ARRANGEMENT, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING HOT WATER FROM SOLAR ENERGY.

Abstract

An arrangement (1) for producing hot water from solar energy, the arrangement comprising: an elongated solar collector device (10) extending along a longitudinal direction (X) from a first end (10a) to an opposite second end (10b), the elongated solar collector device (10) being composed of an elongated profile having walls that define elongated cavities between them, extending from the first end (10a) to the second end (10b), the elongated solar collector device (10) having at least a first opening (17) for receiving water into the elongated cavities, and at least a second opening (18) for extracting the water, arranged in a middle part (12) of the elongated solar collector device (10);and at least one valve (8) adapted so as to be arranged in one or the respective second openings (18), the valve being able to be opened and closed in order to extract the water housed in the cavities.;

Description

ARRANGEMENT, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING HOT WATER FROM SOLAR ENERGY TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to arrangements, systems, and methods for producing hot water from solar energy. More specifically, the present invention relates to an arrangement, system, and method for producing hot water from solar energy comprising a deformable solar collector. BACKGROUND Solar energy is the foundation of all life on Earth. The total amount of solar energy reaching the Earth is approximately 15,000 times greater than the total energy consumed by human society today. Furthermore, solar energy is an inexhaustible and free energy resource. In addition, solar energy is completely environmentally friendly. Consequently, the solution to the climate crisis and the world's energy needs lies in the possibility of converting solar energy into usable and storable energy for human society. In some parts of the world where there is no central water supply network, for example, in rural areas of developing countries, obtaining drinking water and / or hot water is a laborious process. For instance, people may have to travel a long way to obtain water and / or firewood, which is used to heat the water to a suitable temperature, e.g., for domestic purposes such as washing. Furthermore, widespread use of firewood for heating has a negative impact on both the local and global environment. In addition, using large quantities of firewood to heat open or poorly ventilated fires can lead to health problems.Consequently, there is a need for devices and methods that can cost-effectively provide potable and / or hot water near people living in or located in areas without a central water supply network, with the water being suitable for domestic purposes such as washing clothes, washing dishes, bathing, and possibly drinking. One such device and method is called Solvatten. Solvatten is described at https: / / solvatten.org / what-is-solvatten / . Solvatten uses solar energy to heat water to a temperature at which it is guaranteed to be free of any pathogenic material. Solvatten is a portable, combined water treatment and heating system designed for off-grid domestic use in the developing world. Solvatten comprises a bag-like unit with a handle for easy transport and two 5-liter containers, each of which can be filled with water through an opening containing a filter. Once filled, the unit is placed in direct sunlight, which heats the water inside and simultaneously exposes it to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The water inside is then heated to a temperature of up to 75°C.As a result, after 2 to 6 hours, depending on external conditions such as temperature and the amount of direct sunlight, the water inside will be warm and free of pathogens. Furthermore, UV radiation disrupts the formation of DNA bonds in microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing. Solvatten is, in many ways, an excellent invention that is cost-effective and efficiently heats and purifies water using solar energy, a clean and free energy resource. Furthermore, the Solvatten unit is well-suited for small families and is quite portable. However, the device does have some limitations, as the size of the containers is predefined. In other words, only 5 + 5 liters of water can be heated at a time. For example, it might be advantageous to have a central unit in a village where residents could collect hot water. In that case, the single Solvatten container would not be sufficient, and the village would require many of these units. Additionally, the transparent layer must be cleaned regularly to allow sunlight to reach the device's absorption layer, which heats the water.Consequently, there is a need for a device or arrangement that can cost-effectively provide hot water near people living or in areas without a central water supply network, where such a device or arrangement can be easily produced in a size that can be adapted, e.g., to a number of people living together, and which requires little maintenance. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to address at least some of the problems and issues described above. It is possible to achieve these and other objects using devices such as those defined in the appended independent claims. It is another object of the disclosure to provide a simple, cost-effective, and adaptable arrangement for heating a liquid, such as water, using solar energy. Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system comprising a plurality of arrangements for heating a liquid using solar energy. The invention is based on the idea of ​​using an elongated solar collector, such as the one developed and presented by the applicant in European patent EP 2167747 B1 and international patent application WO2016 / 043648 A1, to provide domestic hot water. The solar collectors in documents EP 2167747 and WO2016 / 043648 A1 are energy-efficient and cost-effective. The solar collectors were developed to be used simultaneously as a building element and a solar collector. They are ideally suited for this purpose, as they are manufactured as a single piece from a single material. The solar collector is comparatively economical, stable, and can withstand heavy loads. It is then used as part of, for example, 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 using a water-based central heating system, thus solving the problem of simultaneously providing a building material and heat to a building. When analyzing the different problem of providing hot water to people living in or located in areas without a central water supply network, the inventor conceived the idea of ​​adapting the previous solar collectors so that they could be used to provide hot water instead of as a combined building material and energy resource in central heating systems. This is achieved by means of an arrangement for producing hot water from solar energy comprising an elongated solar collector device extending longitudinally from a first end to a second opposite end. The elongated solar collector device consists of an elongated profile with walls that define elongated cavities extending from the first end to the second end, the elongated solar collector device being arranged to hold water in the cavities. The material of the elongated solar collector device comprises a polymer reinforced with an organic fiber material and is produced by extrusion. The elongated solar collector device also includes at least one first opening for receiving water in the elongated cavities, the first opening(s) being located at the first and / or second end.Furthermore, the solar collector device comprises at least one second opening for extracting water, located in a mid-section of the elongated solar collector device, the mid-section being approximately equidistant from the first and second ends. In addition, the device includes at least one valve adapted to be positioned in one or both of the second openings, the valve being operable to allow the extraction of water from the cavities during use. Because the elongated solar collector is produced by extrusion molding, its length, and consequently its water storage capacity, can be easily adapted to the needs of the community, group of people, or family where it will be used. In other words, extruding different lengths of the solar collector results in different total volumes within the elongated cavities. Furthermore, the material used for the solar collector—a polymer reinforced with an organic fiber—is cost-effective and durable. The polymer could be, for example, a thermoplastic or an elastomer, while the organic fiber could be, for example, wood fiber. ΙΛ / E / ZUZ Ó / U 03 í 4U In a preferred embodiment, the polymer content is greater than the organic fiber content. The polymer content can range from 55% to 95%, while the organic fiber content can range from 5% to 45%. This configuration provides a solar collector device with flexural capacity, as explained later. Furthermore, the service life of the solar collector device is longer because, for example, there is no risk of corrosion. In addition, the solar collector device is resistant to external influences, such as external mechanical stress. Moreover, since the solar collector device is made from a polymer-based fiber composite, it does not heat up to the point of burning when exposed to sunlight in a warm environment, as conventional solar collectors do, and therefore there is no risk, or at least a low risk, of burns from the solar collector.By placing a second opening for water extraction and a valve in the middle of the solar collector, the heated water can be extracted using the valve. This second opening and valve can be positioned on the side of the collector. Furthermore, by placing opposite ends of the solar collector on supports and filling it with water, the middle section will flex under gravity, especially as it heats up. The water inside will then tend to move towards the middle section, where the second opening and valve are located. Conveniently, the hot water production system, which includes the aforementioned solar collector, can be moved from one position to another; that is, it is mobile. Conventional solar collectors must be placed in one position and are difficult to move, while some solar collector systems may even require small motors or other devices to relocate them. The system described here can be easily moved to different locations because it is a one-piece solar collector with at least one outlet opening, at least one valve, and does not include delicate components such as glass, wires, etc. According to one exemplary embodiment, the arrangement further comprises a first support on which a first portion of the elongated solar collector device near its first end is to be placed, and a second support on which a second portion of the elongated solar collector device near its second end is to be placed. By providing the arrangement with these