Radiant panel and process for its production

Abstract

The invention relates to a radiant panel and the relevant process for its production. The radiant panel is of the type comprising heating means suitable for transforming electrical energy into heat, supported by a related frame and provided with means of connection to an electrical power supply network to receive the electrical energy; the panel is characterized in that the heating means (4) comprise a serpentine coil in composite material formed by felt and carbon fiber.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] Radiant panel and process for its production.

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a radiant panel and a process for producing the same panel.

[0005] Many systems for heating rooms by means of fixed and portable equipment are known.

[0006] Electric heating systems using conduction and convection techniques to transmit heat by heating a physical medium, such as air, are known.

[0007] Some heating panels use a heat transfer fluid as a ‘transport medium’ for the heat energy such as, for example, thermal oil.

[0008] Known systems can, however, have drawbacks with regard to certain aspects such as, for example, not high efficiency, the need to heat a fluid (even air), relatively high energy absorption, very low thermal inertia; manufacturing times and costs can also be unsuitable for current production needs, as can the possible maintenance required.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to provide a new radiant panel capable of eliminating the drawbacks of the known technique.

[0010] Among the advantages of this invention may be listed, by way of example but not in a limiting sense, the following: the panel is relatively simple to be realised; the panel has an optimal consumption / heat ratio provided; the panel does not produce air displacement; the panel manages to heat the room in a relatively short time, reaching operating temperature in a few seconds and operating temperature in a few minutes; the panel can find different fields of application such as, for example, domestic use, the industrial sphere, the agricultural sector and greenhouses, etc.; the panel provides optimum performance even in humid conditions, i.e. in conditions in which heat pumps do not perform well; the panel is extremely safe, also because it does not bum; its production process is economical and environmentally friendly because it can use recycled material. By way of example, one possible field of application for this panel is private and public heating systems with various applications, such as homes, warehouses, public buildings, etc.

[0011] The invention also finds application in the industrial field to be used for vacuum drying, evaporation systems, water heating, vegetable dryers, etc. ...Other possible applications are in agriculture for heating greenhouses, for seed beds, etc. ...

[0012] The panel in question can also be used as a thermal insulator; in this configuration of use, the panel can be arranged in a double layer, with the upper layer delegated to capture the sun's heat, and the lower layer that is connected to the electrical network and intervenes when climatic conditions (or the absence of light at night) do not allow the heating of water to compensate for the function of the upper layer.

[0013] In addition to the advantages mentioned above, the following can be listed: the panel can also have a foldable and colourable structure that can be used with high security because it is basically non-combustible (up to the temperature melting temperature of the glass); the panel has a cooler end part, with extremely long-lasting connections because it does not heat up; the panel can provide energy distributed over large areas, in a single piece; the panel can have variable power and is characterised by a very high yield, even exceeding to 70%, considering the amount of energy used for heat; the presence of a surface layer of glass allows the heat of the sun's rays to be captured on its exposed surface and distributes the temperature much more evenly, saving energy (not evenly, saving energy (it does not heat up).

[0014] Possible fields of application, in addition to those already mentioned above, include the following, by way of example.

[0015] Industrial use, with different sizes and power and special connections depending on the intended use. The coil can be embedded in the panel, covered with glass or refractory materials.

[0016] Agricultural use, exploiting the ability to provide thermal energy (heat) to dry vegetables as a replacement for traditionally used hot air and hot air generators; in practice, it is possible to eliminate the use of gas by using heat radiation. Domestic use, for domestic space heating and water heating, again by irradiation, allowing the replacement of traditional boilers and heat pumps. The panel can absorb ambient humidity and maintain a constant level. The panel can replace solar thermal systems with a form of realisation of the same panel consisting of a double-layer structure: the outer layer to receive energy from the sun's rays, and the inner layer to supplement any lack of energy from the outer solar-powered layer via mains supply.Use in the food industry, with a shaped coil and calculated power the panel can reach temperatures suitable for creating a heating cooktop or an oven for industrial use. High electrical insulation is possible by means of glass fabric with metal, ceramic providing a fireproof material that cannot be ignited, emits no smoke or odours and ceases operation without consequences in the event of a power failure.

[0017] These and further advantages and features of the present invention will be more and better understood by any technician in the branch thanks to the description that follows and the annexed drawings, provided by way of example but not to be considered in a limiting sense, in which

[0018] - Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a possible example of a radiant panel in accordance with the invention;

[0019] - Figs. 2-3 represent the example of Fig.1 shown in a schematic rear view (Fig.2) and in a side view with parts removed to highlight others and with an enlarged detail (Fig.3);

[0020] - Fig. 4 is a diagram representing a possible form of making a serpentine coil that can be used to form the panel in question;

[0021] - Fig. 5 is a schematic frontal view of another possible form of realisation in which the panel forms a radiant element to be hung;

[0022] - Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a further possible form of realisation in which the panel forms a hob;

[0023] - Fig. 7 is a schematic frontal view of a further possible form of realisation in which the panel forms a double-layer element capable of insulating, recovering energy from the sun and being able to supply energy even in adverse climatic conditions:

[0024] - Fig. 8 is a schematic exploded view of another possible embodiment of the invention in the form of a solar thermal panel.

