Fluid heating system utilizing solar energy and waste heat

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United States Patent (19)

Wetzel, Jr.

54 fluid heating system utilizing

Solar energy and waste heat

(75) Inventor: Otto K. Wetzel, Jr., Dallas, Tex. 73) Assignee: Wetzel Enterprises, Inc., Dallas, Tex.

(51) Int, C. a0 w 8 v 0 to ss o 0 o F24, 3/02 (52) U.S. C. ..................................... 126/433; 126/427 (58) Field of Search ...................... 126/427, 19.5, 433,

3,299,881 1/1967 Koch ................................... 126/427

4,437,456 3/1984 Merrigan............................. 126/433

Foreign patent documents

2398980 3/1979 France ............................... 62/235. Primary Examiner-William E. Lyddane

Assistant Examiner-Gerald Anderson

Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael A. O'Neil

A fluid heating system includes a thermal collector for vaporizing a refrigerant, a separator for removing any liquid component from the vapor component of the heated refrigerant, and a condenser for transferring heat from the refrigerant vapor to a fluid thereby returning the refrigerant to the liquid phase. Liquid refrigerant is returned from the condenser to the separator, and from the separator to the thermal collector. A pump or a compressor is used to force refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit. The pump or the compressor is actu ated by solar energy which is received either from an array of photovoltaic cells or from a generator driven by a turbine which is in turn driven by refrigerant vapor flowing from the separator to the condenser. The ther mal collector may be activated by solar energy, or by waste heat resulting from operation of an engine, a building, etc., or both.

3 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures

Drawings

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tor to the condenser, and a liquid conduit preferably

FLUID HEATING SYSTEM UTILIZNG SOLAR extends from the condenser to the separator and from ENERGY AND WASTE HEAT the separator to the thermal collector. The thermal collector, separator, condenser, vapor conduit, and

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED liquid conduit define a closed refrigerant circuit which APPLICATION contains the refrigerant, and refrigerant pressurizing This application is a continuation-in-part of earlier apparatus is employed to cause the refrigerant to flow filed, copending application Ser. No. 466,359 filed Feb. through the closed refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant 14, 1983, by Otto K. Wetzel, Jr. for SOLAR POW 10 pressurizing apparatus is preferably driven by solar ERED FLUID HEATING SYSTEM. energy, either by means of a plurality of photovoltaic

Technical field

cells or by means of a generator driven by a turbine which is in turn driven by vaporized refrigerant flowing

This invention relates generally to fluid heating sys through the vapor conduit from the separator to the tems, and more particularly to a system for heating condenser. Wind energy may also be used to provide water which is actuated by solar energy and waste heat. 5 operating power for the refrigerant pressurizing appara BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE tus, either alone or in combination with a solar powered INVENTION energy source.

In accordance with more specific aspects of the in

The use of sunlight as a heat source is an obvious way 20 vention, the refrigerant pressurizing apparatus may to reduce dependency on energy sources such as gas, comprise a pump which receives liquid refrigerant from oil, coal, etc. The solar heating of water is particularly the condenser and which directs pressurized liquid re attractive because energy available at one time may be frigerant through a portion of the liquid conduit to the stored for use at a later time. Because energy storage is separator. Alternatively, the refrigerant pressurizing so convenient, the use of solar energy to heat water is apparatus may comprise a compressor which receives compatible both with the diurnal cycle of the sun and 25 vaporized refrigerant from the separator and which with the intermittent reduction in the availability of directs pressurized refrigerant vapor through a portion sunlight due to clouds.

Another advantage inherent in the use of sunlight to of the vapor conduit to the condenser. When a com pressor is utilized as the refrigerant pressurizing appara heat water involves the fact that the water need not be tus, a check valve is preferably provided at the outlet of heated to high temperatures. Typically, the operating 30 the temperature range for a residential or commercial water ing condenser the liquid to prevent refrigerant vapor from enter conduit. Such a check valve mmay com heating system is between about 130 and about 150 F. prise a chamber for receiving refrigerant flowing from Such a temperature range results in relatively high effi the condenser into the liquid conduit, a ball positioned ciency, and for this reason solar powered water heating within the chamber and having a density greater than systems do not require the use of highly sophisticated 35 that of refrigerant vapor and less than that of refrigerant thermal collectors.

