Apparatus, system and method for producing hot water from solar energy

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for producing hot water from solar energy, comprising: an elongated solar collector device (10) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) from a first end (10a) to an opposite second end (10b), the elongated solar collector device (10) being constituted by an elongated profile having walls defining between them elongated cavities extending from the first end (10a) to the second end (10b), the elongated solar collector device (10) having at least one first opening (17) for receiving water into the elongated cavities, and at least one second opening (18) for discharging water, arranged at an intermediate portion (12) of the elongated solar collector device (10); and at least one valve (8) adapted to be arranged in a respective one of the at least one second opening (18), the valve being openable and closable to enable discharge of any water contained in the cavities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for generating hot water from solar energy. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus, system, and method for generating hot water from solar energy, comprising a flexible solar collector. Background Technology

[0002] Solar energy is fundamental to all life on Earth. The total amount of solar energy falling on Earth is approximately 15,000 times greater than the total energy consumed by human society today. Moreover, solar energy is an inexhaustible and free energy source. Furthermore, solar energy is quite environmentally friendly. Therefore, the solution to the climate crisis and the world's energy needs lies in the possibility of converting solar energy into storable energy that is useful to human society.

[0003] In some parts of the world without a central water supply network, such as rural areas in developing countries, accessing fresh water and / or hot water involves a significant amount of labor. For example, people may need to travel long distances to obtain water and / or firewood to heat it to a temperature suitable for domestic uses, such as washing. Furthermore, the extensive use of firewood for heating has adverse effects on both the local and global environments. Additionally, using large amounts of firewood for open-fire heating or heating in poorly ventilated areas can cause health problems. Therefore, there is a need for devices and methods that can cost-effectively provide fresh water and / or hot water suitable for domestic uses, such as washing clothes, cleaning dishes, bathing, and possibly drinking, to people living or residing in areas without a central water supply network.

[0004] Such a device and method is called "solvatten" (solar water). https: / / solvatten.org / what-is-solvatten / The text describes solar water. Solar water uses solar energy to heat water to a temperature that ensures it is free of any pathogens. Solar water is a combined portable water treatment and heating system designed for off-grid households in developing countries. It consists of a pouch-like unit and two 5-liter containers. The pouch-like unit has a handle for easy portability, and each container can be filled with water through an opening containing a filter. After filling, the unit is placed in direct sunlight, which heats the water and simultaneously exposes it to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The water is then heated to a temperature of up to 75°C. Thus, depending on external conditions such as temperature and the amount of direct sunlight, the water will be hot and free of pathogens after 2 to 6 hours. Furthermore, UV radiation disrupts the formation of DNA strands in microorganisms and inhibits their reproduction.

[0005] Solar water is a remarkable invention in many ways. It is cost-effective and efficiently heats and cleans water using solar energy, a free and clean energy source. Furthermore, solar water units are ideal for small families and are very portable. However, the device has some limitations due to the predetermined size of the container. In other words, it can only heat 5+5 liters of water at a time. For example, a central system in a village might be of interest, where villagers could come to collect hot water. In this case, solar water containers would be insufficient, and the village would need many such units. Additionally, the transparent layer needs to be constantly cleaned to allow sunlight to reach the device's absorption layer, thus warming the water. Therefore, there is a need for a device or equipment that can cost-effectively provide hot water to people living or residing in areas without a central water supply network, a device or equipment that can be easily manufactured to accommodate, for example, a number of people living together, and requires minimal maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to solve at least some of the aforementioned difficulties and problems. These and other objects can be achieved by using the apparatus defined in the appended independent claims. Another object of this disclosure is to provide a simple, cost-effective, and adaptable device that utilizes solar energy to heat liquids such as water. Yet another object of this disclosure is to provide a system comprising multiple devices that utilizes solar energy to heat liquids.

[0007] This invention is based on the concept of using an elongated solar collector, developed and presented by the applicant in authorized European Patent EP 2167747 B1 and International Patent Application WO2016 / 043648A1, for providing hot water for domestic use. The solar collectors of EP 2167747 and WO2016 / 043648A1 are both energy-efficient and cost-effective. The solar collector was developed to function as both a building element and a solar collector. The solar collector is ideal for such applications because it is integrally constructed from a relatively inexpensive yet stable material capable of withstanding heavy loads. The solar collector is then used, for example, as part of a wall or roof of a house. When used in a wall or roof, the water heated in the solar collector is used to heat the house by employing a water-based central heating system, thereby solving the problem of simultaneously providing building materials and heat to the building.

