Solar heat collecting device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar heat collecting devices made from extruded profiles, such as those of aluminum or aluminum alloy, face challenges in achieving high thermal efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and durability while minimizing weight and material usage, particularly in indirect heating modes, where inefficiencies in heat transfer and fluid volume contribute to increased costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
The design features elongate heat collector bodies with webs extending at an angle of 170° to 190°, allowing for an uninterrupted absorption area and minimizing the volume of heat carrier fluid, along with a C-shaped panel casing and slider bracket suspension system to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, enhancing heat transfer and reducing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the volume of heat carrier fluid is reduced to minimize weight and cost, then weight and cost decrease, but thermal efficiency may be compromised due to insufficient fluid volume for heat absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the heat collector bodies, specifically the web angle from conventional values to 170-190 degrees, and optimizes the dimensions of tubular cavities and absorption areas. This allows maximizing heat absorption surface area while minimizing fluid volume, achieving both weight reduction and thermal efficiency maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy profiles with integrated tubular cavities and web structures. This composite design combines structural support, heat absorption, and fluid containment functions into a single lightweight material system, reducing overall panel weight while maintaining thermal performance
2Loss of energy
If gaps are reduced between heat collector bodies to improve heat absorption continuity, then thermal efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple heat collector bodies into a closely arranged array with minimal gaps, creating a quasi-continuous heat absorption surface. The extruded profile design allows precise factory pre-positioning of adjacent collectors, reducing installation variability and maintaining tight gaps without excessive manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the heat absorption area into multiple discrete extruded collector bodies arranged side-by-side. Each segment is independently manufactured with precise dimensions, allowing modular assembly that achieves continuous heat absorption while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard extrusion processes
3Loss of energy
If the web angle is increased to 170-190 degrees to improve solar heat absorption, then thermal efficiency improves, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the web angle parameter to 170-190 degrees, which maximizes the projected absorption area perpendicular to solar radiation while maintaining sufficient structural integrity. This specific angular range balances thermal performance with mechanical strength requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The use of extruded aluminum alloy provides both the geometric configuration for optimal heat absorption and the inherent material strength to support the extended web structure. The material properties compensate for the reduced structural rigidity that would result from the extended web angle configuration
4Quantity of substance
If aluminum or aluminum alloy extruded profiles are used instead of copper sheeting and tubing, then cost and weight decrease, but thermal efficiency and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy profiles that integrate multiple functions (structural support, heat absorption, fluid containment) into a single material system. This composite approach maximizes the utilization of aluminum's lightweight and cost-effective properties while maintaining thermal efficiency through optimized geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dimensional parameters of the extruded profiles, including wall thickness, web dimensions, and tubular cavity sizes, to maximize heat transfer efficiency. These parameter optimizations compensate for aluminum's lower thermal conductivity compared to copper, achieving comparable thermal performance at reduced cost and weight
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves thermal efficiency by ensuring uninterrupted heat flow, reduces the weight and cost of the panel, and meets modern certification standards, while maintaining durability and adaptability for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
each providing a heat absorption area facing the window aperture area
Implementation Method 2
a tubular cavity for accommodating a flow of heat carrier fluid between manifolds at opposite ends of the elongate collector bodies
Implementation Method 3
slider bracket suspension system to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction
Data Source
AI summary
A solar heat collecting device of the flat panel type, a process for its manufacture and parts thereof, made of extruded profiles in particular of aluminum or aluminum alloys. The device comprises a casing accommodating a heat collector assembly comprising a plurality of elongate extruded heat collector bodies, side by side, each having a tube co-axial with its axis of extrusion, flanked on each of its opposite sides integrally by an extruded web and further comprising a manifold at each end to which the respective tube ends are sealingly and communicatingly brazed. The edges of the adjoining webs of adjoining elongate bodies overlap slightly but are movable free of mechanical constraint or mutual attachment in relation to one another. Together the elongate bodies present the incoming solar radiation with a substantially plane uninterrupted area for absorption.