SOLARABSORBER-MODULE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar absorber module comprising a central region with two spaced-apart wall surfaces defining a flow space arranged between them, and two opposing edge regions enclosing the central region, each with a collector in the form of a channel communicating with the flow space. In particular, the invention relates, as specified in the preamble of claim 1, to such a solar absorber module, in which each of the two channels opens at its end into two first connection nozzles oriented substantially parallel to the extent of the respective channel, two second connection nozzles branch off from each channel oriented substantially perpendicular to the extent of the respective channel, and the central region and the two edge regions together with the connection nozzles are part of a single-piece molded plastic component.

[0002] Solar absorber modules according to the present invention, as intended in particular for heating liquid flowing through them (e.g., pool and swimming pool water), are typically made of black-colored plastic to ensure high absorption of incident sunlight and thus efficient heating of the water or other fluid flowing through them. The two wall surfaces are usually connected to each other (more or less at specific points) via a multitude of connection areas distributed across the central region to counteract both sagging and bulging of the wall surfaces that define the (typically flat) flow space.

[0003] In this way, even with comparatively small wall thicknesses of the wall surfaces and thus low material usage, the defined distance between the wall surfaces, i.e. a favorable extension of the flow space in its height, can be ensured with regard to the heat input into the water or other fluid.

[0004] The individual modules, typically having a largely rectangular shape, can be fluidically interconnected or networked to form larger absorber surfaces using the connection ports and additional connectors (e.g., hose or pipe sections and clamps). This offers advantages in terms of ease of handling during assembly (which may be carried out by DIYers) and flexibility in the modular configuration for differently sized and proportioned installation surfaces (e.g.,...).For roof areas (e.g., of garages) and thermal efficiency, absorber modules with dimensions of approximately 0.7-1.0m by 1.0-1.5m have proven effective for smaller, contiguous installation areas (primarily found in private applications), whereas for larger, contiguous installation areas (primarily found in commercial applications such as municipal or hotel swimming pools), larger absorber modules (e.g., with dimensions of approximately 1.0-1.2m by 1.7-2.2m) are preferable.

[0005] Solar absorber modules, such as those used specifically for heating the water of pools and swimming pools, are known from patent literature (see, for example, US 4,213,449 A, EP 2 284 910 B1, EP 2 284 452 A1, EP 1 455 147 A2, EP 2 808 618 A2, EP 3 285 022 A1, JP 58-142653 U, US 3,991,742 A, US 4,206,748 A, US 2007 / 0227533 A1, US 2011 / 0259006 A1, WO 2011 / 058401 A1, WO 2019 / 077640 A1 and WO 2019 / 090384 A1) and are also known in practice. Application (see, for example, the product range of the applicant and of Roth Werke GmbH, DE-35232 Dautphetal). In particular, the HelioPool® solar absorber modules of Roth Werke GmbH (see also US 2007 / 0283950 A1) have the generic structure specified in the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] WO 2017 / 127884 A1 also discloses a solar absorber module of the generic type. This module is characterized by the fact that the two wall surfaces defining the flow space are designed differently; the upper wall surface is corrugated or ribbed, forming parallel channels, whereas the lower wall surface has localized depressions, craters, or indentations that increase turbulence. Furthermore, the channels forming the collectors are flattened where the second connection nozzles branch off from them.

[0007] The present invention aims to further improve the practical usability of generic solar absorber modules. In particular, it seeks to provide an improved generic solar absorber module such that, when multiple solar absorber modules are linked or networked together on a given installation area, a further increase in heat yield can be achieved.

[0008] The aforementioned problem is solved according to the present invention by the solar absorber module specified in claim 1. According to the invention, in a solar absorber module of the generic type, the edge regions with the collectors adjacent to the branches of the second connection nozzles are offset such that the transition from the respective channel to the respective second connection nozzle is indented towards the central region compared to the wall of the respective channel facing away from the central region between the two offsets. The offset dimension, i.e., the offset between the axis of the channel in the region of the second connection nozzles and the axis of the channel between the two offsets, is between 0.5 and 1.1 times the diameter of the respective channel.And in each area of ​​the bend, at the transition from the central area to the relevant channel, there is at least one connecting area that links the two wall surfaces together.

