device can be lifted from the support after the reflector has been rotated to the closed position and then placed on the ground in the closed position.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the positions where the solar absorber tube extends through the first wall, the second wall, the first foot, and the second foot are selected such that the reflector can rotate to a closed position when rotated about a central axis, in which the base of the first wall is flush with the base of the first foot, and the base of the second wall is flush with the base of the second foot. This allows the reflector to rotate to the closed position by cleverly selecting these positions. According to one embodiment, the first wall, the first foot, the second wall, and the second foot all have holes at the aforementioned positions for the solar absorber tube to extend through.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a first distance between the location where the solar absorber tube extends through the first wall and the base of the first wall is approximately equal to a second distance between the location where the solar absorber tube extends through the first foot and the base of the first foot. The first distance is perpendicular to the base of the first wall, and the second distance is perpendicular to the base of the first foot. Furthermore, a third distance between the location where the solar absorber tube extends through the second wall and the base of the second wall is approximately equal to a fourth distance between the location where the solar absorber tube extends through the second foot and the base of the second foot. The third distance is perpendicular to the base of the second wall, and the fourth distance is perpendicular to the base of the second foot.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the first wall has a hole through which a solar absorber tube extends, and the first foot also has a hole through which the solar absorber tube extends. Furthermore, a first distance perpendicular to the base of the first wall between the hole and the base of the first wall is approximately equal to a second distance perpendicular to the base of the first foot between the hole and the base of the first foot. Furthermore, the second wall has a hole through which a solar absorber tube extends, and the second foot also has a hole through which the solar absorber tube extends. Furthermore, a third distance perpendicular to the base of the second wall between the hole and the base of the second wall is approximately equal to a fourth distance perpendicular to the base of the second foot between the hole and the base of the second foot.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the first foot is positioned outside the first wall such that the first foot faces the side of the first wall that is away from the second wall. Similarly, the second foot is positioned outside the second wall such that the second foot faces the side of the second wall that is away from the first wall.

[0012] According to yet another embodiment, the reflector has a circular shape in the cross-sectional plane and has an extension from its first cross-sectional end to its second cross-sectional end, the extension covering approximately 180 degrees when viewed from the center of the circle of the circular shape. Alternatively, the reflector has an elliptical shape in the cross-sectional plane and has an extension from its first cross-sectional end to its second cross-sectional end, the extension covering approximately 180 degrees when viewed from the center of the ellipse of the elliptical shape.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the base of the first wall provides a flat surface away from the inner surface of the reflector, and the base of the second wall also provides a flat surface away from the inner surface of the reflector. Thus, when the device is positioned on the ground after being rotated to the closed position, the base will more or less seal against the ground, provided the ground is substantially flat, thereby providing good protection against surrounding sand and the like.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the reflector has a curved cross-sectional shape in a plane Y perpendicular to the extension direction that is arc-shaped, and the solar absorber tube is positioned off-center from the center of the circle. Typically, such a reflector has an elliptical cross-sectional shape, and the solar absorber tube is positioned at one focus of the ellipse. By using an arc shape and positioning the solar absorber tube off-center or obliquely from the center of the circle, the solar absorber tube can be positioned such that sunlight reflected from the reflector is spread over a larger portion of the tube's surface compared to existing technologies.

[0015] According to yet another embodiment, the first wall has a generally flat, solid semi-cylindrical shape, with its curved envelope surface fixed to a first end of the reflector. Furthermore, the second wall has a generally flat, solid semi-cylindrical shape, with its curved envelope surface fixed to a second end of the reflector.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the first foot has a generally flat, solid semi-cylindrical shape, and its straight surface opposite to its curved envelope forms the base of the first foot. Furthermore, the second foot has a generally flat, solid semi-cylindrical shape, and its straight surface opposite to its curved envelope forms the base of the second foot.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the first and second walls are made of a composite material comprising a polymer reinforced with organic fiber material. This material is durable; in other words, it can withstand severe weather conditions such as sandstorms. Furthermore, this material is easy to process, making it easy to attach the corresponding first and second reflector ends to the corresponding first and second walls when made from this material. In addition, the holes for the solar absorber tubes can be easily and precisely produced in the walls by drilling.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment, the thermal solar collector device further includes one or more supports, on which a first foot and a second foot will be positioned. The one or more supports have a height that allows the reflector to be rotated to a closed position without lifting the thermal solar collector device when the thermal solar collector is positioned on the one or more supports with its first foot and second foot.