[0008] When researching various issues related to providing hot water to people living or residing in areas without a central water supply network, the inventors proposed modifying the aforementioned solar collector to provide hot water, rather than using it as a modular building material and energy source in a central heating system.

[0009] This is achieved by a device for generating hot water from solar energy, the device comprising an elongated solar collector extending longitudinally from a first end to an opposite second end. Further, the elongated solar collector is constructed of an elongated profile having walls defining an elongated cavity extending from the first end to the second end between these walls, the elongated solar collector being arranged to contain water within the cavity. Further, the material of the elongated solar collector comprises a polymer reinforced with an organic fiber material and produced by extrusion. Further, the elongated solar collector includes at least one first opening for receiving water into the elongated cavity, the at least one first opening being disposed at the first end and / or the second end. Further, the solar collector includes at least one second opening for discharging water, the at least one second opening being disposed at a middle portion of the elongated solar collector, the middle portion being disposed at approximately the same distance from the first end and the second end. Furthermore, the device includes at least one valve adapted to be disposed in a corresponding second opening of the at least one second opening, the valve being openable and closable to release any water contained in the cavity during use.

[0010] Because elongated solar collector devices are manufactured through extrusion molding, the length of the device and therefore the amount of water it can hold can be easily adapted to the needs of the society, population, or household using the device. In other words, by extruding solar collector devices of different lengths, different total volumes within the elongated cavity are achieved. Furthermore, the material of the solar collector device, namely a polymer reinforced with organic fiber materials, is cost-effective and durable. The polymer can be, for example, a thermoplastic or elastomer, while the organic fiber material can be, for example, wood fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of polymer is higher than the amount of organic fiber. The amount of polymer can range from 55% to 95%, while the amount of organic fiber can range from 5% to 45%. This configuration provides a solar collector device with flexibility, as explained further below. Moreover, the solar collector device has a longer service life because, for example, there is no risk of corrosion. Furthermore, the solar collector device is durable against external influences such as external mechanical stress. Furthermore, because the solar collector device is made of a polymer-based fiber composite material, it does not become scorching hot when exposed to sunlight in hot environments, unlike conventional solar collectors, thus eliminating or at least significantly reducing the risk of burns from the solar collector. By providing a second opening for water discharge and a valve within this opening in the middle section of the solar collector device, heated water can be discharged using the valve located in the middle section of the device. The second opening and valve, positioned in the middle section of the solar collector device, can be arranged on the side surface of the solar collector device. Moreover, by placing the opposite end region of the solar collector device on a support and filling it with water, the middle section of the solar collector device will bend due to gravity, especially when the solar collector device heats up, and the water inside the solar collector device will tend to move towards the middle section due to gravity, where the second opening and valve are located.

[0011] The device for generating hot water, including the solar collector unit mentioned above, can advantageously be moved from one location to another; that is, the device is movable. Typical solar collector units must be placed in one location and are difficult to move, while some solar collector units may even require small motors or other devices to relocate the device. The device according to this disclosure can be easily moved to different locations because it is an integrated solar collector unit equipped with at least one outlet opening having at least one valve, and does not include sensitive components such as glass or cables.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a first support and a second support, with a first portion of the elongated solar collector device near its first end disposed on the first support and a second portion of the elongated solar collector device near its second end disposed on the second support. By providing a device with such a first support and a second support, it is unnecessary to find such supports anywhere in the surrounding environment where the device is used. The first and second supports facilitate bending of the solar collector device, thereby concentrating water in the middle portion of the device.