[0025] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a radiant panel (1) realised in accordance with the invention is of the type comprising, in general, heating means for transforming electrical energy into heat, supported by a relative frame and provided with means for connection to a power supply network to receive the electrical energy.

[0026] Advantageously, the heating means (4) comprise a serpentine coil made of a composite material formed from felt and carbon fibre.Preferably, but not exclusively, recycled felt and carbon fibre may be used to form the coil material (4). Recycled materials may be used to make up all or part of the serpentine coil composite material.

[0027] In particular, the felt used for the serpentine coil (4) is mixed with carbon fibre and the resulting composite is impregnated with plant and / or mineral extracts, for example of the type comprising silicates. As an example, the coating can be made of natural titanium paint and silicates.

[0028] The serpentine coil (4) can be made in various ways; formation by die-cutting is extremely advantageous.

[0029] Referring to the example in Figs. 1-3, the panel (1) comprises a containment body for the heating media (the serpentine coil 4) formed by a support frame (2, 3) enclosed by a front shield (5) permeable by the heat radiation and preventing contact with the serpentine coil (4), and a rear shield (10) provided with a reflective surface (11) facing said serpentine coil (4).

[0030] In practice, the front face of the frame (2) panel (1 ), a face which in the example is provided with a rectangular frame (3), is covered with a mesh (5) or other suitable material so as to prevent undesired contact with the serpentine coil (4). The mesh (5) can be replaced by a high-temperature resistant glass plate, or the serpentine coil can be ceram icised. The ceram icisation process results in a hardening of the serpentine (4) itself, which will therefore be provided with a mechanical resistance that will increase the hardness of the serpentine (4) and will also allow objects of a certain weight such as, for example, pots and pans and the like to be placed on it when the panel forms a cooking surface, as in the embodiment that will be described below.

[0031] The rear face of the frame (2) is formed by a screen (10) which prevents (or at least strongly limits) the passage of heat towards the rear of the panel (1). The screen can be made from a sheet of reflective material such as aluminium or another suitable material, or it can be coated with a suitable reflective paint. The panel (1) shown in Figs. 1-3 is also provided with a support foot that connects it to a base (7) provided with wheels. Also visible in the drawings is a cable (9) for the mains connection and a control block (8) which may include a switch.

[0032] As can best be seen in the schematic example in Fig.4, the serpentine coil (4) consists of a succession of parallel strips spaced from each other byunconnected areas (15) and alternately connected at junction points (12).

[0033] Two ends of the serpentine coil (4) are fitted with connectors (13) (e.g. electrical cables) which connect the serpentine coil (4) to a switch (8) or other control device. The switch (8) is in turn connected, e.g. via a cable with plug (9), to the mains supply (R).

[0034] In the example in Fig.4, there is also a central unit (UC) that can be used to operate the panel. The central unit (UC) can be connected to a temperature sensor (K) in order to define a thermostat for the panel. The central unit (UC) can be connected to a display (V) on which various types of data can be shown, e.g. the detected temperature and / or the temperature to which the thermostat has been programmed. The central unit (UC) as well as any panel control device (1) can be controlled remotely, e.g. by means of a remote control (T).

[0035] Also with reference to Fig.4, advantageously, the frame (2, 3) can be provided with fixing means (14) of the serpentine coil (4) to keep the serpentine coil (4) taut in relation to the frame (2, 3). The means for securing the serpentine (4) to the frame (2, 3) may also include springs or other cushioning means for recovering any oscillations and keeping the serpentine (4) taut.

[0036] As indicated above, the uses of the panel object of the present invention may be many and varied.

[0037] One possible use is as a heating element that can be fixed to a fixed structure such as a wall or ceiling.

[0038] In the example of Fig. 5, the panel (1A) is supported by a structure (19) attached to the ceiling. In particular, the panel (1A) comprises, as in the previous examples, a serpentine coil (4) that is enclosed between an upper panel (10) that acts as a screen to prevent the upward diffusion of heat, and an optional protective element (5).

[0039] The panel (1A) is also provided with a pair of rings (17) to which corresponding tie rods (16) are attached, which bind the panel (1A) to the ceiling. The ceiling is schematically represented by the two elements marked by the numerical reference (18).