Realizing the foregoing advantages, numerous at liquid,in structure for limiting upward movement of the tempts have been made heretofore to provide a com ball the chamber when the chamber is filled with mercially practical solar powered water heating system. refrigerant liquid, and a seat for receiving the ball and However, none of the prior art systems have achieved thereby preventing the flow of refrigerant out of the real success in the marketplace. Perhaps one reason for chamber when the chamber is filled with refrigerant this lack of success involves the fact that many of the vapor.

prior solar powered water heating systems have been In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the unduly complicated. Certainly a major factor in the lack thermal collector preferably comprises first and second of consumer acceptance of solar powered water heating 45 flat plates which are spaced apart to define a refrigerant systems relates to high initial cost. It has been shown heating chamber therebetween. The first and second that the typical homeowner will not purchase any en plates preferably extend in divergent planes to define a ergy saving device unless it can be demonstrated that refrigerant receiving zone wherein the plates are spaced the device will pay for itself in energy savings within relatively close to one another and a refrigerant dis about three to four years. 50 charge zone wherein the plates are positioned relatively The present invention comprises a solar powered apart from one another. One or more struts may be fluid heating system which overcomes the foregoing mounted within the refrigerant heating zone to prevent and other disadvantage long since associated with the both inward and outward movement of the plates rela prior art to provide a system that is uncomplicated in tive to each other.

design and therefore low both in initial cost and in main 55 A third plate formed from a thermally insulative tenance costs, and which is readily adapted to effect material may be mounted within the refrigerant heating energy savings of sufficient magnitude to return the zone between the first and second plates. The third initial cost in a minimum period of time. In accordance plate separates the refrigerant heating zone to an upper with the broader aspects of the invention, a solar pow refrigerant path extending adjacent the first plate and a ered fluid heating system comprises a quantity of refrig lower refrigerant path extending adjacent the second erant, a thermal collector for heating and thereby at plate. In such instances the first plate is positioned for least partially vaporizing the refrigerant, a separator for exposure to sunlight so that refrigerant in the upper separating the vapor component from any liquid com refrigerant path is adapted for solar heating. The second ponent of the heated refrigerant, and a condenser for plate is exposed to the ambient atmosphere so that re receiving the vapor component of the heated refriger 65 frigerant in the lower refrigerant path is adapted for ant and for transferring heat therefrom to a fluid to be heating by heat transfer from the atmosphere. heated. A vapor conduit preferably extends from the In accordance with yet another aspect of the inven thermal collector to the separator and from the separa tion, a secondary refrigerant circuit may be utilized to 13 preheat the refrigerant within the thermal collector. In FIG. 4 is a top view of a thermal collector which may such instances an evaporator is positioned for exposure be utilized in any of the embodiments of the invention to the ambient atmosphere and a condenser is positioned shown in FIGS. 1, 2 or 3;

within the refrigerant receiving zone of the thermal FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in collector. The refrigerant in the secondary refrigerant FIG. 4;

circuit has a substantially lower boiling point than the FIG. 6 is a top view of a thermal collector assembly refrigerant in the primary refrigerant circuit so that which may be utilized in any of the embodiments of the even at low temperatures when the sun is not shining, invention illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 or 3; heat is removed from the atmosphere and transferred to O FIG. 7 is an end view of the thermal collector assem the refrigerant in the thermal collector. bly of FIG. 6 in which certain parts have been broken A similar secondary refrigerant circuit may be uti away more clearly to illustrate certain features of the lized to remove excess heat from the thermal collector invention;

during periods when the solar powered water heating collector FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a thermal assembly which may be utilized in the practice system is stagnated. In such instances an evaporator is 15 of the invention;

positioned within the refrigerant discharge zone of the thermal collector and a condenser is positioned for of FIG. 9 is a top view of the thermal collector assembly contact with the ambient atmosphere. The refrigerant in FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line the secondary refrigerant circuit has a substantially 10-10 higher boiling point than the refrigerant utilized in the 20 FIG. in11 FIG. 9 in the direction of the arrows; is an enlarged sectional view taken along the solar powered fluid heating system. Thus, whenever the line 11-11 in FIG. 10 in the direction of the arrows; temperature of the refrigerant in the thermal collector FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a photovoltaic exceeds the boiling point of the refrigerant in the sec cell assembly which may be utilized in any of the em ondary refrigerant circuit the condenser of the second bodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1, 2 or 3; ary refrigerant circuit is effective to transfer excess heat 25 FIG. 13 is a top view of a thermal collector assembly from the thermal collector to the ambient atmosphere. which may be utilized in any of the embodiments of the Another important aspect of the invention involves invention shown in FIGS. 1, 2 or 3;

the positioning of thermal collector panels, and in those FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line instances in which they are employed, the positioning of 14-14 in FIG. 13 in the direction of the arrows; photovoltaic cell panels, for maximum exposure to solar 30 FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating a radiation throughout the entire day. Preferably, the modification of the thermal collector assembly shown panels are mounted in an inverted T-shaped array. In therein;

