Unglazed solar collector with a collector equipped with a hydraulic connection and an expansion sleeve

Abstract

The invention relates to an unglazed solar collector (10) comprising at least one hydraulic collector (30) and an absorber comprising a plurality of hydraulic units that are juxtaposed and hydraulically connected to the hydraulic collector, wherein said hydraulic collector comprises at least a first tube (40) and a second tube (42) hydraulically connected to each other by a hydraulic fitting (50), the hydraulic units being connected to the first and second tubes, the solar collector further comprising a frame supporting the absorber and the hydraulic collector, said hydraulic fitting being fixed to the frame and comprising at least one expansion sleeve in which the first and second tubes are sealed. Figure 2 (for the abstract)

Description

Title of the invention: Unglazed solar collector having a collector equipped with a hydraulic connection having an expansion sleeve. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of unglazed solar collectors. These are thermal solar collectors that are not covered with glass or any other transparent or translucent material. Previous technique

[0002] In a manner known per se, an unglazed solar collector comprises at least one hydraulic collector and an absorber having a longitudinal direction and comprising a plurality of hydraulic units which are juxtaposed and hydraulically connected to the hydraulic collector, said hydraulic collector comprising at least a first tube and a second tube hydraulically connected to each other, the hydraulic units being connected to the first and second tubes.

[0003] Hydraulic units are traditionally made up of hydraulic hoses made of elastomer or plastic, parallel to each other, in which a heat transfer fluid circulates.

[0004] The hydraulic manifold can be an inlet or outlet manifold.

[0005] The cold heat transfer fluid flows from the inlet manifold to the absorber while the hot heat transfer fluid flows from the absorber to the outlet manifold.

[0006] In a known manner, the inlet and outlet manifolds are connected to a heating or heat recovery system.

[0007] An unglazed solar collector is traditionally installed permanently on the roof of a building. This can be a flat roof or a pitched roof. The hydraulic units absorb solar and / or atmospheric energy, which heats the heat transfer fluid that flows through the collector(s).

[0008] Each collector is therefore subjected to significant temperature variations throughout the day and year. Furthermore, the collector is generally made of plastic materials, which have high coefficients of expansion.

[0009] This has the effect that the collector - especially if it is of great length - expands longitudinally when subjected to high temperatures, for example in summer, and conversely contracts when subjected to low temperatures, for example in winter.

[0010] Also, the length of the collector is likely to vary significantly between night and day and between winter and summer.

[0011] Furthermore, the collector is generally mounted on a frame, which also carries the absorber.

[0012] To fix the collector to the frame while leaving a degree of freedom to the collector to compensate for the effect of expansion / contraction, it is known to use straps which surround the collector and engage in the frame.

[0013] The straps must remain moderately tight to allow the collector to move or expand under the effect of expansion, otherwise the collector, attached to the frame, could break under the effect of expansion.

[0014] The inventors observed that installers, wishing to ensure that the manifold is correctly secured, sometimes tend to overtighten the straps, which has the effect of fixing the manifold to the frame. Unable to move due to thermal expansion, the manifold risks breaking.

[0015] Conversely, the collector may fall from the frame or be lifted by the wind if the straps are not tight enough.

[0016] The ability of the strap fastening solution to allow sufficient freedom to the manifold to compensate for its expansion or contraction without risk of breakage is therefore very dependent on the implementation by the installer. Description of the invention

[0017] One object of the invention is to provide an unglazed solar collector that remedies the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0018] The invention achieves its goal by the fact that the solar collector further comprises a frame carrying the absorber and the hydraulic collector, and the first and second tubes being hydraulically connected to each other by a hydraulic fitting which is fixed to the frame and which comprises at least one expansion sleeve in which the first and second tubes are engaged in a sealed manner.

[0019] The invention eliminates the need for prior art retaining straps, since the hydraulic fitting simply needs to be attached to the frame. This avoids the drawbacks associated with the difficulty of correctly adjusting the prior straps.

[0020] Furthermore, the expansion sleeve allows the absorption of length variations of the first and second tubes resulting from the linear expansion / contraction phenomenon of the tubes.

[0021] Finally, fixing the collector to the frame via the hydraulic connection is more robust and reliable than fixing by straps.

[0022] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the unglazed sensor may comprise several collectors, in particular an inlet collector and an outlet collector. The inlet and outlet collectors may be arranged at the two longitudinal ends. of the absorber, or alternatively be arranged side by side at one of the two ends of the absorber with an intermediate junction collector at the other end of the absorber.

[0023] The sensor manifold according to the invention may also include several hydraulic fittings and more than two tubes. The number of tubes and fittings will be determined according to the dimensions of the absorber.

[0024] The solar collector preferably has a longitudinal direction, parallel to the hydraulic units, and a transverse direction, perpendicular to the hydraulic units. The collector preferably extends along the transverse direction. The axes of the first and second tubes are preferably coaxial and parallel to the transverse direction.