[0013] The device advantageously includes a solar collector adapted to different needs, which may include varying the length of the solar collector unit and / or the number of chambers. If the device is for providing hot water to a small village, the solar collector unit should be longer. If the end user is an individual or a small family, the solar collector unit is manufactured to have a shorter length. Furthermore, the number of chambers can be adapted to the size of the device and / or the needs of the end user. The solar collector unit may include multiple chambers, but preferably four to five. According to a tested example, the cross-section of the solar collector unit can have a width of approximately 350 mm and a height of approximately 35 mm, and includes five to six chambers. In this example, the device can hold approximately 10 liters of water per meter of length.

[0014] According to one exemplary embodiment, the device further includes at least one stop or filter disposed at a corresponding first opening in at least one first opening. The filter material prevents smaller animals or contaminants such as dust and sand from entering the elongated solar collector device. Simple materials such as cloth or cotton can be used as filters, and these simple materials can be easily replaced when needed.

[0015] According to one exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a third support on which the middle portion of the elongated solar collector is disposed, the third support being shorter than the first and second supports. The third support prevents the lowest portion of the solar collector from reaching the ground during bending, thereby protecting the device and / or other components such as valves. The third support is shorter than the first and second supports to allow sufficient bending to divert water to the center of the device due to gravity.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a cover surrounding the elongated solar collector assembly. The cover material may be a soft plastic such as polyethylene, and may mitigate convection.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment, the device further includes at least one funnel member adapted to be positioned in at least one of at least one first opening. Further, the funnel member can be arranged such that when inserted into the first opening and when the device is in use, the inlet opening of the funnel member points upward toward the sky. The funnel member can be any device suitable for collecting rainwater or allowing water to be easily filled into the solar collector device. The funnel member can be any device having a large opening top that tapers downward toward a decreasing bottom. Furthermore, the funnel member can be removed from at least one first opening when water filling of the device is not required or when no rainfall is expected.

[0018] According to one exemplary embodiment, the at least one second opening includes a plurality of openings arranged in the middle portion of the solar collector and can be dispersed in the longitudinal direction. This device allows different users to collect water simultaneously. Furthermore, because the plurality of openings are arranged in the middle portion of the solar collector device, it is advantageous for water to be released from the device due to gravity.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment, the cavities are a plurality of parallel cavities defined between the walls of an elongated solar collector device, wherein at least one second opening can extend through the inner wall of the elongated solar collector device, allowing water to flow from all the plurality of cavities and through the outer wall of the elongated solar collector device to at least one valve. The device according to this embodiment facilitates the delivery of water from all cavities to the second opening, including when the solar collector device bends due to gravity and / or water temperature. The cavities collect and heat water independently, so the entire device continues to operate even if one or more cavities in the cavities have problems such as leakage or blockage. Furthermore, the walls defining the plurality of cavities provide a resilient solar collector device. Moreover, more water comes into contact with the walls, thereby increasing the heating capacity of the solar collector device.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the device may be equipped with a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the water inside the solar collector. The temperature sensor may be connected to an indicator device that indicates the measured temperature. The indicator device may be a display that shows the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and / or indicates that the water has reached a usable temperature. The temperature sensor may be connected to a signaling device arranged to emit a signal, such as sound or light, when the water is ready to be released.

[0021] According to one exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a weight adapted to be positioned on the middle portion of the device after the elongated solar collector assembly has been positioned on the first and second supports. The weight can provide initial bending at the middle portion of the solar collector assembly and thus facilitate water filling. Furthermore, the weight can be used temporarily or permanently depending on factors such as the amount of water within the solar collector assembly, the length of the assembly, and weather conditions (radiation, temperature, etc.). The weight is particularly useful for relatively short assemblies where the amount of water is insufficient to provide initial bending.

[0022] According to one exemplary embodiment, the device further includes at least one wheel disposed at a first or second end of a side surface of the solar collector device. The at least one wheel advantageously provides the device with additional mobility, allowing it to be easily transported by a person to locations, for example, with high solar radiation. The at least one wheel may be fixed to the solar collector device or removable from it.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a solar collector having an elongated profile in the lateral direction, the elongated profile being composed of U-shaped beams at each end connected by one or more I-beams. This results in a robust structure that resists bending forces in the longitudinal and / or width-extension directions, and can simultaneously be bent by forces applied in the lateral height-extension direction of the solar collector.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment, the device includes an elongated solar collector assembly with a polymer material to organic fiber material ratio of approximately 2:1. This ratio of polymer to organic fiber material advantageously provides a flexible solar collector assembly that is neither too loose nor too soft to break when filled with water and / or when heated by sunlight. In an alternative embodiment, the solar collector assembly may comprise approximately 60% to 75% polymer and approximately 40% to 25% organic fiber material.