this manner erect panels are positioned for maximum FIG. 16 is an illustration of a version of the invention exposure to sunlight at dawn and at dusk, prone panels that is adapted for actuation by solar energy and by are positioned for maximum exposure to sunlight at 35 waste heat extracted from the exhaust of an engine; mid-day, and combinations of panels are positioned for FIG. 17 is an end view of the thernal collector of the maximum exposure to sunlight at intermediate hours of apparatus of FIG. 16 in which certain parts have been the day. The outputs of all of the panels are added to broken away more clearly to illustrate certain features provide a combined output which is optimized through thereof;

out all of the daylight hours. FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken generally along the Still another important feature of the invention re line 18-18 in FIG. 17 in the direction of the arrows; lates to the use thereof in high latitudes, i.e., above the FIG. 19 is an illustration of the invention that is Arctic Circle and below the Antarctic Circle, and in adapted for actuation by solar energy and by waste heat extracted from the coolant of an engine;

other applications that are characterized by little or no 45 FIG. 20 is an end view of the thermal collector of the sunlight for substantial periods of time. In such in apparatus of FIG. 19 in which certain parts have been stances the fluid heating system of the present invention broken may be actuated by waste heat. That is, heat from thereof;away more clearly to illustrate certain features sources such as engine exhausts, engine cooling systems, building exhausts, etc., that would otherwise be dissi lineFIG. 21 is a sectional view taken generally along the 21-21 in FIG. 20 in the direction of the arrows;

pated into the atmosphere may instead be utilized in systems incorporating the present invention to heat andFIG. 22 is an illustration of a version of the invention fluids such as water. that is adapted for actuation by solar energy and by DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS waste heat resulting from the operation of a building.

A more complete understanding of the invention may DETAILED DESCRIPTION be had by reference to the following Detailed Descrip Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to tion when taken in conjunction with the accompanying FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a solar powered fluid Drawings, wherein: heating system 20 incorporating a first embodiment of FIG. is a diagrammatic illustration of a solar pow 60 the invention. The system 20 is of the type that utilizes ered fluid heating system incorporating a first embodi a refrigerant as the heat transfer medium. For example, ment of the invention; refrigerants of the type known as "FREON' may be FIG. 2 is an illustration similar to FIG. showing a utilized in the practice of the invention. second embodiment of the invention; The system 20 includes a thermal collector 22 having FIG. 2a is an enlargement of a portion of the solar 65 a inlet 24 and an outlet 26. In use, the thermal collector powered fluid heating system of FIG. 2; 22 is positioned to receive solar radiation. The thermal FIG. 3 is an illustration similar to FIG. showing a collector 22 functions to heat the refrigerant flowing third embodiment of the invention; therethrough. The particular refrigerant utilized in the 14 system 20 is selected, and the thermal collector 22 is actuate the motor 60 in lieu of the photovoltaic collec designed such that the refrigerant is received through tor 62, if desired.

the inlet 24 of the thermal collector 22 in the liquid A temperature sensor 74 is mounted in the tank 52 phase and is at least partially vaporized before flowing and extends into contact with the quantity of water 50 out of the thermal collector 22 through the outlet 26. 5 contained therein. The temperature sensor 74 is con A vapor conduit 30 includes a first portion 32 extend nected to a switch 76 through a line 78. Whenever the ing from the outlet 26 of the thermal collector 22 to a temperature of the quantity of water 50 in the tank 52 separator 34. The separator 34 is illustrated in the draw exceeds a preset limit, the temperature sensor 74 actu ings as a separate vessel, but may in fact comprise part ates the switch 76 to discontinue the flow of electrical of the structure of the thermal collector 22, if desired. O energy from the photovoltaic collector 62 to the motor The separator 34 receives heated refrigerant from the 60.

thermal collector 22 and functions to separate the vapor A float switch 80 is mounted in the accumulator 54. component of the heated refrigerant from any liquid The float switch 80 is connected to a switch 82 through component thereof. The vapor component of the heated a line 84. The float switch 80 actuates the switch 82 to refrigerant flows out of the separator 34 through a sec 15 discontinue the flow of electrical energy from the pho ond portion 36 of the vapor conduit 30. tovoltaic collector 62 to the motor 60 whenever the A liquid conduit 40 includes a first portion 42 com liquid refrigerant in the accumulator 54 falls below a prising an inlet to the separator 34 and a second portion predetermined level.