[0025] The expansion sleeve preferably has a cylindrical shape whose axis is coaxial with the axes of the first and second tubes.

[0026] In this description, the term "axial" is understood to refer to the axes of the expansion sleeve and the first and second tubes.

[0027] Advantageously, the first tube is mounted to slide within the expansion sleeve. The first tube can therefore slide along the axis of the expansion sleeve.

[0028] Thanks to this assembly, the first tube can expand or contract axially without exerting axial force on the hydraulic fitting.

[0029] In other words, the expansion sleeve has the advantageous effect of compensating, that is to say absorbing, the variation in axial length of the first tube.

[0030] Advantageously, the second tube is also mounted to slide in the expansion sleeve.

[0031] It is therefore understood that the expansion sleeve compensates or absorbs the variations in axial lengths of the first and second tubes.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, the inner wall of the expansion sleeve further comprises an axial stop disposed between the first and second tubes.

[0033] The axial stop constitutes a limit of expansion which makes it possible to stop the axial displacement of the first tube.

[0034] Preferably, in operation, the ends of the first and second tubes engaged in the expansion sleeve are away from the axial stop.

[0035] One advantage is to leave enough axial play to compensate for the expansion of the first and second tubes without the latter coming into contact with the axial stop.

[0036] Preferably, the axial stop is a rib projecting from the cylindrical inner wall of the expansion sleeve. The rib projects radially. Furthermore, it preferably has the shape of an annular portion. The wall may have several ribs. It could also be lugs.

[0037] Advantageously, the expansion sleeve comprises at least one seal surrounding the first tube. This is, for example, but not exclusively, an O-ring.

[0038] This O-ring has the effect of ensuring the sealing of the hydraulic fitting while allowing free axial elongation or contraction of the first tube.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment, the hydraulic fitting further comprises a fixing element for fixing the hydraulic fitting to the frame.

[0040] The fastening element can, for example, be fixed to the frame by screwing or bolting.

[0041] Preferably, but not exclusively, the fixing member comprises a fixing plate, and the hydraulic fitting further comprises a support face, the fixing plate projecting from the support face.

[0042] Preferably, the mounting plate protrudes laterally from the bearing surface. The mounting plate and the bearing surface preferably form a right angle intended to be mounted on the frame.

[0043] Advantageously, the frame includes a support on which the hydraulic fitting is mounted.

[0044] It is understood that the support serves in particular to support the manifold. When the manifold has several hydraulic fittings, these are fixed to the same support.

[0045] Preferably, the support comprises a rail. The term "rail" here refers to a long, linear element which may also be, for example, a beam, a profile, or an angle. This rail extends in a direction perpendicular to the hydraulic units.

[0046] According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the rail with the collector are movable in translation along the longitudinal direction of the absorber.

[0047] One advantage is the ability to compensate for the expansion or contraction of the hydraulic units attached to the manifold. This prevents the hydraulic units from detaching from the manifold due to contraction in cold weather.

[0048] To achieve this, the frame preferably includes a guide element enabling the rail to be guided in translation along the longitudinal direction relative to the rest of the frame.

[0049] Advantageously, the hydraulic manifold includes at least one end fitted with a termination sleeve which is equipped with a plug or a tubular element fitted with an accessory, such as a drain valve, a pressure gauge or a connection element to a fluid inlet or outlet pipe.

[0050] The cap allows the end of the collector to be sealed.

[0051] The termination sleeve also includes a fixing plate, similar to that of the aforementioned hydraulic manifold, for fixing it to the support.

[0052] Preferably, the tubular element is rotationally movable relative to the termination sleeve.

[0053] One advantage is the ability to adjust the angular position of the tubular element relative to the termination sleeve, for example when the solar collector is installed on a pitched roof. This also facilitates the installation of the piping.

[0054] Advantageously, the hydraulic units are hydraulic hoses made of elastomer or plastic. Description of the drawings

[0055] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a non-solar collector glazed according to the invention currently being installed;

[0057] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a detailed view of the solar collector of the [Fig.1];

[0058] [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a hydraulic manifold fitting of the [Fig.2];

[0059] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the manifold of Fig.2. axially dilated tubes;

[0060] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the manifold of [Fig. 2], the tubes being axially contracted; and

[0061] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] illustrates an end sleeve equipped with an accessory. Detailed description

[0062] Figure 1 illustrates an example of an unglazed solar collector 10 according to the invention, during installation. The unglazed solar collector 10 comprises an absorber 12 consisting of a plurality of hydraulic units 14 that are juxtaposed and extend along a longitudinal direction L of the absorber. The hydraulic units 14 shown are hydraulic hoses 15 made of elastomer or plastic through which a heat transfer fluid flows. The solar collector 10 also includes a transverse direction T that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0063] In this example, the absorber is being installed. A first hydraulic sheet 16 is shown being unrolled along the longitudinal direction L, and a second hydraulic sheet 18 is shown being wound up and is intended to be unrolled along the longitudinal direction L like sheet 16. The hydraulic units of the second hydraulic sheet are referenced 14'.