[0019] Further possible features and benefits will become apparent from the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The solution will now be described in more detail with the aid of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view of a thermal solar energy collector device in the open position according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The reflector of the thermal solar energy collector device is located in the cross section YY.

[0022] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a solar thermal collector device in a closed position.

[0023] Figure 4 It shows the absence of feet. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a thermal solar energy collector device.

[0024] Figure 5a yes Figure 1 Side view of the first wall of the thermal solar energy collector device.

[0025] Figure 5b yes Figure 1 Side view of the first foot of the thermal solar collector device.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of a solar collector device mounted vertically on a wall. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the following detailed description of an embodiment of the thermal solar energy collector device 1 according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, we provide a detailed description of the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 1This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a thermal solar energy collector device 1. The thermal solar energy collector device 1 has an elongated extension from its first end 1a to its second end 1b. The thermal solar energy collector device 1 includes a solar energy absorption tube 10 for receiving a fluid to be heated (e.g., water). The solar energy absorption tube 10 has a central axis X. The elongated thermal solar energy collector device 1 and its solar energy absorption tube 10 extend along the central axis X. The solar energy absorption tube 10 may have a circular cross-section. The solar energy absorption tube 10 is made of a material that absorbs and conducts solar energy well, such as steel, copper, or any other thermally conductive material. The solar energy absorption tube 10 may be dark-colored, preferably black, so that it absorbs most of the solar energy directed towards it. According to one embodiment, the thermal solar energy collector device 1 also includes a second tube 12 surrounding the solar energy absorption tube 10. The second tube 12 is transparent to sunlight, so that solar energy directed towards the solar energy absorption tube 10 is transmitted through the second tube 12 and reaches the solar energy absorption tube 10. The second tube 12 may be made of a polymer material. One purpose of this second tube 12 is to capture the air closest to the solar absorber tube 10, which can then be heated by any waste heat from the solar absorber tube and thus contribute secondary heating to the solar absorber tube and the fluid inside it. Using this transparent material for the second tube 12 allows for higher efficiency in the thermal solar collector device 1. The second tube 12 extends coaxially with the solar absorber tube 10 along the central axis X. The second tube 12 has a larger cross-section than the solar absorber tube 10, for example, its diameter is twice that of the solar absorber tube 10.

[0029] The thermal solar collector device 1 also includes a reflector 20 positioned at a distance from the solar absorber tube 10. The reflector 20 extends from its first end 20a to its second end 20b along the solar absorber tube 10 (i.e., parallel to the central axis X of the solar absorber tube 10). The reflector 20 has a curved cross-sectional shape in a plane YY perpendicular to the central axis X of the solar absorber tube 10. The cross-sectional shape of the reflector... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. The reflector 20 preferably has the same curved cross-sectional shape along its extension parallel to the central axis X. The reflector 20 is preferably substantially thin, i.e., it has a substantially short extension in the radial direction from the central axis X of the solar absorber tube 10. The radial extension of the reflector 20 is preferably substantially the same throughout the reflector, i.e., the reflector 20 has a uniform thickness. The reflector 20 has an outer surface 21 facing away from the solar absorber tube 10 and an inner surface 22 facing the solar absorber tube 10. The reflector 20 has such a curved shape and is positioned at a distance from the solar absorber tube 10 that light beams falling on the inner surface 22 of the reflector 20 fall onto the solar absorber tube 10 after being reflected.