44 comprising an outlet therefrom. If the heated refrig 20 The tank 52 is preferably conventional in design and erant flowing out of the thermal collector 22 has a liquid construction. The tank 52 is preferably either formed component, such liquid component does not flow out of from or is surrounded by a thermally insulating material the separator 34 through the second portion 36 of the to prevent the loss of heat from the quantity of water 50 vapor conduit 30. Instead, any liquid component of the contained within the tank 52. The tank 52 is provided heated refrigerant flows through the separator 34 and with an auxiliary heating apparatus 88 which functions through the second portion 44 of the liquid conduit 40 25 to heat the quantity of water 50 whenever other energy and is returned thereby to the thermal collector 22 is unavailable for such purpose. It will be understood through the inlet 24. that although an electrical auxiliary heating apparatus The vapor component of the heated refrigerant flows 80 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the auxiliary heating appara through the second portion 36 of the vapor conduit 30 30 tus 88 is entirely conventional in design and may be to a condenser 48. The condenser 48 is located in a adapted for actuation by any convenient type of fuel. quantity of water 50 which is in turn contained by a tank Cold water is received in the tank 52 through an inlet 52. The condenser 48 transfers heat from the refrigerant line 90. Hot water is withdrawn from the tank 52 to the quantity of water 50 and in so doing returns the through a line 92. The line 92 and a line 94 connected to refrigerant from the vapor phase to the liquid phase. 35 the inlet line 90 both extend to a blending valve 96. The Liquid refrigerant flows out of the condenser 48 into an blending valve 96 combines hot water from the line 92 accumulator 54, and out of the accumulator 54 through and cold water from the line 94 in proper proportions to a third portion 56 of the liquid conduit 40 to a pump 58. prevent delivery of water at a desired temperature The pump 58 is driven by a motor 60. The pump 58 above a predetermined maximum through an outlet line functions to receive liquid refrigerant from the con 98.

denser 48 through the accumulator 54 and to direct The closed refrigerant circuit includes a relief valve pressurized liquid refrigerant through the first portion 102, and the tank 52 is provided with a relief valve 104. 42 of the liquid conduit 40. Liquid refrigerant flowing The closed refrigerant circuit further includes a drain through the first portion 42 of the liquid conduit 40 valve 106, and the tank has a drain valve 108. The func enters the separator 34 and is then returned to the ther 45 tion of the relief valves 102 and 104 is to automatically mal collector 22 through the second portion 44 of the release excess pressure from the refrigerant circuit and liquid conduit 40 and the inlet 24 of the thermal collec from the tank 52, respectively, and the function of the tor 22. drain valves 106 and 108 is to facilitate the removal of It will thus be understood that the thermal collector refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit and water from 22, the separator 34, the condenser 48 including the 50 the tank 52, respectively.

accumulator 54, the vapor conduit 30 and the liquid The closed refrigerant circuit of the solar powered conduit 40 comprise a closed refrigerant circuit having fluid heating system 20 further includes a pair of upper a predetermined quantity of refrigerant therein. The sight glasses 112 and 114 forming part of the second function of the refrigerant is to receive energy by means portion 36 of the vapor conduit 30 and a lower sight of the thermal acuumulator 22 and to transfer the re 55 glass 116 forming part of the third portion 56 of the ceived energy to the quantity of water 50 by means of liquid conduit 40. The function of the sight glasses 112, the condenser 48. The function of the pump 58 is to 114 and 116 is to facilitate the filling of the closed refrig effect the flow of refrigerant through the closed refrig erant circuit with refrigerant. In each instance air is first erant circuit. purged from the refrigerant circuit in the conventional The solar powered fluid heating system 20 further 60 lanet.

comprises a photovoltaic collector 62. The photovol Assume first that the temperature of the thermal col taic collector 62 comprises a plurality of photovoltaic lector 22 is higher than that of the quantity of water 50 cells 64 which are mounted in a panel 66. The function in the tank 52. In such a case the upper sight glasses 112 of the photovoltaic collector 62 is to receive solar en and 114 are used to determine the proper refrigerant ergy and to produce an electrical output in response 65 level. Refrigerant is added to the circuit until it is ob thereto. The photovoltaic collector 62 has an output servable in the sight glass 114 but is not observable in terminal 68 which is connected to the motor 60 through the sight glass 112. This assures that the proper quantity a line 70. An external power source may be used to of the refrigerant has been added to the circuit.