first and second supports, there is no need to locate them in the environment where the arrangement is to be used. The first and second supports IL / tZ / ZUZ Ó / U 03 í 4U help to achieve the flexing of the solar collector device, thereby concentrating the water in the middle part of the device. Conveniently, the arrangement comprises a solar collector that can be adapted to various needs, which may include modifying the length of the solar collector device and / or the number of cavities. If the arrangement is intended to provide hot water to a small village, the length of the solar collector device should be greater. If the end user is an individual or a small family, the solar collector device is manufactured with a shorter length. Furthermore, the number of cavities can be adapted to the size of the device and / or the needs of the end user. The solar collector device may comprise a plurality of cavities, although preferably 4-5 cavities. According to a tested example, the cross-section of the solar collector device can be approximately 350 mm wide and approximately 35 mm high, including 5-6 cavities. In this example, the arrangement can hold approximately 10 liters of water per meter of length. According to one exemplary embodiment, the arrangement further comprises at least one stop or filter disposed in one or more of the first respective openings. The filter material prevents small 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 can be easily replaced when necessary. According to one exemplary embodiment, the arrangement further comprises a third support on which the middle portion of the elongated solar collector is placed, the third support being shorter than the first and second supports. The third support prevents the lower portion of the solar collector from reaching the ground when flexed, thereby protecting the device and / or other components such as the valve. The third support is shorter than the first and second supports to allow sufficient flexing for the water to be transferred to the center of the device by gravity. According to another embodiment, the arrangement further comprises a cover surrounding the elongated solar collector device. The cover material can be soft plastic, such as polyethylene, and can mitigate convection. According to another embodiment, the arrangement further comprises at least one funnel adapted to be positioned in at least one of the first openings. The funnel may be arranged so that when inserted into the first opening and when the arrangement is in use, the inlet opening of the funnel points upwards, towards the sky. The funnel may be any device suitable for collecting rainwater or for easily filling the solar collector with water. The funnel may be any device having a large open top that narrows downwards to a smaller open bottom. Furthermore, the funnel may be removed from the first opening(s) when there is no need to fill the device with water or when rain is not expected. According to one embodiment, the second opening(s) comprise a plurality of openings arranged in the middle of the solar collector and may extend along its length. This arrangement allows for simultaneous water collection by different users. Furthermore, since the plurality of openings are located in the middle of the solar collector, gravity facilitates water extraction from the device. According to another embodiment, the cavities are a plurality of parallel cavities defined between the walls of the elongated solar collector device, and where the second opening(s) can extend through the inner walls of the elongated solar collector device, so that water can flow from all of the plurality of cavities and exit through an outer wall of the elongated solar collector device via the valve(s). The arrangement according to this embodiment facilitates the transport of water from all the cavities to the second opening, even when the solar collector device bends due to gravity and / or water temperature. The cavities collect and heat the water independently, and therefore the entire arrangement continues to function if one or more of the cavities experience a problem, such as leaks or blockages.Furthermore, the walls that define the multiple cavities provide a solar collector device resistant to forces. Additionally, there is more water in contact with the walls, thereby increasing the heating capacity of the solar collector device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the arrangement may be equipped with a temperature sensor that detects the water temperature within the solar collector. The temperature sensor may be connected to an indicating device that displays the measured temperature. The indicating device may be a screen that shows the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and / or indicates that the water has reached a temperature ready for use. The temperature sensor may be connected to a signaling device that is configured to emit a signal, e.g., a sound or light, when the water is ready to be drawn. According to one embodiment, the arrangement further comprises a weight adapted to be placed on the midsection of the elongated solar collector device after the device has been positioned on the first and second supports. The weight provides the initial flex in the midsection of the solar collector device and thus assists in filling it with water. The weight can be used temporarily or permanently, depending on factors such as the amount of water inside the solar collector device, the length