System for use with solar collector

Abstract

Abstract A system is provided for use with a solar collector. The system includes a water storage tank having a heat exchange element mounted therein, the tank being connected to one or more solar collectors adapted to heat water circulated through a primary loop by associated pumps. A secondary water loop connects to a heat exchanger at a waste heat supply source such as a furnace flue, for example, and provides supplementary heat to the water circulating in the primary loop. The storage tank forms part of a primary heat exchanger, the function of which is to provide means for heating water flowing through a coil in the tank for local use. A booster heater connected to the hot water outlet of the coil provides additional heat to the water during periods of high demand and/or poor conditions for heating water with the collector or the waste heat source. An automatic control system is provided for stopping and starting circulating pumps in response to temperature levels in the system detected by various temperature sensors. The heat exchanger coil is of a large capacity to provide an ample supply of preheated hot water. The tank itself is insulated by a hinged, pre-formed casing, which normally would be installed after the tank has been moved to its final location in order that the size and storage capacity of the tank may be maximized for retrofit.

Inventors

• 👤 Francis H. Killorin

Bibliographic Details