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Assume now that the temperature of the quantity of Eventually all of the refrigerant is exhausted from the water 50 in the tank 52 is higher than the temperature of separator 34 and from the thermal collector 22. There the thermal collector 22. In such cases the sight glass fore, although the system 20 is in the so-called stagna 116 is utilized to determine the proper refrigerant level. tion condition, the system 20 cannot reach excessive Refrigerant is added to the system until it is observable temperature or pressure levels. This is because all of the in the sight glass 116. This assures that a proper quantity refrigerant is exhausted from the thermal collector 22, of refrigerant has been added to the circuit. whereupon further heating thereof cannot take place. The operation of the solar powered fluid heating The system 20 simply remains in the stagnation condi system 20 will be readily understood upon consider tion until the temperature of the quantity of water 50 in ation of three different operating conditions. Assume 10 the tank 52 is reduced, whereupon the operating cycle first that the sun is shining and that hot water is being of the system 20 is automatically restarted. used. Refrigerant is heated in the thermal collector 22, Assume now that hot water is being withdrawn from and heated refrigerant flows out of the thermal collec the tank 52 but that the sun is not shining. In such in tor 22 through the outlet 26 and the first portion 32 of stances the system 20 does not operate. The refrigerant the vapor conduit to the separator 34. In the separator 15 the closed refrigerant circuit then accumulates either 34 the vapor component of the heated refrigerant is in separated from any liquid component thereof, and the in the thermal collector 22 and the separator 34, if the temperature of the quantity of water in the tank 52 is vapor component of the heated refrigerant then flows higher than the temperature of the thermal collector 22, through the second portion 36 of the vapor conduit 30 or in the condenser 48, the third portion 56 of the liquid to the condenser 48. 20 conduit 40 and the lower part of the first portion 42 of

In the condenser 48 heat is transferred from the re the liquid conduit 40, if the temperature of the thermal frigerant to the quantity of water 50 in the tank 52, and collector the refrigerant is simultaneously returned from the in the tankis higher than that of the quantity of water 50 52. In either event the system 20 quickly vapor phase to the liquid phase. Liquid refrigerant comes to equilibrium, and any significant flow of refrig flows out of condenser 48 through the accumulator 54 25 and through the third portion 56 of the liquid conduit 40 erant ued.

through the closed refrigerant circuit is discontin to the pump 58. The fact that the sun is not shining when there is a The pump 58 is driven by the motor 60 and functions to direct pressurized liquid refrigerant through the first demand for hot water does not mean that hot water is unavailable from the tank 52. To the contrary, in such portion 42 of the liquid conduit 40 to the separator 34. 30 circumstances the auxiliary heating apparatus 88 is auto Liquid refrigerant received in the separator 34, either matically actuated to heat the quantity of water 50 in through the first portion 32 of the vapor conduit 30 or the tank to a predetermined through the first portion 42 of the liquid conduit 40, is the auxiliary heating apparatustemperature range. When withdrawn from the separator 34 through the second 52 functions in the manner of a conventionalthewater 88 is operating, tank portion 44 of the liquid conduit 30 and is directed to the 35 heater.

thernal collector 22 through the inlet 24. At this point the foregoing cycle of operation is repeated and is thus It will thus be understood that the solar powered continuous in nature. fluid heating system 20 comprises a virtually fail safe The pump 58 is driven by the motor 60 which is in system for providing hot water. Under normal operat turn driven by electrical energy supplied either from ing conditions the system 20 operates continuously to the photovoltaic collector 62 through the line 70 or heat the quantity of water 50 within the tank 52. If the from an external source. If the temperature of the quan sun is shining but no hot water is being used the system tity of water 50 in the tank 52 exceeds a pedetermined 20 eventually discontinues operation, but under circum limit, the temperature sensor 74 actuates the switch 76 stances not involving any danger of excessive tempera to interrupt the flow of electrical energy to the motor 45 ture or pressure levels. If the sun is not shining and hot 70 and operation of the system 20 ceases. Likewise, if water is being used the auxiliary heating system 88 the accumulator 54 is not full of liquid refrigerant the automatically functions to maintain the quantity of float switch 80 actuates the switch 82 to interrupt the water 50 within the tank 52 within a predetermined flow of electrical energy to the motor 60 and operation temperature range.

of the system 20 ceases. 50 Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a solar pow Assume now that the sun is shining but that no hot ered fluid heating system 120 incorporating a second water is being used. The foregoing cycle of operation embodiment of the invention. The system 120 utilizes continues until the temperature of the quantity of water numerous component parts which are substantially 50 in the tank 52 reaches a predetermined upper limit. identical in construction and function to component At this point the temperature sensor 74 actuates the 55 parts of the solar powered fluid heating system 20 illus switch 76 to interrupt the flow of electrical energy to trated in FIG. 1. Such identical component parts are the motor 60. Thereafter, liquid refrigerant is no longer designated in FIG. 2 with the same reference numerals returned to the separator 34 by the pump 58. utilized in the description of the system 20, but are The thermal collector 22 temporarily continues to differentiated therefrom by means of a prime () desig generate heated refrigerant. The vapor component of 60 nation.