of the device, and climatic conditions (radiation, temperature, etc.). The weight can be particularly useful for devices with a relatively short length, where the amount of water is insufficient to provide initial flex. According to one exemplary embodiment, the arrangement further comprises at least one wheel located at the first or second end of a lateral surface of the solar collector device. Conveniently, the wheel or wheels provide additional mobility to the arrangement, allowing it to be easily transported, for example, to a location with higher solar radiation. The wheel or wheels may be fixed to the solar collector device or may be detachable. According to another embodiment, the arrangement further comprises that the solar collector device has an elongated profile in a transverse direction composed of U-shaped beams at each end, connected by one or more I-beams. This arrangement generates a strong construction that is resistant to bending forces in longitudinal and / or width directions, and at the same time can be bent by forces applied in a transverse extension direction along the height of the solar collector device. According to another embodiment, the arrangement comprises a polymeric to organic fiber material ratio of approximately 2:1 in the elongated solar collector. This polymeric to organic fiber material ratio conveniently produces a deformable solar collector device that is neither too inflexible nor too rigid to break when filled with water and / or heated by the sun. In an alternative embodiment, the solar collector device may comprise approximately 60–75% polymer and approximately 40–25% organic fiber material. Another aspect of the disclosure refers to a system comprising a plurality of arrangements such as those described in the preceding embodiments. The system comprises a plurality of arrangements having solar collector devices arranged in a star configuration, with their first ends pointing towards the center of the star configuration. Furthermore, the first opening(s) of each solar collector device are located at the first end, and the system further comprises a funnel positioned at the center of the star configuration, the outlet of the funnel being connected to the first openings. The system may comprise arrangements other than the star configuration depending on the installation location. Conveniently, the system provides hot water in a large volume, which is suitable for a village with a large population and / or livestock.Furthermore, the system is arranged in such a way that the manual filling of the solar collector devices is made easier since they share the same inlet (i.e., the funnel). ΙΛ / tZ / ZUZ Ó / U 03 í 4U Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for heating water with solar energy using an elongated solar collector device, where the elongated solar collector device comprises a first end and a second opposite end. The elongated solar collector device also has at least one first opening for receiving water in the elongated cavities arranged at the first and / or second end, and at least one second opening for extracting water, arranged in a middle portion of the elongated solar collector device, the middle portion being approximately equidistant from the first and second ends; and at least one valve adapted to be arranged in one or more of the second respective openings, where the valve can be opened and closed to extract the water contained in the cavities.The method comprises placing the elongated solar collector device on at least one first support adjacent to the first end and a second support adjacent to the second end, such that the middle portion of the elongated solar collector device flexes between the supports, positioning the valve horizontally below the first and second ends, and filling the elongated solar collector device with water through the first opening(s) to a level where, after filling, the cavities will contain water up to the fill level and air above the fill level. Whereby, as the water inside the solar collector device heats up and expands, the air can escape through the first openings, and the water will be retained within the solar collector device.The first and second supports may be supports, such as frames, belonging to a system comprising the supports and the elongated solar collector device. Alternatively, the supports may be existing supports in the surrounding environment upon which the elongated solar collector device is placed. Such supports may be trees, etc. When the supports are trees, the first and second ends of the elongated solar collector device may be suspended from the branches of each respective tree. The elongated solar collector device may be filled with water before placing the ends on the supports, although more preferably after placing the ends on the supports. According to one embodiment, the method for heating water comprises an elongated solar collector device according to any of the above embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates an arrangement for producing hot water comprising a solar collector device, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of section AA in Figure 1, according to an embodiment example. ΙΛ / tZ / ZUZ Ó / U 03 í 4U Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the solar collector device showing the I-beams and U-beams, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 illustrates an arrangement for producing hot water, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of section BB in Figure 4, according to an embodiment example. Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the system comprising a plurality of arrangements, according to an embodiment example. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS A detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the device for producing hot water and of a system thereof will be analyzed below. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are used solely as examples and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing of a hot water production arrangement 1 comprising a solar collector device 10. The elongated solar collector device 10 is parallelepiped-shaped and is arranged in space with a longitudinal extension direction X (or length), a transverse extension direction Y (or height), 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 a longitudinal direction X; in other words, horizontally, in order 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 generating main surfaces 32, long-side surfaces 30, and short-side surfaces 31.The main surfaces 32 and the long-side surfaces 30 extend along the longitudinal X direction from the first end 10a to the opposite second end 10b. The long-side surfaces 30 have a smaller area than the main surfaces 32. The short-side surfaces 31 are located at the first end 10a and the second end 10b, respectively, and extend in the width Z direction. The elongated solar collector device 10 has a high surface area-to-volume ratio, which is relevant when capturing solar energy to heat water. The solar collector device 10 also has longitudinal cavities 16. The cavities 16 extend from the first end 10a to the second end 10b. Since the cavities 16 have open ends, overpressure inside them due to the hot water is prevented.The realization of Figure 1 shows five cavities 16, although the number of cavities may be greater and possibly also less, depending on the final use of the solar collector device 10. Furthermore, the solar collector device 10 has a second opening 18 arranged on one of the lateral surfaces 30 of a middle part 12 of the. The solar collector device 10. The second opening 18 functions as an outlet for water inside the solar collector device 10. The arrangement 1 also has a valve 8 connected to the second opening 18. In Figure 1, the valve 8 is shown as a tap; however, simpler valve arrangements, 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 organic fiber material creates a composite material that has the ability to flex in the transverse Y direction due to gravity.In order to achieve suitable flexural characteristics for this arrangement, testing has revealed that the ratio of polymer to organic fiber material should be approximately 2:1. In other words, there should be approximately 60–75% polymer and 40–25% organic fiber material in the solar collector device. The flexural strength of the solar collector device also depends on factors such as the amount of water in the cavities 16 and / or the temperature of the solar collector device. The more water inside the cavities, the greater the weight within the solar collector device, thus promoting flexural strength. Similarly, the temperature of the solar collector device 10 itself also increases due to the absorbed solar radiation, which further enhances its flexural strength. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the solar collector device 10 in section AA of Figure 1. In this embodiment, the solar collector device 10 has four elongated cavities 16, compared to the five in Figure 1, the cavities being defined by the walls 15. However, a different number of cavities may be used. The cavities 16 are essentially parallel and extend from the first end 10a to the second end 10b of the solar collector device 10. For ease of transport, the solar collector device 10 may also include a wheel 40 arranged at the second end 10b of the lateral surface 30 of the solar collector device 10; see also Figure 1. Figure 3 presents a schematic drawing of a cross-section showing the elongated cavities 16 defined by the walls 15. The cross-sectional profile is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction X of the solar collector device 10 at each point along its length. The cross-section consists of I-beams 21 and U-beams 20, which protect the unit from collapse. The solar collector device 10 can be manufactured comprising a plurality of I-beams 21 between two U-beams 20, the number of I-beams 21, and therefore cavities 16, being determined according to the requirements of the solar collector 10. The manufacturing process for the solar collector device 10 is an extrusion process. Conveniently, this configuration provides a robust solar collector device 10. The solar collector device 10 can withstand forces applied in the longitudinal extension direction X and / or the width extension direction Z, and can simultaneously flex in the transverse extension direction Y of the solar collector device 10. Furthermore, the solar collector device 10 can be easily transported in a vertical position, where a long side surface 30 and / or a short side surface 31 is oriented upwards. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the U-beams 20 has a different length and / or height relative to the I-beams 21. Preferably, the U-beams 20 have a shorter length and / or height relative to the I-beams 21. Figure 4 shows a schematic drawing of an arrangement for producing hot water. Arrangement 1 comprises the solar collector device 10 as described above. The solar collector device 10 also has a first opening 17 arranged at the first and / or second end 10a, 10b for receiving water in the cavities 16 (see Figure 3 or Figure 5). The first opening 17 can collect rainwater in 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 comprise at least one stop or filter 19 arranged in the first opening 17. Arrangement 1 further comprises a first support 5 and a second support 6 arranged at the first end 10a and the second end 10b of the solar collector device 10, respectively.The supports hold the ends of the solar collector device 10 at approximately the same height, while the middle part flexes due to the weight of the water inside the solar collector device 10 or due to the temperature increase of the solar collector device 10. The arrangement 1 further comprises a second opening 18 located 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 in a portion 12 near the middle of the solar collector 10, preferably on a lateral surface 30. When the solar collector device 10 is flexed (as shown in Figure 4), the lowest part of the solar collector device 10 is in the same location as the second opening 18, facilitating water collection through the second opening 18. In order to control the water collection from the second opening 18, a valve 8 is provided at the outlet of the second opening 18. The valve 8 has an open and a closed position, which can be used when water is required or not.The valve 8 can be, for example, a tap, a plunger, or an elongated pin that tapers from its first end to its opposite second end, the second end of the elongated pin being adapted to be inserted into the second opening 18. By placing the opposite end regions of the solar collector device on the supports 5, 6, as in figure 4, and filling the cavities of the solar collector device with water, the. The middle section of the solar collector device will flex due to gravity, especially when the solar collector device heats up. Similarly, the water 50 inside the solar collector device will tend to move by gravity towards the middle section 12 of the solar collector device, where the second opening 18 and valve 8 are located. The water 50 inside the solar collector device 10 is marked in Figure 4 with a striped pattern. As can be seen from the pattern, there will be a water surface within the cavities of the solar collector device. In other words, the solar collector device is designed to be filled with water to a certain level. Above the cavities, there will be air. As the water heats up, it will expand, and the water level will rise.For this reason, the top or filter can be positioned to allow air and water to enter and exit, even if it prevents small animals or similar creatures from entering. When the solar collector device 10 is empty, it can return to its original shape. This process can be repeated several times. Figure 4 also shows a third support 7 located in the middle section 12 of the solar collector device 10. This third support 7 is shorter than the first 5 and second 6 supports and is added to prevent the solar collector device 10 and / or the valve 8 from reaching the ground during bending. This is particularly important for solar collector devices 10 with a comparatively long longitudinal extension X. Although longer solar collector devices 10 may tend to bend more easily as their temperature increases, shorter solar collector devices 10 can also bend. Therefore, the third support 7 may also be necessary for shorter solar collector devices 10. Furthermore, this third support 7 allows the valve 8 to be positioned at a convenient height for someone drawing water.Since the third support 7 is shorter than the first support 5 and the second support 6, the water inside the cavities will end up in the middle part 12 of the solar collector device 10. Figure 5 shows a schematic drawing of cross-section BB from Figure 4. This schematic drawing shows a cross-section where the second opening 18 and valve 8 can be located. The second opening 18 extends through the inner walls 15a, thereby connecting the cavities 16 to the second opening 18. The liquid from the cavities 16 can be conveyed through the outer wall 15b of the solar collector device 10 to valve 8. This arrangement allows all the liquid from the cavities 16 to be directed to the second opening 18 when the solar collector device 10 is flexed. Furthermore, an indicator device 3 connected to a temperature sensor (not shown) can display the water temperature in the cavities 16. The indicator device 3 can display a signal indicating whether the water is ready or not ready, for example, a green / red light and / or a specific sound. ΙΛ / tZ / ZUZ Ó / U 03 ( 4U Figure 6 presents a schematic drawing showing a top view of a system 100 comprising a plurality of arrangements 1. The system 100 is arranged in a star configuration, where the first ends 10a are pointing towards the center 101 of the system 100. The center 101 of the system 100 has a water collection device, preferably a funnel 102, such that rainwater collected by the funnel 102 is transferred to the first opening 17 of the arrangements 1. The rainwater collected by the funnel 102 is distributed to all the arrangements 1. System 100 can comprise a plurality of arrangements 1 arranged in configurations other than a star configuration, depending on the available space at the installation site. System 100 can be used to provide hot water to several people, such as, for example, a small village.