[0025] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a system comprising multiple devices as described in the foregoing embodiments. The system includes multiple devices having solar collector units arranged in a star configuration, wherein a first end of each solar collector unit points towards the center of the star configuration. Further, at least one first opening is disposed at the first end of each solar collector unit, and the system further includes a funnel element disposed at the center of the star configuration, the outlet of which is connected to the first opening. Depending on the location where these devices will be installed, the system may include devices with a different star configuration. The system advantageously provides a large quantity of warm water, which is suitable for villages with many people and / or animals. Furthermore, the system is arranged in such a way that manual filling of the solar collector units is easier, as these units share the same inlet (i.e., the funnel element).

[0026] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for heating water using solar energy with an elongated solar collector device, wherein the elongated solar collector device includes a first end and a second end opposite to it. Further, the elongated solar collector device has: at least one first opening disposed at the first end and / or the second end for receiving water into an elongated cavity; and at least one second opening disposed at a middle portion of the elongated solar collector device for discharging water, the middle portion being disposed at approximately the same distance from the first end and the second end; and at least one valve adapted to be disposed in a corresponding second opening of the at least one second opening, the valve being openable and closeable to discharge any water contained within the cavity. The method includes: arranging an elongated solar collector device at least on a first support adjacent to a first end and a second support adjacent to a second end, such that a middle portion of the elongated solar collector device bends between these supports, thereby placing a valve horizontally below the first and second ends; and filling the elongated solar collector device with water through at least one first opening until a certain water level is reached, at which point, after filling, the cavity will contain water up to the filling level and air above the filling level. Therefore, as the water inside the solar collector device heats up and expands, the air can escape through the first opening, and the water will remain inside the solar collector device. The first and second supports can be supports belonging to a system including these supports and the elongated solar collector device, such as brackets. These supports can also be supports existing in the environment on which the elongated solar collector device is arranged. Such supports can be trees, etc. When the support is a tree, the first and second ends of the elongated solar collector device can be suspended from the branches of each corresponding tree. Water can be filled into the elongated solar collector device before, but more preferably after, the end is placed on the support.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a method for heating water includes an elongated solar collector device according to any of the foregoing embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 An apparatus for generating hot water, including a solar collector device, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 1 The cross-sectional view at section AA.

[0031] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a solar collector device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, illustrating the I-beam and U-beam.

[0032] Figure 4 An apparatus for generating hot water according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 4 The cross-sectional view at section BB.

[0034] Figure 6 A top view of a system comprising multiple devices according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following will discuss a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of devices and systems for generating hot water. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are for illustrative purposes only and are in no way intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a device 1 for generating hot water, including a solar collector device 10, is disclosed. The elongated solar collector device 10 has a cuboid shape and is arranged in a space having a longitudinal (or length) extension direction X, a lateral (or height) extension direction Y, and a width extension direction Z. X, Y, and Z define axes in a Cartesian coordinate system. The elongated solar collector device 10 extends in the longitudinal direction X; in other words, the elongated solar collector device extends horizontally to increase the heating capacity of the solar collector device. The solar collector device 10 is elongated from a first end 10a to an opposite second end 10b, thereby creating a main surface 32, a long side surface 30, and a short side surface 31. The main surface 32 and the long side surface 30 extend along the longitudinal direction X from the first end 10a to the opposite second end 10b, with the area of ​​the long side surface 30 being smaller than the area of ​​the main surface 32. The short side surface 31 is arranged at the first end 10a and the second end 10b, respectively, and extends in the width direction Z. The elongated solar collector device 10 has a high surface area to volume ratio, which is significant when collecting solar energy for heating water. Furthermore, the solar collector device 10 has a longitudinal cavity 16. The cavity 16 extends from a first end 10a to a second end 10b. Because the cavity 16 has an open end, excessive pressure inside the cavity due to the heated water is avoided. Figure 1 The embodiment shows five chambers 16, but the number of chambers can be more or fewer, depending on the final use of the solar collector device 10. Furthermore, the solar collector device 10 has a second opening 18, which is arranged on one of the side surfaces 30 of the middle portion 12 of the solar collector device 10. The second opening 18 serves as an outlet for water inside the solar collector device 10. Further, the device 1 has a valve 8 connected to the second opening 18. Figure 1In the diagram, valve 8 is shown as a faucet; however, other simpler valve devices, such as a tapered pin, can be used. The solar collector device 10 is made of a polymer reinforced with an organic fiber material. The polymer can be, for example, a thermoplastic or an elastomer. The organic fiber material can be, for example, wood fiber. The polymer reinforced with the organic fiber material produces a composite material that has bending capacity in the lateral direction Y due to gravity. To achieve suitable bending characteristics of the device, testing has shown that the ratio between the polymer and the organic fiber material should be approximately 2:1. In other words, in the solar collector device, there should be approximately 60% to 75% polymer and 40% to 25% organic fiber material. The bending of the solar collector device also depends on factors such as the amount of water in the cavity 16 and / or the temperature of the solar collector device. The more water in the cavity, the greater the weight inside the solar collector device, thus promoting bending. Furthermore, the temperature of the solar collector device 10 itself also increases due to absorbed solar radiation, which also increases the bending capacity of the solar collector device 10.