the heated refrigerant continues to flow to the con The primary distinction between the solar powered denser 48 through the second portion 36 of the vapor fluid heating system 120 of FIG. 2 and the system 20 of conduit 30. However, liquid refrigerant is not returned FIG. 1 involves the fact that in lieu of the pump 58 and from the condenser 48 to the separator 34, but instead the motor 60 of the system 20, the system 120 employs accumulates in the condenser 48, in the accumulator 54, 65 a compressor 122 driven by a motor 124. Compressor in the third portion 56 of the liquid conduit 40 and in the 122 receives heated refrigerant vapor from the separa lower part of the first portion 42 of the liquid conduit tor 34 through the second portion 36' of the vapor 4. conduit 30' and directs pressurized refrigerant vapor to 16 the condenser 48' through a third portion 126 of the tially identical in construction and function to compo vapor conduit 30'. nent parts of the solar powered fluid heating system 20 The motor 124 and therefore the compressor 122 are shown in FIG. 1. Such identical component parts are driven by electrical energy supplied from the photovol designated in FIG. 3 with the same reference numerals taic collector 62. Alternatively, the motor 124 and utilized hereinabove in the description of the system 20, therefore the compressor 122 are driven by electrical but are differentiated therefrom by means of a double energy supplied from a generator 128 through a line prime (') designation.

130. The generator 128 is in turn driven by a windmill The primary distinction between the solar powered 132. A switch 134 prevents the backflow of electrical fluid heating system 160 of FIG. 3 and the solar pow energy from the generator 128 to the photovoltaic col 10 ered fluid heating system 20 of FIG. 1 relates to the fact lector 62' through the line 70'. The motor 124 and there that the system 160 includes a turbine 162. The turbine fore the compressor 122 may be driven by electrical 162 receives heated refrigerant vapor from the separa energy supplied from an external source, if desired. tor 34" and is driven thereby. Refrigerant vapor dis Another distinction between the solar powered fluid charged from the turbine 162 is directed to the con heating system 120 of FIG. 2 and the system 20 of FIG. 15 denser 48" through a third portion 164 at the vapor 1 involves the use of a check valve assembly 136 to conduit 30'.

prevent the flow of refrigerant in the vapor phase into Upon actuation by heated refrigerant vapor flowing the first portion 42 of the liquid conduit 40'. As is best through the vapor conduit 30", the turbine 162 drives a shown in FIG. 2a, the check valve assembly 136 in generator 166. The generator 166 produces an electrical cludes a chamber 140 which receives refrigerant from 20 output which is directed to the pump 60' through a line the condenser 48' through an inlet 142 and which dis 168 and part of the line 70'. A switch 170 prevents charges refrigerant into the first portion 42" of the liquid backflow of electrical energy from the generator 166 to conduit 40' through an outlet 144. A ball 146 is mounted the photovoltaic collector 62.