[0030] The reflector 20 extends in cross-section from the first cross-sectional end 23 to the second cross-sectional end 24. Figure 2 According to one embodiment, in a cross-section in plane YY, the reflector 20 has an extension surrounding the solar absorber tube 10 from its first cross-sectional end 23 to its second cross-sectional end 24, such that it covers approximately 180 degrees around the solar absorber tube 10. In other words, and as... Figure 2 As shown, perpendicular to the central axis X, the reflector 20 covers an angle α of approximately 180 degrees taken from the center of the solar absorber tube 10. However, the covered angle may be slightly smaller or slightly larger, especially in the embodiment described now. According to this embodiment, the solar absorber tube 10 is positioned slightly off-center from the focal line of the reflector 20 parallel to the central axis X, such that the light reflected by the reflector 20 is scattered across the envelope of the solar absorber tube 10, preferably across the entire portion of the envelope of the solar absorber tube 10 that can be illuminated by the reflected light. The larger the solar absorber tube 10 is in its cross-section perpendicular to its central axis, the more it is off-center from the focal line.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the reflector 20 has a circular cross-sectional shape, most preferably semi-circular. The semi-circular cross-sectional shape is particularly advantageous because it fits well with the solid semi-circular walls 30, 35, which will be explained further below. According to another embodiment, the reflector 20 has an elliptical cross-sectional shape.

[0032] The inner surface 22 of the reflector 20 is made of a reflective material. The reflective material can be a metal, such as aluminum or steel, or any other type of reflective material. According to one embodiment, the reflector 20 has a base made of an environmentally friendly and cost-effective material (e.g., cardboard or recycled plastic) coated with a reflective material (e.g., aluminum foil) on its inner surface 22. The base, made of a material such as cardboard, can be coated on its outer surface 21 with a weather-resistant material, such as a polymer. Alternatively, the reflector 20 can be made solely of metal, such as stainless steel, which is very durable but more expensive.

[0033] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the thermal solar collector device 1 also has a first wall 30 fixed to a first end 20a of the reflector 20. The first wall 30 is fixed to the first end 20a of the reflector 20 such that it abuts against the inner surface 22 of the reflector 20 at the first end 20a. The first wall 30 has a first side, the shape of which is preferably complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the reflector 20, such that the first side follows the inner surface 2 of the reflector 20, that is, the cross-sectional extension of the reflector 20 from its first cross-sectional end 23 to its second cross-sectional end 24, as shown. Figure 2As shown. The first wall 30 also has a base 32, see, for example Figure 1 and Figure 4 The base 32 connects to the opposite end of the first side of the first wall 30. In other words, the base 32 extends from the first cross-sectional end 23 to the second cross-sectional end 24 of the reflector 20 at the first end 20a of the reflector 20. However, as the base 32 extends from the first cross-sectional end 23 to the second cross-sectional end 24 of the reflector 20, it is spaced apart from the reflector 20. Preferably, the base 32 of the first wall 30 provides a flat surface away from the inner surface 22 of the reflector 20. Providing a flat surface away from the inner surface 22 of the reflector means that the surface of the base 32 extends as a straight plane between the first cross-sectional end 23 and the second cross-sectional end 24 of the reflector 20. According to one embodiment, the first wall 30 has a semi-circular cross-section, wherein the diameter of the semi-circle is where the base 32 is located, and the periphery of the semi-circle is where the first side is located. The first wall 30 has a thickness in the extending direction of the thermal solar collector device 1, which is preferably the same throughout the first wall 30. According to one embodiment, the first wall 30 has a generally flat, solid semi-cylindrical shape. The curved envelope of the first wall 30 can be fixed to the first end 20a of the reflector 20. The first wall 30 can be fixed to the reflector 20 by a plurality of attachment devices 51, 52, 53 (e.g., screws or rivets), which are distributed around the periphery of the first end 20a of the reflector 20, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0034] The thermal solar collector device 1 also has a second wall 35 fixed to the second end 20b of the reflector 20 (i.e., away from the first wall 30). The second wall 35 is fixed to the second end 20b of the reflector 20 such that it abuts against the inner surface 22 of the reflector at the second end 20b. The second wall 35 has a base 37, see, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 4 The second wall 35 is arranged according to any of the embodiments described above with respect to the first wall 30. According to a preferred embodiment, the second wall 35 has the same dimensions and shape as the first wall 30. The second wall 35 can be secured to the reflector 20 by a plurality of attachment devices 54, 55, 56 (e.g., screws or rivets), which are distributed around the periphery of the second end 20b of the reflector 20, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 .