[0040] The embodiment of the invention in Fig. 5 is provided as a possible example of an embodiment. In alternative forms, the panel in question may be fixed to the ceiling or wall in other ways. For example, the panel (1 ) may constitute a ceiling infill element; in other words, one or more panels (1) may be dimensioned asthe modular elements forming the surface of the ceiling and be supported by the same structure supporting them.

[0041] The panel (1) can also be fixed to the structure of an existing radiator, covering its surface totally or partially to constitute an alternative or additional source of heat.

[0042] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a cooking surface (1B) formed with a panel made according to the present invention. In this case, the panel (1 B) comprises three serpentine coils (4) intended for heating and cooking food. In particular, the two serpentine coils (4) located on the left in the drawing are smaller and intended for smaller pots or other containers, while the third serpentine coil (4), located on the right in the drawing, is intended for larger pots. The cooking surface (1 B) is supported by a base surface (20) which, preferably, is made of an insulating or reflecting material similar to the shielding element (10) described above. The supporting surface (21) of the cooking surface (1B) can be made of a high-temperature-resistant glass or the material of the serpentine coils themselves (4) can be ceramised.

[0043] Furthermore, in Fig.6, references (8) indicate switches and / or voltage regulators for operating and controlling the serpentine coils (4).

[0044] Fig. 7 schematically depicts a panel (1C) in which two layers of serpentine coils (4U) and (4L) are provided, between which a conduit (22) passes through which water to be heated in a water system (W). The duct (22) is shown only schematically and the connection to the water system (W) is indicated by a discontinuous line. The series of serpentine coils (4U) at the top is placed in an area subject to sunlight (S) and, receiving heat from the sun's rays, heats the water in the duct (22) accordingly. When atmospheric conditions are not suitable for adequate heating, or in the absence of solar radiation (at night), the series of serpentine coils (4L), which are connected to the mains (R) power supply, can come into operation. In this way, the panel (1C) advantageously insulates the house below, contributing to the heating of the water by means of both the solar energy transformed by the upper serpentine coils (4U) and the electrical energy transformed by the lower serpentine coils (4L).

[0045] Referring to the example of Fig.8, a possible embodiment of the invention may be a solar thermal panel (100) of the type that can be used to heat a fluid by absorbing heat from the sun's rays. The panel (100) subject matter of theinvention further comprises heating means for transforming electrical energy into heat, provided with means for connection to an electrical power supply network to receive the electrical energy.

[0046] Advantageously, the heating means (104) comprise a composite material serpentine formed from felt and carbon fibre.

[0047] Preferably, but not exclusively, recycled felt and carbon fibre may be used to form the serpentine coil material (104). Recycled materials may be used to make up all or part of the serpentine composite material.

[0048] In particular, the felt used for the serpentine coil (104) is mixed with carbon fibre and the resulting composite is impregnated with plant and / or mineral extracts, for example of the type comprising silicates.

[0049] The serpentine (104) can be made in various ways; forming by die-cutting may be advantageous.

[0050] The serpentine (104) is provided with two terminals (140) (141 ) which allow it to be electrically connected to a power supply network, for example to a 220V household network.

[0051] Referring to the illustrated non-limiting example, the panel (100) comprises a containment body formed by a support frame (102, 103) comprising two frames (102) and (103) which may be associated with each other by known means of attachment such as, for example, screws, bolts, adhesives or other convenient means. The frame (102, 103) may be made of aluminium or another convenient material capable of providing rigidity and mechanical strength to the panel (100). The structure shown in Fig.8 corresponds to the configuration of use of the panel (100), with the various components arranged in succession from top to bottom as described below.

[0052] Below the upper frame (102) there is a first transparent layer (101), which can be made of glass, in particular thermal glass or polycarbonate. The layer (101) is permeable to solar radiation to allow it to pass downwards where a layer (105) is provided which is opaque to solar radiation and therefore suitable for receiving the relative energy.

[0053] The opaque layer (105) can be made of felt and carbon fibre or of felt or carbon fabric.

[0054] Below the opaque layer (105), in direct contact with the latter or in a condition to receive heat from it, there is a serpentine (106) containing a fluid which canbe used to store and transfer heat. The serpentine (106) can be made of a suitable material such as, for example, copper and / or aluminum capable of receiving heat from the opaque layer (105) above. The serpentine (106) is provided with an inlet (160) and an outlet (161) connected to a relative tank (not shown in the drawings) by means of a relative hydraulic circuit. At the inlet (160) and the outlet (161) of the serpentine (106) two arrows are shown to indicate a possible direction of flow.

[0055] Below the serpentine (106) there is an insulating layer (107) which can be made, for example, of glass, or of fabric and / or glass.