[0009] In other words, unlike the prior art for generic solar absorber modules, in the solar absorber module according to the invention, the two channels arranged at the edges do not extend in a straight line between the two associated first connection ports. Instead, the two channels are each bent twice between the two second connection ports such that the distance between the centerlines of the two channels is greater between each of the two bends than in the area of ​​the branch points of the second connection ports; in other words, the two edge regions of the solar absorber module are each bent by approximately 80% ± 30% of the diameter of the respective channel. For channels with a non-circular, e.g., elliptical, cross-section, a substitute diameter must be assumed, which results from converting the non-circular cross-sectional area to a circular one.The at least one connecting area provided in the area of ​​the crank at the transition from the central area to the relevant channel, which connects the two wall surfaces, stiffens and strengthens the structure at points which tend to be highly stressed in cranked edge areas in accordance with the present invention.

[0010] The solar absorber module according to the invention offers several advantages in terms of practical usability compared to the prior art. Specifically, in the case of a comparable arrangement of identically dimensioned solar absorber modules, the (typically flexible) connecting pieces extending between the opposing second connection spigots of two adjacent solar absorber modules can be significantly longer than in the prior art according to US 2007 / 0283950 A1, thus better compensating for thermal expansion of the solar absorber modules. This advantage can be achieved without the stress-mechanically unfavorable flattening of the edge areas in the region of the second connection spigots, as provided for in WO 2017 / 127884 A1.The invention thus contributes to a reduction of mechanical loads and stresses in the edge areas of the solar absorber modules, thereby reducing the risk of failure and increasing the service life.

[0011] Conversely, applying the present invention allows two adjacent solar absorber modules, coupled via their opposing second connection ports, to be mounted in such a way that their adjacent edge regions – in the sections between the bends – almost touch each other, i.e., they maintain only the minimum distance absolutely necessary for unconstrained thermal expansion, while retaining the established connection technology and without any other adverse effects. The aforementioned double bend of the two channels between the respective two second connection ports thus significantly increases the absorber surface area, which is crucial for the transfer of solar heat into the fluid flowing through the solar absorber module.The percentage gain is particularly significant with shorter solar absorber modules; and these shorter solar absorber modules have the advantage in terms of heat yield that a predetermined installation area, defined by its dimensions, can tend to be covered to a greater extent with interconnected solar absorber modules, i.e. h.The entire installed absorber area can be more closely aligned with the installation surface. Of course, the advantages achievable with the present invention regarding increased yield also become apparent, albeit gradually, with longer solar absorber modules. Furthermore, another advantage of considerable practical relevance, which distinguishes solar absorber modules according to the invention, is completely independent of the respective module size: the improved protection of the secondary outlets against potential damage. This is because the secondary outlets protrude less – or, with a sufficiently pronounced offset, not at all – from the section of the relevant edge area of ​​the absorber module located between them, which significantly reduces the risk of unintentional damage (during storage, transport, and / or installation).

[0012] Typically, the second connection ports, as is also the case for conventional solar absorber modules, extend in the plane defined by the central area. However, this is not mandatory. A certain, more or less pronounced inclination of the second connection ports relative to the plane defined by the central area is also possible. This applies particularly to a planned "shingled" arrangement of the solar absorber modules on the installation surface.

[0013] According to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the offset dimension is at least 50% of the length of the respective second connecting piece, so that the latter projects at most half its length beyond the outer boundary of the relevant edge section between the two offsets, away from the central area. Particularly preferably, the offset dimension is even at least 80% of the length of the respective second connecting piece, so that the latter projects at most 20% of its length beyond the outer boundary of the relevant edge section between the two offsets, away from the central area. In this way, the advantages described above can be achieved to a particularly pronounced degree.

[0014] According to another preferred conception of the geometry of solar absorber modules according to the invention, the offset is between 0.6 times and 1.0 times the diameter of the channel in question.

[0015] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, opposite the second connecting nozzle, at least one connecting area exists at the transition from the central region to the respective channel, connecting the two wall surfaces. This provides further stiffening and strengthening of the structure at points which tend to be subject to high stress in the case of cranked edge regions as described in the present invention.

[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the edge regions adjacent to the branches of the second connecting stubs are doubly cranked on both sides of them, such that in the region between the second connecting stub and the adjacent first connecting stub, the wall of the respective channel facing away from the central region projects away from the central region relative to the transition from the respective channel to the respective second connecting stub. In particular, in this embodiment, the first connecting stubs can be aligned with the axis of the respective associated channel between the cranked regions. This embodiment is advantageous, among other things, with regard to the good accessibility of the first connecting stubs for their connection to one another.