[0035] In embodiments where a second tube 12 surrounds the solar absorption tube 10, the second tube 12 may extend between the first wall 30 and the second wall 35.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the thermal solar collector device 1 also has a first foot 40 disposed at a first end 1a of the solar collector device. The first foot 40 has a base 42 for positioning on the ground or a support (not shown). The base 42 is preferably substantially flat, or provides a flat surface, such that it will stand stably on the ground when positioned on the ground or on the support when positioned on the support. The base 42 preferably has a considerable surface area for stable standing. The first foot 40 may be positioned outside the first wall 30 such that the first foot 40 faces the side of the first wall 30 away from the second wall 35. According to one embodiment, the first foot 40 has the shape of a solid semi-cylinder, wherein the rectangular side of the semi-cylinder forms the base 42 of the first foot 40. The solid semi-cylinder may be substantially flat. According to another embodiment, a recess 43 is present in the base 42 of the first foot 40. The recess 43 is located in the middle portion of the base 42, i.e., at the center of the cylinder to which the semi-cylinder belongs. The recess 43 can be formed into a semi-cylinder.

[0037] The thermal solar collector device 1 also has a second foot 45 disposed at a second end 1b of the solar collector device. The second foot 45 has a base 47 for positioning on the ground or a support (not shown). The second foot 45 can be positioned outside the second wall 35 such that the second foot 45 faces the side of the second wall 35 away from the first wall 30. The second foot 45 is arranged according to any of the embodiments described above with respect to the first foot 40. According to a preferred embodiment, the second foot 45 has the same size and shape as the first foot 40. The first foot 40 and the second foot 45 can be produced from a cylinder having a circular cross-section, wherein the first foot 40 and the second foot 45 are produced by dividing the cylinder centrally along the central axis of the cylinder. In embodiments where a recess 43 exists in the respective first foot 40 and the second foot 45, the first foot and the second foot can be produced by dividing a cylinder having a circular cross-section into two equal parts, the cylinder having a hole having a circular cross-section extending through the center of the respective foot 40, 45.

[0038] The first wall 30 and the second wall 35 can be made of any material resistant to harsh weather conditions. The material is preferably cost-effective. An example of a suitable material for walls 30 and 35 is a composite material comprising a polymer reinforced with an organic fiber material. This composite material is also suitable for the first foot 40 and the second foot 45.

[0039] Furthermore, the solar absorber tube 10 extends through the first foot 40, the first wall 30, the second wall 35, and the second foot 45. The reflector 20, the first wall 30, and the second wall 35 are rotatably arranged to the first foot 40 and the second foot 45 and are rotatable about the central axis X of the solar absorber tube 10. In other words, since the first wall 30 and the second wall 35 are fixed to the reflector 20 and rotatably arranged relative to the first foot 40 and the second foot 45, when the reflector 20 and the walls 30, 35 rotate, they will rotate together about the central axis X of the solar absorber tube 10, but the first foot 40 and the second foot 45 will not rotate. The reflector 20 and the walls 30, 35 are preferably rotated manually, i.e., without a motor for rotation. However, in one embodiment, a motor for rotation may be provided.