[0037] Figure 2 Disclosed Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the solar collector device 10 at section AA. (Compared to...) Figure 1 Compared to the five cavities in the previous embodiment, the solar collector device 10 in this embodiment has four elongated cavities 16, which are defined by walls 15. However, other numbers of cavities can be used. The cavities 16 are substantially parallel and extend from a first end 10a to a second end 10b of the solar collector device 10. For ease of transport, the solar collector device 10 may also include wheels 40 disposed at the second end 10b of the side surface 30 of the solar collector device 10, see also Figure 1 .

[0038] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the cross-section is disclosed, showing an elongated cavity 16 defined by wall 15. The cross-sectional profile is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction X of the solar collector device 10 at each point in its longitudinal extension. This cross-section is formed by I-beams 21 and U-beams 20, thus protecting the unit from collapse. The solar collector device 10 can be manufactured to include multiple I-beams 21 between two U-beams 20, the number of I-beams 21 and therefore the number of cavities 16 depending on the needs of the solar collector 10. The manufacturing process of the solar collector device 10 is an extrusion process. This configuration advantageously allows the solar collector device 10 to resist forces applied in the longitudinal extension direction X and / or the width extension direction Z of the solar collector device 10, and simultaneously allows it to bend in the lateral extension direction Y of the solar collector device 10. Furthermore, the solar collector device 10 can be easily transported in an upright position, with one long side surface 30 and / or one short side surface 31 facing upwards. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the U-beam 20 has a different length and / or height relative to the I-beam 21. Preferably, the U-beam 20 has a smaller length and / or height relative to the I-beam 21.

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a device for generating hot water is disclosed. Device 1 includes a solar collector device 10 as previously described. Further, the solar collector device 10 has a first opening 17 disposed at a first end 10a and / or a second end 10b, the first opening for receiving water into a cavity 16 (see...). Figure 3 or Figure 5 The first opening 17 can collect rainwater into the solar collector device 10, or can be used to manually fill the solar collector device 10 with water. The solar collector device 10 may further include at least one stop or filter 19 disposed at the first opening 17. The device 1 further includes a first support 5 and a second support 6 disposed at a first end 10a and a second end 10b of the solar collector device 10, respectively. These supports hold the ends of the solar collector device 10 at approximately the same height, while the middle portion bends due to the weight of the water inside the solar collector device 10 or due to the temperature rise of the solar collector device 10.