[0017] A further preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that – until the installation of the respective solar absorber module, i.e., in the delivery state in which the solar absorber modules arrive at the construction site – all eight connection ports are fluid-tight, wherein at least six of the eight connection ports are closed by means of end caps integrally formed with the respective connection ports, and the remaining connection ports are sealed by means of subsequently applied closures. Due to the completely sealed storage and delivery of the solar absorber modules, the risk of foreign objects entering the interior (and potentially becoming lodged there and impairing the flow conditions and / or later, if they become dislodged, even damaging a circulation pump) is minimized.Depending on the individual flow-related connection of the solar absorber module in question, only the connection ports actually required and used for installation – typically two – are opened on site. Factory sealing of at least six of the eight connection ports using end caps integrally formed with the respective connection ports is particularly efficient. Sealing two or possibly only one connection port in another way, namely subsequently by sealing with applied closures (e.g., in the form of welded-on caps), takes into account the fact that in typical manufacturing processes used for solar absorber modules according to the invention (namely blow molding), at least one connection port is used to blow air into the interior of the solar absorber module.If two connection plugs are initially left open, this allows for a defined flushing of the solar absorber module with air, for example to accelerate cooling and / or for a cleaning flush to remove production residues.

[0018] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawing. Fig. 1 a top view of the solar absorber module according to the embodiment, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the solar absorber module according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 in top view a corner area of ​​the solar absorber module according to the Figure 1 and 2 in a partially cropped version.

[0019] The solar absorber module shown in the drawing has - in a manner known as such - an essentially rectangular basic shape and comprises a central area 1 and two opposing edge areas 2, 3 enclosing the central area.

[0020] The central area 1 has two spaced-apart wall surfaces 4, 5, which define a flow space 6 located between them. The two wall surfaces 4, 5 are connected to each other by means of a multitude of (essentially round) connecting areas 7 distributed across the central area 1, such that they maintain a predetermined distance from each other, which defines the height of the flow space 6.

[0021] Each of the two boundary areas 2, 3 has a collector 8 in the form of a channel 9, which communicates fluidically with the flow space 6 via passages 10, which each exist between two adjacent (essentially oval) connecting areas 7a that connect the two wall surfaces 4, 5 adjacent to the collector 8.

[0022] Each of the two collectors 8 has four connections 11, in that the respective channel 9 opens at its end into two first connection nozzles 12 and from each channel 9 two further second connection nozzles 13 branch off, oriented essentially perpendicular to the extension of the channel 9 in question.

[0023] The two edge regions 2, 3 of the solar absorber module are each double-bent adjacent to the branches 14 of the second connection spigots 13. By means of a first bend 15, the edge regions 2, 3 are bent such that the transition 16 from the respective channel 9 to the respective second connection spigot 13 is recessed towards the central region 1 compared to the wall 17 of the respective channel 9 facing away from the central region 1 between the two first bends 15; the two first bends 15 are thus located between the two second connection spigots 13 assigned to the respective channel 9. Furthermore, a second bend 18 exists in each case, namely in the area between the second connection spigot 13 and the adjacent first connection spigot 12.The two second bends 18 are thus located outside the two second connection spigots 13 assigned to the respective channel 9; they cause the wall 19 of the channel 9 facing away from the central area 1 to project away from the central area 1 outside the respective two second connection spigots 13, i.e. in the area between a first connection spigot 12 and the second connection spigot 13 adjacent to it, opposite the transition 16 from the channel 9 to the respective second connection spigot 13.

[0024] The first connections 12 (arranged at the end of the respective channel 9) extend parallel to the orientation of the channel 9 in question between the two second connection 13. Since the first offsets 15 and the second offsets 18 have the same offset dimension (su), the first connection 12 are aligned with the axis A of the associated channel 9 between the two second connection 13.

[0025] The offset, i.e., the offset between axis A of the channel 9 between the two first offsets 15 and axis B of the channel 9 in the area of ​​the second connecting pieces 13, is approximately 60% of the diameter of the respective channel 9. With respect to the length L of the second connecting pieces 13, the offset is approximately 80%, so that the two second connecting pieces 13 each project only about 20% of their length L beyond the wall 17 of the respective channel 9 facing away from the central area 1 between the two first offsets 15.

[0026] Opposite each of the second connection ports 13, at the transition from the central area 1 of the solar absorber module to the respective channel 9, i.e., adjacent to the channel 9, there are two connection areas 7b of essentially oval shape connecting the two wall surfaces 4, 5. And in the area of ​​the first bend 15 and the second bend 18, at the transition from the central area 1 to the respective channel 9, i.e., adjacent to the channel 9, there is a connection area 7c of essentially triangular shape connecting the two wall surfaces 4, 5. Between the aforementioned connection areas 7b and 7c, there are again passages 10, so that the respective channel 9 also communicates fluidically with the flow space 6 in the area of ​​the bends 15 and 18.