[0040] The first wall 30 and the second wall 35 may each have holes 31 and 36 through which the solar absorber tube 10 extends (see Figure 4 The solar absorber tube 10 may not be fixed to the corresponding walls 30, 35, thereby allowing the reflector 20 and the first wall 30 and the second wall 35 to rotate without rotating the solar absorber tube 10. Alternatively, the corresponding walls 30, 35 may be provided with bearings (not shown), one side of which is fixed to the periphery of the corresponding holes 31, 36, and the opposite side of which is fixed to the solar absorber tube 10, thereby allowing the reflector 20 and the first wall 30 and the second wall 35 to rotate without rotating the solar absorber tube 10, but a fixed connection still exists between the walls 30, 35 and the tube 10 via the bearings. Alternatively, the solar absorber tube 10 is fixed to the corresponding walls 30, 35 such that when the reflector 20 and the first wall 30 and the second wall 35 are rotated, the solar absorber tube 10 also rotates.

[0041] The first foot 40 and the second foot 45 may each have a hole 41 through which the solar absorber tube 10 extends. (See...) Figure 1 and Figure 3 (The hole in the second foot 45 is not shown in the figure). The solar absorber tube 10 may not be fixed to the corresponding feet 40, 45. Alternatively, the corresponding feet 40, 45 may be provided with a bearing (not shown), one side of which is fixed to the periphery of the corresponding hole 41, while the opposite side of the bearing is fixed to the solar absorber tube 10. Thus, even in an alternative embodiment where the solar absorber tube 10 rotates together with the reflector 20, the reflector 20, as well as the first wall 30 and the second wall 35, can rotate without rotating the feet 40, 45. Alternatively, the solar absorber tube 10 is fixed to the corresponding feet 40, 45. In this alternative, the solar absorber tube 10 cannot be fixed to any of the walls 30, 35, because this would mean the rotation of the feet 40, 45 when the reflector 20 rotates.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the dimensions of the first foot 40, the first wall 30, the second foot 45, and the second wall 35 are designed such that when the reflector 20 rotates about the central axis X, it can be positioned such that when it faces the sky and moves away from the ground to receive sunlight, for example... Figure 1 The open position is rotated to the closed position, in which the reflector points downward toward the ground, and the base 32 of the first wall 30 is flush with the base 42 of the first foot 40, and the base 37 of the second wall 35 is flush with the base 47 of the second foot 45. This closed position... Figure 3 As shown in the figure. According to an embodiment that can be combined with the above, the positions in which the solar absorber tube 10 extends through the first wall 30, the second wall 35, the first foot 40 and the second foot 45 are selected such that when the reflector 20 is rotated about the central axis X, it can rotate to a closed position in which the base 32 of the first wall 30 is flush with the base 42 of the first foot 40 and the base 37 of the second wall 35 is flush with the base 47 of the second foot 45.

[0043] Figure 5a This is a side view of the first wall 30. Figure 5b This is a side view of the first foot 40. According to one embodiment, a first distance d1 perpendicular to the base 32 of the first wall 30 is approximately equal to a second distance d2 perpendicular to the base 42 of the first foot 40. Thus, when the reflector 20 is positioned from... Figure 1 Rotate the opening position to, as Figure 3 When the device is in the closed position, the base 32 of the first wall 30 will be aligned with the base 42 of the first foot 40, and since the base of the first foot stands on the ground, when the device is in the closed position... Figure 3 When in the closed position, the reflector will be more or less closed. Distances d1 and d2 can be measured from the center of the corresponding holes 31 and 41. Similarly, the third distance between the hole 36 of the second wall 35 and the base 37 of the second wall 35, perpendicular to the base 37 of the second wall 35, is approximately equal to the fourth distance between the hole of the second foot 45 and the base 47 of the second foot 45, perpendicular to the base 47 of the second foot 45.