[0064] It is observed that each of the first and second hydraulic aquifers 16 and 18 comprise, in this example, about ten hydraulic units 14,14'.

[0065] The installer then positions other hydraulic sheets to form the absorber. The absorber 12 thus extends, along the longitudinal direction L, between a first end 12a and a second end 12b.

[0066] The solar collector 10 further comprises a frame 20 which carries the absorber 12. The frame consists, in this example, of longitudinal support elements 22, which extend along the longitudinal direction L, and of a plurality of transverse support elements 24 which extend along the transverse direction T, perpendicular to the longitudinal support elements 22.

[0067] The unglazed solar collector 10 also includes feet 26 which are connected to the longitudinal support elements 22.

[0068] In this example, the unglazed solar collector 10 includes a first hydraulic collector 30 located at the first end 12a of the absorber 12, and a second hydraulic collector 32 disposed at the second end 12b of the absorber 12.

[0069] As can be understood from [Fig. 1], each of the first and second collectors 30, 32 extends axially along the transverse direction T of the unglazed solar collector 10.

[0070] As explained above, the unglazed solar collector 10 illustrated in [Fig. 1] is being installed, with only the first hydraulic layer having been unrolled. It is understood that when the installation is complete, the surface of the structure will be covered with hydraulic units.

[0071] It is also noted that the hydraulic units 14, 14' are hydraulically connected to the first and second hydraulic collectors 30, 32.

[0072] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the first hydraulic manifold 30 which, in this example, comprises a first tube 40 and a second tube 42. The second hydraulic manifold 32 is similar to the first hydraulic manifold 30.

[0073] The hydraulic units 14 of the first layer 16 are hydraulically connected to the first tube 40, while the hydraulic units 14' of the second hydraulic layer 18 are hydraulically connected to the second tube 42, so as to allow the flow of the heat transfer fluid.

[0074] The first and second tubes 40, 42 are hydraulically connected to each other by a hydraulic fitting 50. It can also be seen that the frame 20 has a support 21 on which the hydraulic fitting 50 is mounted. In this example, the support 21 includes a rail 23 that extends along the transverse direction T of the sensor. The hydraulic fitting 50, in this example, is screwed to the rail 23, so that the hydraulic fitting is fixed rigidly to the frame 20. It is understood that the frame 20 also carries, via hydraulic fittings, the first and second hydraulic manifolds 30, 32.

[0075] In order to compensate for the expansion or contraction of the hydraulic units along the longitudinal direction L of the absorber, the rail 23 with the first collector 30 are movable in translation along the longitudinal direction L. To achieve this, in this example, the rail can for example be equipped with "U" shaped fixings cooperating with the longitudinal support elements 22 to guide the movement of the rail 23 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0076] The hydraulic connector 50, more clearly visible in [Fig.3], includes an expansion sleeve 52 which has a generally cylindrical shape having an axis A. The hydraulic fitting 50 further includes a fixing member 56 to the frame 20. In this example, the fixing member 56 includes a fixing plate 58 provided with holes 60 for receiving fixing elements 62, visible in [Fig.2].

[0077] The expansion sleeve 52 is open at both ends. It has a first opening 52a located at a first axial end, and a second opening 52b located at the opposite axial end.

[0078] The expansion sleeve 52 includes at least one first seal 68, toroidal in this example, which is located at the first opening 52a. It also includes a second seal 70, also toroidal in this example, which is located at the second opening 52b of the expansion sleeve.

[0079] It is understood that the first and second tubes 40, 42 are axially engaged in a sealed manner in the expansion sleeve 52.

[0080] In this example, the sealing is ensured by the first and second O-rings 68, 70 which respectively surround the first and second tubes 40, 42.

[0081] The hydraulic fitting 50 further comprises a bearing face 64, which is located below the expansion sleeve 52, the fixing plate 58 projecting from a lateral edge of the bearing face 64.

[0082] It can be understood from figures 2 and 3 that the bearing face 64 is intended to bear against an upper face 23a of the rail 23, while the fixing plate 58 bears against a lateral face 23b of the rail 23. When the hydraulic fitting 50 is mounted to the frame 20, the axis A of the expansion sleeve is substantially parallel to the transverse direction T of the solar collector.

[0083] With reference to [Fig. 3], it can also be seen that the expansion sleeve 52 has an internal wall 52a, cylindrical in shape, which includes an axial stop 66 located axially approximately in the middle of the expansion sleeve. The axial stop 66 projects radially towards the axis A of the sleeve.