[0027] The entire solar absorber module, as described above, is manufactured in one piece, with the central section 1 and the two edge sections 2, 3, including the eight connection ports 12, 13, forming part of a single, molded plastic component. This molded plastic component also includes four first end caps 20, which are fitted to the four first connection ports 12 and seal them fluid-tight, and two second end caps 21, which are fitted to two of the four second connection ports 13 and seal them fluid-tight. The two remaining second connection ports 13 are also fluid-tight sealed in the illustrated delivery state of the solar absorber module by means of subsequently applied closures 22, e.g., welded to the respective second connection port 13.

[0028] Adjacent to each of the two collectors 8, and aligned with or in a row with the respective associated connection areas 7a, three (essentially oval) mounting openings 23 are provided. The mounting openings 23 are bordered by circumferential, collar-like wall sections 24 formed on the wall surfaces 4, 5, such that the two wall surfaces 4, 5 are tightly connected to each other even in the area of ​​the mounting openings 23 and the flow space 6 is sealed off from the mounting openings 23. The same applies to mounting openings 26 arranged along the two free longitudinal sides 25 of the solar absorber module.

Claims

1. Solar absorber module, comprising - a central area (1) with two wall faces (4, 5) spaced apart from each other and delimiting a flow space (6) arranged between them, and - two opposite edge areas (2, 3) enclosing the central area (1), each with a collector (8) in the form of a channel (9) communicating with the flow space (6), wherein - each of the two channels (9) opens at its ends into two first connection pieces (12) oriented essentially parallel to the extension of the respective channel (9), - two second connection pieces (13) oriented essentially at right angles to the extension of the respective channel (9) branch off from each channel (9), and - the central area (1) and the two edge areas (2, 3) together with the connection pieces (12, 13) are part of a one-piece moulded plastic component, characterised in that the edge areas (2, 3) adjacent to the branches (14) of the second connecting pieces (13) are offset in such a way that the transition (16) from the respective channel (9) into the respective second connecting piece (13) is retracted in the direction of the central area (1) relative to the wall (17) of the respective channel facing away from the central area (1) between the two crankings (15), wherein the offset-dimension, i.e. the offset between the axis of the channel (9) in the area of the respective second connecting piece (13) and the axis of the channel (9) between the two crankings, is between 0.5 and 1.1 times the diameter of the respective channel (9), and wherein, furthermore, at least one connecting area (7c) connecting the two wall faces (4, 5) to each other exists in the area of the cranking (15) at the transition from the central area (1) to the respective channel (9).

2. Solar absorber module according to claim 1, characterised in that the offset-dimension is at least 50% of the length (L) of the respective second connection piece (13), so that the latter protrudes at most by half its length (L) beyond the outer boundary, facing away from the central area (1), of the relevant edge area (2, 3) between the two crankings (15).

3. Solar absorber module according to claim 2, characterised in that the offset-dimension is at least 80% of the length (L) of the respective second connection piece (13), so that the latter protrudes by at most 20% of its length (L) beyond the outer boundary, facing away from the central area (1), of the relevant edge area (2, 3) between the two crankings (15).

4. Solar absorber module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the offset-dimension is between 0.6 times and 1.0 times the diameter of the respective channel (9).

5. Solar absorber module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one connecting area (7b) connecting the two wall faces (4, 5) to each other is provided opposite the second connection piece (13) at the transition from the central area (1) to the respective channel (9).

6. Solar absorber module according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the edge areas (2, 3) adjacent to the branches (14) of the second connecting pieces (13) are double-cranked on both sides of these in such a way that, in the area between the second connecting piece (13) and the adjacent first connection piece (12), the wall (19) of the respective channel (9) facing away from the central area (1) projects away from the central area (1) relative to the transition (16) from the respective channel (9) into the respective second connection piece (13).

7. Solar absorber module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the first connection pieces (12) are aligned with the axis (A) of the associated channel (9).

8. Solar absorber module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that all eight connection pieces (12, 13) are sealed in a fluid-tight manner, wherein at least six of the eight connection pieces (12, 13) are sealed by means of end caps (20, 21) formed integrally with the respective connection pieces (12, 13) and the remaining connection pieces are sealed by means of subsequently applied closures (22).