[0040] The device 1 further includes a second opening 18 positioned approximately equidistant from the first end 10a and the second end 10b of the solar collector device 10. The second opening 18 may be located near the middle portion 12 of the solar collector 10, preferably on the side surface 30. When the solar collector device 10 is bent (e.g....), Figure 4As shown), the lowest part of the solar collector device 10 is located at the same position as the second opening 18, which facilitates the collection of water through the second opening 18. To control the collection of water from the second opening 18, a valve 8 is arranged at the outlet of the second opening 18. The valve 8 has an open state and a closed state, and can be used when water is needed or not needed. The valve 8 can be, for example, a faucet, a plunger, or an elongated pin that tapers from its first end to its opposite second end, the second end of which is adapted to be inserted into the second opening 18. This is achieved by placing the opposite end regions of the solar collector device on supports 5, 6 (such as...). Figure 4 As shown), water is filled into the cavity of the solar collector device, and the middle section of the solar collector device will bend due to gravity, especially when the solar collector device heats up. Furthermore, the water 50 inside the solar collector device will tend to move towards the middle section 12 of the solar collector device due to gravity, where the second opening 18 and valve 8 are located. The water 50 inside the solar collector device 10... Figure 4 The solar collector is marked with a striped pattern. As can be seen from this pattern, there will be a water surface inside the cavity of the solar collector device. In other words, the solar collector device is arranged to be filled with water to a certain level. Air is present above the cavity. The water will expand when heated, and the water level will rise. For this purpose, a stop or filter can be arranged to allow air, and possibly water, to be expelled or inlet, even if it prevents small animals or the like from entering. When the solar collector device 10 is empty, it can be reshaped back to its original shape. This process can be repeated several times.

[0041] Figure 4 The embodiment also shows a third support 7 positioned at the middle portion 12 of the solar collector device 10. The third support 7 is shorter than the first support 5 and the second support 6, and this third support is added to prevent the solar collector device 10 and / or the valve 8 from reaching the ground during bending. This is particularly advantageous for solar collector devices 10 with a relatively long longitudinal extension X. While longer solar collector devices 10 may tend to bend more easily as their temperature rises, relatively shorter solar collector devices 10 may also bend. Therefore, shorter solar collector devices 10 may also require the third support 7. Moreover, with such a third support 7, the position of the valve 8 can be adapted to a suitable location for a person to release water. Because the third support 7 is shorter than the first support 5 and the second support 6, the water in the cavity will ultimately remain in the middle portion 12 of the solar collector device 10.

[0042] Figure 5 Disclosed Figure 4A schematic diagram of the BB cross-section. This schematic diagram shows the cross-section in which the second opening 18 and valve 8 can be positioned. The second opening 18 extends through the inner wall 15a, thereby connecting the cavity 16 to the second opening 18. Liquid from the cavity 16 can be conveyed through the outer wall 15b of the solar collector device 10 to the valve 8. When the solar collector device 10 is bent, the device allows all liquid from the cavity 16 to be directed to the second opening 18. In addition, an indicator 3 connected to a temperature sensor (not shown) can display the water temperature in the cavity 16. The indicator 3 can display a water ready / not ready indicator, such as a green / red light and / or a specific sound.

[0043] Figure 6 A schematic top view of a system 100 comprising multiple devices 1 is disclosed. The system 100 is organized in a star configuration, with a first end 10a pointing towards the center 101 of the system 100. The center 101 of the system 100 has a water collection device, preferably a funnel element 102, such that rainwater collected by the funnel element 102 is transferred to a first opening 17 of the devices 1. The rainwater collected by the funnel element 102 is distributed to all devices 1.

[0044] System 100 may include multiple devices 1 arranged in a configuration different from a star-shaped configuration, depending on the available space at the site where the system is to be installed. System 100 can be used to provide hot water to a number of people, such as in a small village.