within the chamber 140. The primary advantage arriving from the use of the The ball 146 has a predetermined density which is 25 system 160 involves the fact that because the turbine substantially less than that of the refrigerant in the 162 and the generator 166 are incorporated therein, the closed refrigerant circuit of the system 120 when the system 160 may employ a larger thermal collector and a refrigerant is in the liquid phase and is substantially smaller photovoltaic collector when compared with the greater than that of the refrigerant in the closed refrig equivalent components of the system 20. During the erant circuit when the refrigerant is in the vapor phase. 30 initial phase of the operation of the system 160, electri A screen 150 extends across the chamber 140 to limit cal energy for driving the motor 60' and therefore the upward movement of the ball 146 when the chamber pump 58" is supplied from the photovoltaic collector 140 is filled with liquid refrigerant. A valve seat 152 is 62". However, when the system 160 is in full operation positioned to receive the ball 146 as liquid refrigerant is the thermal collector 22' supplies refrigerant vapor in drained from the chamber 140. 35 sufficient quantity both to operate the turbine 162 and to It will be understood that in the normal operation of heat the quantity of water 50' in the tank 52" by means the system 120 the chamber 140 is continuously filled of the condenser 48". Under such circumstances electri with liquid refrigerant. The ball 146 therefore normally cal energy for driving the pump 58' is primarily sup floats upwardly in the chamber 140 with the upward plied by the generator 166 under the actuation of the movement of the ball 146 being limited by the screen 40 turbine 162. Otherwise, the operation of the system 160 150. If for any reason liquid refrigerant is drained out of is substantially identical to that of the system 120. the chamber 140 the ball 146 moves downwardly into Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a engagement with the valve seat 152. The ball 146 and thermal collector assembly 180 which may be utilized in the valve seat 152 thereafter cooperate to prevent the any of the solar powered fluid heating systems 20, 120 discharge of refrigerant in the vapor phase into the 45 or 160 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The liquid conduit 40' through the outlet 144. thermal collector assembly 180 includes first and second The operation of the solar powered fluid heating plates 182 and 184 which are preferably formed from system 120 is susbstantially identical to that of the solar metal. Although illustrated as flat in FIGS. 4 and 5, powered fluid heating system 20. One advantage in the plates 182 and 184 may be strengthened by various use of the solar powered fluid heating system 120 shown 50 means, if desired. In any event at least the first plate 182 in FIG. 2 is that the system 120 is capable of operating must be formed from a material which is highly ther as a heat pump. Under such circumstances the system mally conductive. The outer surface of the first plate 120 is adapted to heat the quantity of water 50' in the 182 is preferably finished utilizing conventional tech tank 52" even though the sun is not shining. niques in such a way as to be highly absorbent of and For eample, consider a warm, breezy summer eve 55 therefore highly nonreflective of solar radiation. ning. Under such circumstances windmill 132 actuates A pair of end walls 186 and a pair of side walls 188 the generator 128 to produce electrical energy which in extend along the ends and sides of the first and second turn actuates the motor 124 to drive the compressor plates 182 and 184, respectively. The end walls 186 and 122. Heat from the atmosphere vaporizes the refrigerant the side walls 188 are secured to the plates 182 and 184 in the thermal collector 22". The compressor 122 deliv 60 for cooperation therewith to define a substantially ers the heated refrigerant vapor from the separator 34' closed refrigerant heating chamber. The first and sec to the condenser 48", whereby the quantity of water 50' ond plates 182 and 184 extend in divergent planes to in the tank 52' is heated even though the sun is not define a refrigerant receiving zone 190 wherein the shining. plates 182 and 184 are positioned relatively close to one Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a solar pow 65 another, and a refrigerant discharge zone 192 wherein ered fluid heating system 160 incorporating a third the plates 182 and 184 are positioned relatively apart embodiment of the invention. The system 160 incorpo from one another. A refrigerant inlet 194 extends to the rates numerous component parts which are substan refrigerant receiving zone 190 of the refrigerant heating 17 chamber, and a refrigerant outlet 196 extends from the assembly 222 and a heat dissipating assembly 224. As refrigerant discharge zone 192 of the refrigerant heating will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the pre chamber. heater assembly 222 may be utilized with or without the A plurality of struts 198 are positioned within the heat dissipating assembly 224, and vice versa. That is, refrigerant heating zone of the thermal collector assem although the preheater assembly 222 and the heat dissi bly 180. Each strut 198 is connected between the first pating assembly 224 are illustrated in conjunction with and second plates 182 and 184 and serves to prevent the same thermal collector assembly 220, the two as both inward and outward movement of the plates rela semblies are actually entirely distinct from each other, tive to each other. The struts 198 extend generally par both in construction and in function. allel to and are spaced apart from the side walls 188. O The preheater assembly 222 includes an evaporator The struts extend to ends 200 which are spaced apart 226 adapted to receive heat from the ambient atmo from the end walls 186. The size, shape and positioning sphere. To this end, the evaporator 226 may be pro of the struts 198 relative to the side walls 188 and the vided with a plurality of fins 228. Other conventional end walls 186 are selected so as to not impede the flow techniques for enhancing the exposure of the evapora of refrigerant throughout the refrigerant heating cham 15 tor 226 to the ambient atmosphere may be utilized in the ber. practice of the invention, if desired. The assembly 222 It will be noted that, except for the negligible area in further includes a condenser 230 positioned in the re which the plate 182 engages the struts 198, the entire frigerant heating chamber of the thermal collector as interior surface area of the plate 182 is in contact with sembly 220, and specifically in the refrigerant receiving refrigerant contained within the refrigerant heating zone 190' thereof. A refrigerant conduit 232 includes a chamber. This feature of the thermal collector assembly first portion 234 extending from the evaporator 226 to 180 is highly important in that it greatly enhances the the condenser 230 and a second portion 236 extending flow of solar energy into the thermal collector as com from the condenser 230 to the evaporator 226. pared with prior designs. s The preheater assembly 222 is particularly adapted The thermal collector assembly 180 further includes a 25 for use in conjunction with embodiments of the inven frame 202. The frame 202 includes a panel 204 overly tion such as that shown in FIG. 2 wherein a compressor ing the first plate 182. The panel 204 is formed from a is utilized to receive refrigerant vapor from the separa material which is highly transparent to solar radiation, tor and to direct pressurized refrigerant vapor to the for example, glass. The panel 204 and the remainder of condenser. In such instances the preheater assembly 222 the frame 202 define a closed chamber 206 overlying the 30 is preferably charged with a refrigerant having a sub first plate 182. stantially lower boiling point than the boiling point of The remainder of the frame 202 may be formed from the refrigerant in the refrigerant heating chamber of the any convenient material, for example, metal, plastic, thermal collector assembly 220. The refrigerant in the wood, etc. In certain applications of the thermal collec preheater assembly 222 is therefore adapted for vapori tor assembly 180 it will be desirable to thermally insu 35 zation in the evaporator 226 at temperatures substan late the plate 184, the end walls 186 and the side walls tially below the boiling point of the refrigerant in the 188 which cooperate with the plate 82 to define the refrigerant heating chamber of the thermal collector refrigerant heating chamber. In such instances a layer of assembly 220, and regardless of whether or not the sun insulation 208 is provided between the frame 202 and is shining.