[0084] The longitudinal cross-sectional views of figures 4 and 5 allow for a better understanding of the cooperation of the first and second tubes 40, 42 with the hydraulic fitting 50. It can be understood from these figures 4 and 5 that the first and second tubes 40, 42 are mounted to slide in the expansion sleeve 52, along the axial direction A.

[0085] In [Fig.4], a state of the collector is shown when the first and second tubes 40, 42 are in a dilated state, under the effect of heat, for example in hot weather.

[0086] In [Fig.5], the first and second tubes 40, 42 are shown in a contracted state, for example in cold weather.

[0087] In the dilated state, illustrated in [Fig.4], the ends 40a and 42a of the first and second tubes which are opposite each other inside the expansion sleeve 52 are separated by a distance dl, which is non-zero.

[0088] It is also observed that the ends 40a, 42a of the first and second tubes engaged in the expansion sleeve are distant from the axial stop 66. The distances d2 and d3 which respectively separate the ends 40a and 42a of the first and second tubes from the axial stop are non-zero, in order to leave a safety margin capable of absorbing a greater expansion.

[0089] In the contracted state, illustrated in [Fig. 5], the ends 40a and 42a of the first and second tubes 40, 42 are separated from each other by a distance e1 which is greater than the distance d1. In the contracted state, the distances e2 and e3 which separate the ends 40a, 42a of the first and second tubes 40, 42 from the axial stop 66 are greater than the distances d2 and d3. The distance e2 (respectively e3) remains less than the distance which separates the axial stop 66 from the O-ring 68 (respectively 70), so as to ensure the retention of the tubes and the sealing between the first and second tubes 40, 42.

[0090] The axial stop 66 protrudes radially inside the expansion sleeve.

[0091] Referring now to [Fig. 6], it can be seen that the first hydraulic manifold 30 has an end 30a which is fitted with an end sleeve 80. The end sleeve can be fitted with an end cap to seal the end of the manifold. In this example, the end sleeve is fitted with a tubular element 82 equipped with an accessory 84, which in this example is a pressure gauge. Also in this example, the tubular element 82 is glued into the sleeve so as not to come out under pressure.

[0092] Alternatively, the tubular element 82 is rotatable about axis A relative to the end sleeve 80 so as, if necessary, to allow adjustment of the position of the pressure gauge accessory, for example, to facilitate reading the manifold pressure. In this case, it is held by a stop that prevents it from coming out of the sleeve 80 while allowing rotation about axis A.

Claims

Demands

1. Unglazed solar collector (10) comprising at least one hydraulic collector (30,32) and an absorber (12) having a longitudinal direction (L) and comprising a plurality of hydraulic units (14,14') which are juxtaposed and hydraulically connected to the hydraulic collector, in which said hydraulic collector comprises at least a first tube (40) and a second tube (42) hydraulically connected to each other by a hydraulic fitting, the hydraulic units (14,14') being connected to the first and second tubes, the solar collector (10) further comprising a frame (20) carrying the absorber (12) and the hydraulic collector (30,32), said hydraulic fitting being fixed to the frame and comprising at least one expansion sleeve (52) in which the first and second tubes (40,42) are sealedally engaged, the first tube (40) being slidably mounted in the expansion sleeve (52).

2. Unglazed solar collector according to claim 1, wherein the second tube (42) is mounted sliding in the expansion sleeve (52).

3. Unglazed solar collector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner wall (52a) of the expansion sleeve further comprises an axial stop disposed between the first and second tubes.

4. Unglazed solar collector according to claim 3, wherein, in operation, the ends (40a,42a) of the first and second tubes engaged in the expansion sleeve are distant from the axial stop.

5. Unglazed solar collector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the expansion sleeve (52) has at least one seal (68) surrounding the first tube (40).

6. Unglazed solar collector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydraulic fitting (50) further comprises a fixing member (56) for fixing the hydraulic fitting to the frame (20).

7. An unglazed solar collector according to claim 6, wherein the mounting member (56) comprises a mounting plate (58), and wherein the hydraulic connection further comprises a face

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9.

10.

11.

12.

13. support, the fixing plate (58) protruding from the support face (64). Unglazed solar collector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (20) includes a support (21) on which the hydraulic fitting (50) is mounted. Unglazed solar collector according to claim 8, wherein the support (21) includes a rail (23). Unglazed solar collector according to claim 9, wherein the rail with the collector are movable in translation along the longitudinal direction (L) of the absorber. Unglazed solar collector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydraulic collector (30) has at least one end (30a) provided with a termination sleeve (80) which is equipped with a plug or a tubular element provided with an accessory. Unglazed solar collector according to claim 11, wherein the tubular element (82) is rotationally movable relative to the termination sleeve. Unglazed solar collector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydraulic units (14) are hydraulic hoses (15) made of elastomer or plastic.

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