[0045] ---

Claims

1. A device (1) for producing hot water from solar energy, the device comprising: - an elongated solar collector arrangement (10) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) from a first end (10a) to an opposite second end (10b), the elongated solar collector arrangement (10) being constituted by an elongated profile having walls (15) between which elongated cavities (16) are defined extending from the first end (10a) to the second end (10b), the elongated solar collector arrangement (10) being arranged to contain water in the cavities (16), the material of the elongated solar collector arrangement (10) being a polymer reinforced with organic fibre material, the elongated solar collector arrangement (10) being produced by extrusion, the elongated solar collector arrangement (10) having at least one first opening (17) for receiving water into the elongated cavities (16), the at least one first opening (17) being arranged at the first end (10a) and / or the second end (10b), and at least one second opening (18) for letting out water, the at least one second opening being arranged at an intermediate portion (12) of the elongated solar collector arrangement (10), the intermediate portion (12) being arranged at substantially the same distance from the first end (10a) and the second end (10b); and - at least one valve (8) adapted to be arranged in a respective one of the at least one second opening (18), the valve being openable and closable in order to, in use, be able to let out any water contained in the cavities (16).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a first support (5) and a second support (6), a first portion of the elongated solar collector arrangement close to the first end (10a) being arranged to the first support, a second portion of the elongated solar collector arrangement close to the second end (10b) being arranged to the second support.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one stop or filter (19) arranged at a respective one of the at least one first opening (17).

4. The device (1) according to claim 2, further comprising a third support (7), the intermediate portion (12) of the elongated solar collector arrangement being arranged to the third support, the third support (7) being shorter than the first support (5) and the second support (6).

5. The device (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 4, further comprising a cover surrounding the elongated solar collector arrangement to mitigate convection. ​ 6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 4, further comprising at least one hopper (102) adapted to be positioned in at least one of the at least one first openings (17), the hopper (102) being arranged so that when inserted into the first opening (17) and when the apparatus (1) is in use, the inlet opening of the hopper (102) is pointing upwards towards the sky.

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein, The at least one second opening (18) is a plurality of openings (18) arranged at the middle portion (12) of the solar collector arrangement (10) and dispersed along the longitudinal direction (X).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein, The at least one second opening (18) extends through the inner wall (15a) of the elongated solar collector arrangement (10) so that water can flow out of all the cavities (16) and through the outer wall (15b) of the elongated solar collector arrangement (10) to the at least one valve (8).

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 4, further comprising a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the water inside the cavities (16) and an indicating device (3) connected to the temperature sensor for indicating the temperature of the water inside the cavities (16).

10. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2 or 4, further comprising a weight adapted to be arranged onto the middle portion (12) of the elongated solar collector arrangement (10).

11. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 4, further comprising at least one wheel (40) arranged at the first end (10a) or the second end (10b) of the side surface (30) of the solar collector arrangement (10).

12. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein, The elongated profile along the transverse direction (Y) is constituted by U-beams (20) at each end connected by one or more I-beams (21).

13. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein, The ratio of the polymeric material to the organic fibrous material in the elongated solar collector arrangement is 2:

1.

14. A system (100) comprising a plurality of devices (1) as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A plurality of the elongated solar collector arrangements (10) of the apparatus (1) are arranged in a star configuration with the first ends (10a) of the elongated solar collector arrangements pointing towards the center (101) of the star configuration, wherein the at least one first opening (17) of each solar collector arrangement (10) is arranged at the first end (10a), the system further comprising a hopper (102) arranged at the center of the star configuration, the one or more outlets of the hopper (102) being connected to the first openings (17).

15. A method of heating water using solar energy using an elongated solar collector device (10), wherein, The elongated solar collector device (10) comprises a first end (10a) and an opposite second end (10b), the elongated solar collector device (10) having at least one first opening (17) for receiving water into the elongated cavities (16), the at least one first opening being arranged at the first end (10a) and / or the second end (10b), and at least one second opening (18) for discharging water, the at least one second opening being arranged at an intermediate portion (12) of the elongated solar collector device (10), the intermediate portion (12) being arranged at substantially the same distance from the first end (10a) and the second end (10b); and at least one valve (8) adapted to be arranged in a respective one of the at least one second opening (18), the valve (8) being openable and closable to enable discharge of any water contained in the cavities (16), wherein the method comprises the steps of: arranging the elongated solar collector device (10) on at least a first support (5) adjacent to the first end (10a) and a second support (6) adjacent to the second end (10b) such that the intermediate portion (12) of the elongated solar collector device (10) is bent between the supports (5, 6) placing the valve (8) horizontally below the first end (10a) and the second end (10b), and filling the elongated solar collector device (10) with water through the at least one first opening (17) up to a water level at which the cavities will contain water up to the filling water level and air above the filling water level after filling.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The elongated solar collector device (10) is according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The elongated solar collector device (10) is according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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