Window Solar Air Collector With Parabolic Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar collector systems lack a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for furnishing heated air to building interiors, particularly for use in building openings like windows, and do not offer a standalone or integrated installation option.
Innovation Solution
A solar collector system comprising a collector shell with a parabolic reflector, heat exchanger, and fan for closed-loop air circulation, supported in a building opening, utilizing a heat exchanger within the parabolic reflector to absorb solar energy and direct heated air into the building, with a photovoltaic source powering the fan and heat sinks for enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a solar collector system is designed to furnish heated air to building interior, then heating effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector system is nested within the building opening structure, with the parabolic reflector, heat exchanger, and air channels integrated into a compact configuration that fits within the window or opening frame, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining heating effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the parabolic reflector focuses solar energy onto the heat exchanger, which directly heats air circulating through integrated channels, eliminating the need for separate heating equipment and reducing system complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a solar collector system is designed for easy installation and inexpensive manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but heating efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The parabolic reflector is constructed using thin, flexible reflective material that can be easily formed and installed, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and installation difficulty while maintaining sufficient solar energy concentration for effective heating
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite construction with simple geometric shapes and readily available materials, combining ease of fabrication with effective solar energy capture and heat transfer properties
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system uses a parabolic reflector with heat exchanger, then solar energy absorption is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is nested within the parabolic reflector structure, with the reflector forming the outer shell and the heat exchanger components arranged concentrically inside, optimizing space utilization and simplifying assembly while maintaining effective solar energy absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the focal point positioning and reflector geometry parameters to achieve effective solar energy concentration using simple, manufacturable dimensions and angles, balancing optical performance with ease of fabrication
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
The system efficiently provides heated air to the interior of a building by leveraging solar energy, is easy to install, and can be manufactured inexpensively, offering both standalone and integrated installation options while minimizing heat loss.
Implementation Method 1
a parabolic reflector having a focal point facing out from the heating chamber. A heat exchanger is disposed within the parabolic reflector for absorbing solar energy directed to the heating chamber
Implementation Method 2
heat exchanger disposed within the parabolic reflector for absorbing solar energy directed to the heating chamber
Implementation Method 3
heat exchanger disposed within the parabolic reflector for absorbing solar energy directed to the heating chamber
Implementation Method 4
heat exchanger disposed within the parabolic reflector for absorbing solar energy directed to the heating chamber
Implementation Method 5
a fan disposed within the collector shell for providing a closed loop air circulation from the air intake channel, through the heating chamber and to the air outlet channel
Implementation Method 6
including a guide member at an inlet of each air intake channel for directing the air intake; including a heat sink supported along each of the air intake channels
Data Source
AI summary
A solar collector system is for support in a building opening to furnish heated air to the interior of the building. The solar collector system includes a collector shell supported at the opening and including a front heating chamber, at least one air intake channel and at least one air outlet channel and a fan disposed within the collector shell for providing a closed loop air circulation from the air intake channel, through the heating chamber and to the air outlet channel. The front heating chamber is defined in part by a parabolic reflector having a focal point facing out from the heating chamber. A heat exchanger is disposed within the parabolic reflector for absorbing solar energy directed to the heating chamber.