[0056] The function of the insulating layer (107) is to isolate the upper part (indicated with 100A) from the lower part (indicated with 100B). In practice, the portion of the panel (100) located above (100A) is delegated to heating using solar energy, while the portion located below (100B) has the function of heating using the electrical energy passing through the heating coil (104); between the two portions (100A) and (100B) is placed the insulating layer (107) which defines a separation surface that determines a notable limitation of heat transmission. Below the insulating layer (107) is placed the heating serpentine coil (104), already described previously, and below it is placed a base layer (108) in refractory material.

[0057] The refractory base (108) can be made of a suitable refractory material, for example calcium silicate or convenient expanded materials suitable for the purpose.

[0058] Below the refractory base (108) is placed the lower frame (103) to close the support frame of the panel (100).

[0059] From what has been indicated above, it can be deduced that the solar thermal panel (100) in question has a dual function: with its upper portion (100A) it is able to heat a fluid contained in the serpentine (106) and with its lower portion (100B) it is able to heat by means of the heating serpentine coil (104) connected to the electrical network. The two functions of the panel (100) can be used alternatively or in combination with each other.

[0060] The serpentine with heat transfer fluid (106), being placed above and in thermal contact with the surface (105) subject to solar radiation, consequently heats what passes through it. When the atmospheric conditions are not suitable for adequate heating or in the absence of solar radiation (at night), the serpentinecoil (104) which is connected to the electrical power supply network can come into operation. In this way, the panel (100) allows for the advantageous insulation of the house below, contributing to the heating of the water both through the solar energy collected by the upper serpentine (106) and through the electrical energy transformed by the lower serpentine coil (104).

[0061] The panel (100) is provided with means for regulating and controlling the hydraulic circuit of the serpentine coil with heat transfer fluid (106) as well as for regulating and controlling the power circuit of the heating serpentine coil (104). Such means for regulating and controlling may include the timing and thermoregulation of the panel and are not shown in the drawings.

[0062] Similarly, a central control unit for the entire panel (100) may be provided.

[0063] The present invention relates to the panel described above and to its manufacturing process. In practice, a process in accordance with the invention can be implemented for the production of a radiant panel (1) and is characterised by the fact that it forms a serpentine coil (4) in composite material of felt and carbon fibres provided with means for connection to an electrical power supply network (R) according to one or more of the characteristics listed above in the description of the panel itself. For example, the composite material may be formed from a mixture of felt and carbon fibres impregnated with plant and / or mineral extracts and / or with a mixture comprising silicates. The material can then be formed by die-cutting.

[0064] The execution details can however vary in an equivalent manner in the shape, dimensions, arrangement of the elements, nature of the materials used, without however departing from the scope of the idea of the solution adopted or of the inventive concept and therefore remaining within the limits of the protection granted by this patent.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Radiant panel, of the type comprising heating means capable of transforming electrical energy into heat, supported by a relative frame and provided with means of connection to an electrical power supply network to receive the electrical energy, characterised in that the heating means (4) comprise a serpentine coil made of composite material formed by felt and carbon fibre.

2. Radiant panel, according to claim 1, characterised in that said composite material is formed by a mixture of felt and carbon fibres impregnated with plant and / or mineral extracts.

3. Radiant panel, according to claim 1, characterised in that said composite material is formed by a mixture of felt and carbon fibres impregnated with a mixture comprising silicates.

4. Radiant panel, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a containment body for said heating means (4) formed by a support frame (2, 3) closed by a front protection (5) permeable to heat radiation and which prevents contact with the serpentine coil (4), and by a rear screen (10) provided with a reflective surface (11) facing said serpentine coil (4).

5. Radiant panel, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said serpentine coil (4) is formed by a succession of parallel strips spaced apart by unconnected areas (15) and alternatively connected at junction points (12).

6. Radiant panel, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said frame (2, 3) is provided with fixing means (14) of said serpentine coil (4) capable of keeping the serpentine coil (4) taut with respect to the frame (2, 3).

7. Radiant panel, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises one or more serpentine coils (4) positioned at the top of the panel so as to define corresponding heating elements of a hob (1B).

8. Radiant panel, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two series of serpentine coils (4) coupled in a superimposed manner so as to enclose between them a duct (22) in which a fluid passes, and in that the series of serpentine coils (4U) positioned at the top can be positioned in an area that is irradiated by the sun (S) and that the series of serpentine coils (4L) positioned at the bottom can be connected to an electrical power supply network (R).

9. Radiant panel, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatit comprises a central unit (UC) connected to activation and control means (8) and / or to one or more temperature sensors (K) and / or to a display (V) and / or to a remote control (T).

10. Method for manufacturing a radiant panel (1) characterized by forming a serpentine coil (4) in composite material of felt and carbon fibers provided with means of connection to an electrical power supply network (R).

11. Method for manufacturing a radiant panel (1), according to claim 10, characterized by forming said serpentine coil (4) by die-cutting.

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