Solar collector insert

Details Solar collector insert Solar collector insert

2001-01-02

2001-07-24

Yeung, James C. (Department: 3743)

Stoves and furnaces

Solar heat collector

Rollable or foldable collector unit of nonrigid material

C126S626000, C126S675000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06263870

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to solar heating devices and more particularly to a device for heating a liquid by solar energy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Backpackers, hikers and the like have a need for warm water for use in cooking, washing and other necessities at a campsite. Fire and stoves are the most common means for heating water, but these require fuel as well as some rigid and often heavy container to hold the water being heated. Using solar energy is often an available means for heating water, but the problem for the backpacker entails providing an appropriate container that can hold water, and yet absorb solar energy in the most efficient manner. A further aspect of the problem of providing a water heater is in providing a container that is sufficiently strong and durable and yet relatively light in weight, as well as compact and thus easy to store and carry. The present invention solves these problems.
In order to increase the rate and efficiency of heat transfer from solar energy to water within a container, the invention contemplates the use of a heat absorbing black body element that is adaptable to be placed within the water filled container. Here, the problem arose of what form of black body element to use and how to insert it into the container so as to be most effective. Again, the present invention solves these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the principles of the invention, a container for holding water is provided having clear walls and made of a suitable transparent material such as a clear plastic or glass. The container has a generally spherical or cylindrical shape with an opening at its upper end that can be closed to retain water when the container is filled when either standing on end or lying flat. A black-body insert for absorbing radiant heat and having a unique shape is provided for insertion into the container through its opening. In one embodiment, the black-body is formed from a flexible material comprised of a multitude of sub-elements that form a mesh or tangled mass that tends to maximize black-body surface area. This form of insert provides the advantages of being shaped for easy passage into the container and once therein, of being expandable to increase black-body surface area. In one embodiment of the invention the black-body insert is prefolded with pleats and once within the container the pleats are spread apart to present a maximum of surface area to the suns rays which pass through the clear walls of the container. The heat absorbing characteristics of the black body insert cause the water within the container to heat more rapidly utilizing only solar energy.
Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3029806 (1962-04-01), Okuda
patent: 3513828 (1970-05-01), Masters
patent: 4237860 (1980-12-01), Caroon
patent: 4520793 (1985-06-01), Hall
patent: 4524757 (1985-06-01), Buckley
patent: 5531217 (1996-07-01), Louw

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