[0044] When the thermal solar collector 1 is not in use temporarily, and / or when inclement weather occurs, the reflector 20 can be easily moved from its position by simply pushing the reflector to rotate it about the central axis X to its closed position. Figure 1 Rotate the open position to its Figure 3The device may need to be lifted during rotation to allow the reflector 20 to reach the closed position. In embodiments where the first foot 40 and second foot 45 are positioned on the ground when the reflector 20 is to rotate from the open position to the closed position, the thermal solar collector will be lifted to allow the reflector 20 to rotate to its closed position. After the reflector 20 has rotated to the closed position, the thermal solar collector can be placed back on the ground. The thermal solar collector may be provided with a handle or grip to facilitate lifting. Such a handle or grip may be located, for example, on the portion of the solar absorber tube 10 that extends outside the feet 40, 45, such as at the first connecting portion 15 and the second connecting portion 16 further defined below. It is also possible to simply lift the thermal solar collector without it having any grip or handle. For example, the thermal solar collector may be lifted at its respective feet. In embodiments where the first foot 40 and the second foot 45 are positioned on one or more supports (not shown), the reflector 20 can rotate from its open position to its closed position without any lifting, provided that the height of the one or more supports allows the reflector to rotate to the closed position without being obstructed by the ground below. When the feet are positioned on supports, the thermal solar collector device includes one or more such supports. The one or more supports are arranged or configured such that they themselves do not obstruct the rotation of the reflector. According to one embodiment, the one or more supports include a first support for the first foot and a second support for the second foot.

[0045] According to another embodiment, the solar absorber tube 10 is provided with a first connecting portion 15 for connection to a hose or similar through which fluid can be supplied. The first connecting portion 15 is located outside the first foot 40, facing the surface of the first foot 40 away from the reflector 20. According to another embodiment, the solar absorber tube 10 is provided with a second connecting portion 16 for connection to a hose or similar through which heated fluid, i.e., fluid already heated in the solar absorber tube 10, can flow out. The second connecting portion 16 is located outside the second foot 45, facing the surface of the second foot 45 away from the reflector 20.

[0046] When using the thermal solar collector device 1, the incoming fluid (water, for example) can be supplied through the solar absorption tube 10 at the first end 1a of the thermal solar collector device. During use, the solar collector device 1 should be located as follows: Figure 1The open position shown is located in a position that allows sunlight to reach the reflector and be reflected towards the solar absorber tube. After the water inside the solar absorber tube 10 has been heated for a period of time, the heated water can be discharged at the second end 1b of the solar collector device 1. According to one embodiment, the thermal solar collector device 1 may have a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the fluid inside the solar absorber tube. According to another embodiment, the thermal solar collector device 1 does not have such a thermometer. Instead, the thermometer may be located at the discharge position to which the device 1 is connected via, for example, the second connection portion 16.

[0047] Figure 6 Another use of the thermal solar collector device 1 is described. In this use, the thermal solar collector device 1 is arranged generally vertically on, for example, a vertical exterior wall 5 of a building. The first foot 40 and the second foot 45 are optionally and securely mounted to the wall 5 via corresponding supports. Since the reflector 20 is rotatably arranged to the first foot 40 and the second foot 45 and is rotatable about the central axis X of the solar absorber tube 10, the reflector 20 can rotate to follow the sun's movement across the sky from east to west. The rotation of the reflector 20 can be manual. Alternatively, it is advantageous that the thermal solar collector device 1 can be provided with a drive unit, i.e., a motor (not shown), connected to the reflector 20 in a manner capable of rotating the reflector 20 so that the reflector is positioned facing the sun during the day. The motor can be clock-driven, thereby easily following the sun's movement. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in countries quite far from the equator (e.g., Nordic countries, Canada, and Russia), where the sun is far from reaching its zenith at midday. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the invention, the solar collector device 1 is fixed to a first bracket (not shown) fixed to a wall with its first foot 40, and to a second bracket (not shown) fixed to a wall with its second foot 45. By adjusting the height of the first and second brackets, the reflector 20 can be rotated to a closed position with its reflective inner surface 22 facing the wall. The reflector 20 can be rotated to the closed position when not in use (e.g., at night) to protect the reflector 20.