Claims

1. An arrangement (1) for producing hot water from solar energy, the arrangement comprising: an elongated solar collector device (10) extending along a longitudinal direction (X) from a first end (10a) to an opposite second end (10b), the elongated solar collector device (10) being composed of an elongated profile having walls (15) that define elongated cavities (16) extending from the first end (10a) to the second end (10b), the elongated solar collector device (10) being prepared to hold water in the cavities (16), the material of the elongated solar collector device (10) being a polymer reinforced with an organic fiber material, the elongated solar collector device (10) being produced by extrusion, the elongated solar collector device (10) having at least a first opening (17) for receiving water in the elongated cavities (16),the first opening(s) (17) being disposed at the first end (10a) and / or the second end (10b), and at least one second opening (18) for extracting water, disposed in a middle part (12) of the elongated solar collector device (10), the middle part (12) being disposed approximately equidistant from the first end (10a) and the second end (10b); and at least one valve (8) adapted so as to be disposed at a respective one of the second opening(s) (18), the valve being able to be opened and closed in order to extract the water contained in the cavities (16), when used.

2. The arrangement (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a first support (5) on which a first part of the elongated solar collector device near the first end (10a) is to be arranged, and a second support (6) on which a second part of the elongated solar collector device near the second end (10b) is to be arranged.

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

4. The arrangement (1) according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a third support (7) on which the middle part (12) of the elongated solar collector device is to be arranged, the third support (7) being shorter than the first (5) and second (6) support.

5. The arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover surrounding the elongated solar collector device to mitigate convection.

6. The arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one funnel (102) adapted to be placed in at least one of the first opening(s) (17), the funnel (102) being arranged so that when it is inserted into the first opening (17) and when the arrangement (1) is being used, the inlet opening of the funnel (102) points upwards, towards the sky.

7. The arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second opening(s) (18) are a plurality of openings (18) arranged in the middle part (12) of the solar collector device (10) and extending along the longitudinal direction (X).

8. The arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second opening(s) (18) extend through the inner walls (15a) of the elongated solar collector device (10) so that water can flow from all cavities (16) and exit through an outer wall (15b) of the elongated solar collector device (10) by the valve(s) (8).

9. The arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature within the cavities (16), and an indicating device (3) connected to the temperature sensor for indicating the water temperature within the cavities (16).

10. The arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 2-9, further comprising a weight adapted so as to be disposed on the middle part (12) of the elongated solar collector device (10).

11. The arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one wheel (40) arranged at the first end (10a) or the second end (10b) of a lateral surface (30) of the solar collector device (10).

12. The arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated profile in a transverse direction (Y) is formed by a U-beam (20) at each end connected by one or more I-beams (21).

13. The arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of the polymeric material to the organic fiber material in the elongated solar collector arrangement is approximately 2:

1.

14. A system (100) comprising a plurality of arrangements (1) as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated solar collector devices (10) of the plurality of arrangements (1) are placed in a star configuration with their first ends (10a) pointing towards a star configuration center (101), wherein the first opening(s) (17) of each solar collector device (10) is disposed at the first end (10a), the system further comprising a funnel (102) disposed at the center of the star configuration, the outlet(s) of the funnel (102) being connected to the first opening(s).

15. A method for heating water with 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 a first opening (17) for receiving water in the elongated cavities (16) disposed at the first end (10a) and / or the second end (10b), and at least a second opening (18) for extracting the water, disposed in a middle part (12) of the elongated solar collector device (10), the middle part (12) being disposed approximately the same distance from the first end (10a) as from the second end (10b);and at least one valve (8) adapted so as to be disposed in a respective of the second opening(s) (18), the valve (8) being able to be opened and closed in order to extract the water housed 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), so that the middle part (12) of the elongated solar collector device (10) is folded between the supports (5, 6) and horizontally positions the valve (8) below the first (10a) and second (10b) ends, and filling, through the first opening(s) (17), the elongated solar collector device (10) with water to a level at which, after filling, the cavities will contain water up to the filling level and air above the filling level.

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

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