[0048] While the above description contains numerous specific details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the concepts described herein, but rather as providing only illustrative descriptions of some exemplary embodiments of the described concepts. It should be understood that the scope of the concepts currently described fully encompasses other embodiments that may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the scope of the concepts currently described is accordingly unrestricted. References to elements in the singular do not intend to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more," unless explicitly stated otherwise. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the above embodiments known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered herein. Furthermore, a device or method need not solve every problem sought to be addressed by the concepts currently described in order to be covered herein. In the exemplary figures, dashed lines generally indicate features within the dashed lines that are optional.

Claims

1. A thermal solar energy collector device (1) extending in an extending direction from its first end (1a) toward its second end (1b), the solar energy collector device (1) comprising: A solar absorber tube (10) for receiving fluid, the solar absorber tube having a central axis (X) extending in the extending direction. A reflector (20) extends along the solar absorber tube (10) from its first end (20a) to its opposite second end (20b), the reflector (20) having a reflective inner surface (22) pointing toward the solar absorber tube (10), the reflector (20) having a curved shape arranged such that light falling on the inner surface (22) of the reflector (20) falls onto the solar absorber tube (10) after being reflected, the curved shape being a curved cross-sectional shape in a plane (Y) perpendicular to the extension direction from the first cross-sectional end (23) of the reflector (20) to the second cross-sectional end (24). A first wall (30) is fixed to the first end (20a) of the reflector (20) along the inner surface (22) of the reflector (20). The first wall (30) has a base (32) extending between the first cross-sectional end (23) and the second cross-sectional end (24) of the reflector, the base (32) being spaced apart from the reflector (20) between the first cross-sectional end (23) and the second cross-sectional end (24). A second wall (35) is fixed to the second end (20b) of the reflector (20) along the inner surface (22) of the reflector (20). The second wall (35) has a base (37) extending between the first cross-sectional end (23) and the second cross-sectional end (24) of the reflector, the base (37) being spaced apart from the reflector (20) between the first cross-sectional end (23) and the second cross-sectional end (24). A first foot (40) is disposed at the first end (1a) of the solar collector device, the first foot (40) having a base (42) for positioning on the ground or a support, and The second foot (45) is disposed at the second end (1b) of the solar collector device, and the second foot (45) has a base (47) for positioning on the ground or a support. The solar absorber tube (10) extends through the first foot (40), the first wall (30), the second wall (35), and the second foot (45). The reflector (20), the first wall (30), and the second wall (35) are rotatably arranged on the first foot (40) and the second foot (45) and are rotatable about the central axis (X) of the solar absorber tube (10). The dimensions of the first foot (40), the first wall (30), the second foot (45), and the second wall (35) are designed such that the reflector (20) can rotate to a closed position when rotated about the central axis (X), in which the base (32) of the first wall (30) is flush with the base (42) of the first foot (40), and the base (37) of the second wall (35) is flush with the base (47) of the second foot (45). When the base (42) of the first foot (40) and the base (47) of the second foot (45) are positioned on the ground, the thermal solar collector (1) is arranged to be lifted when the reflector (20) is to rotate about the central axis (X) to the closed position.

2. The thermal solar energy collector device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The positions where the solar absorber tube (10) in the first wall (30) extends through the first wall (30), the positions where the solar absorber tube (10) in the second wall (35) extends through the second wall (35), the positions where the solar absorber tube (10) in the first foot (40) extends through the first foot (40), and the positions where the solar absorber tube (10) in the second foot (45) extends through the second foot (45) are selected such that when the reflector (20) is rotated about the central axis (X), the reflector (20) can rotate to a closed position, in which the base (32) of the first wall (30) is flush with the base (42) of the first foot (40), and the base (37) of the second wall (35) is flush with the base (47) of the second foot (45).

3. The thermal solar energy collector device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first distance (d1) between the location where the solar absorber tube (10) extends through the first wall (30) and the base (32) of the first wall (30) is approximately equal to the second distance (d2) between the location where the solar absorber tube (10) extends through the first foot (40) and the base (42) of the first foot (40), the first distance (d1) being perpendicular to the base (32) of the first wall (30), and the second distance (d2) being perpendicular to the base (42) of the first foot (40). The third distance between the position where the solar absorption tube (10) in the second wall (35) extends through the second wall (35) and the base (37) of the second wall (35) is approximately equal to the fourth distance between the position where the solar absorption tube (10) in the second foot (45) extends through the second foot (45) and the base (47) of the second foot (45), the third distance being perpendicular to the base (37) of the second wall (35), and the fourth distance being perpendicular to the base (47) of the second foot (45).

4. The thermal solar energy collector device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The first wall (30) has a hole (31) through which the solar absorption tube (10) extends, and the first foot (40) has a hole (41) through which the solar absorption tube (10) extends, and Wherein, the first distance (d1) perpendicular to the base (32) of the first wall (30) between the hole (31) and the base (32) of the first wall (30) is approximately equal to the second distance (d2) perpendicular to the base (42) of the first foot (40) between the hole (41) and the base (42) of the first foot (40). The second wall (35) has a hole (36) through which the solar energy absorption tube (10) extends, and the second foot (45) has a hole through which the solar energy absorption tube (10) extends. The third distance between the hole (36) of the second wall (35) and the base (37) of the second wall (35) perpendicular to the base (37) of the second wall (35) is approximately equal to the fourth distance between the hole of the second foot (45) and the base (47) of the second foot (45) perpendicular to the base (47) of the second foot (45).

5. The thermal solar energy collector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first foot (40) is positioned outside the first wall (30) such that the first foot (40) faces the side of the first wall (30) away from the second wall (35), and the second foot (45) is positioned outside the second wall (35) such that the second foot (45) faces the side of the second wall (35) away from the first wall (30).

6. The thermal solar energy collector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The reflector (20) has a circular shape in the cross-sectional plane (Y) and has an extension from its first cross-sectional end (23) to its second cross-sectional end (24), the extension covering approximately 180 degrees when viewed from the center of the circle of the circular shape, or wherein the reflector (20) has an elliptical shape in the cross-sectional plane (Y) and has an extension from its first cross-sectional end (23) to its second cross-sectional end (24), the extension covering approximately 180 degrees when viewed from the center of the ellipse of the elliptical shape.

7. The thermal solar energy collector device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The reflector (20) has a curved cross-sectional shape in the plane (Y) perpendicular to the extension direction, which is the shape of an arc of a circle, and wherein the solar absorber tube (10) is positioned off-center from the center of the circle.

8. The thermal solar energy collector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The base (32) of the first wall (30) provides a flat surface away from the inner surface (22) of the reflector (20), and wherein the base (37) of the second wall (35) provides a flat surface away from the inner surface (22) of the reflector (20).

9. The thermal solar energy collector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first wall (30) has a generally flat, solid semi-cylindrical shape, with its curved envelope fixed to the first end (20a) of the reflector (20), and wherein the second wall (35) has a generally flat, solid semi-cylindrical shape, with its curved envelope fixed to the second end (20b) of the reflector (20).

10. The thermal solar energy collector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first foot (40) has a generally flat, solid semi-cylindrical shape, and its straight surface opposite to its curved envelope forms the base (42) of the first foot (40), and wherein the second foot (45) has a generally flat, solid semi-cylindrical shape, and its straight surface opposite to its curved envelope forms the base (47) of the second foot (45).

11. The thermal solar energy collector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first wall (30) and the second wall (35) are made of a composite material containing a polymer reinforced with an organic fiber material.

12. The thermal solar energy collector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the thermal solar energy collector device further comprising a second tube (12) surrounding the solar energy absorption tube (10), the second tube (12) being made of a transparent material.

13. The thermal solar collector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the thermal solar collector device further comprising one or more supports, the first foot (40) and the second foot (45) being positioned on the one or more supports, wherein when the thermal solar collector is positioned on the one or more supports with its first foot (40) and second foot (45) thereon, the height of the one or more supports allows the reflector (20) to be rotated to the closed position without lifting the thermal solar collector.

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