- the plate 184, the end walls 186 and the side walls 188. 40 Refrigerant vapor flows from the evaporator 226 In other applications of the thermal collector assem through the refrigerant conduit 232 to the condenser bly 180 it will be desirable to expose the plate 184 to 230, wherein heat is transferred from the refrigerant of solar radiation. In such cases the portion of the frame the preheater assembly 222 to the refrigerant within the 202 overlying the plate 184 is formed from a material refrigerant heating chamber of the thermal collector such as glass and the portion of the layer of insulation 45 assembly 220. This procedure continues until the refrig 208 extending adjacent the plate 184 is omitted. In still erant in the refrigerant heating chamber of the thermal other applications of the thermal collector assembly 180 collector assembly 220 has been heated sufficiently to it will be desirable to expose the plate 184 to the ambient effect vaporization thereof. The refrigerant vapor then atmosphere. In such cases the frame 202 is constructed flows through the outlet 196 of the thermal collector to seal the chamber 206, the layer of insulation 208 is 50 assembly 220 to the separator and from the separator to omitted entirely, and the frame 202 is constructed in an the compressor which in turn directs compressed refrig open configuration to allow the passage of the ambient erant vapor to the condenser of the solar powered fluid atmosphere therethrough adjacent to the plate 184. heating system. In this manner the solar powered fluid Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a heating system is adapted to produce hot water even at thermal collector assembly 220 which may be utilized in 55 temperatures substantially below the vaporization tem any of the solar powered fluid heating systems 20, 120 perature of the refrigerant in the primary refrigerant or 160 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The circuit thereof, thermal collector assembly 220 incorporates numerous The heat dissipating assembly 224 comprises an evap component parts which are substantially identical to orator 240 positioned within the refrigerant discharge component parts of the thermal collector assembly 180 zone 192 of the thermal collector assembly 220. A shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Such identical component condenser 242 is adapted to discharge heat to the ambi parts are designated in FIGS. 6 and 7 with the same ent atmosphere. To this end, the condenser 242 is pro reference numerals utilized hereinabove in the descrip vided with a plurality of heat dissipating fins 224. Other tion of the thermal collector assembly 180, but are dif. conventional techniques for maximizing heat transfer ferentiated therefrom by means of a prime () designa 65 from the condenser 242 to the ambient atmosphere may tion. be utilized in the practice of the invention, if desired. A The thermal collector assembly 220 differs from the refrigerant conduit 246 includes a first portion 248 ex thermal collector 180 in that it incorporates a preheater tending from the evaporator 240 to the condenser 242 18 and a second portion 250 extending from the condenser Liquid refrigerant is returned to the thermal collector 242 to the evaporator 240. assembly 260 from the condenser through a liquid con The heat dissipating assembly 224 is charged with the duit 298 including a first portion 300 extending from the refrigerant having a substantially higher boiling point condenser to the separator 292 and a second portion 302 than the boiling point of the refrigerant in the refriger 5 extending from the separator 292 to the refrigerant ant heating chamber of the thermal collector assembly receiving zone 266 of the thermal collector assembly 220. As will be appreciated, certain operating condi 260. It will thus be understood that the thermal collec tions of a solar powered fluid heating system can occur tor assembly 260 is adapted for use with any of the solar in which the temperature within the thermal collector powered fluid heating system 20, 120 or 160 shown in assembly of the system rises significantly. In any such O FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, respectively. instance the refrigerant in the evaporator 240 is vapor The structural details of the thermal collector assem ized. The refrigerant vapor then flows into the con bly 260 are illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. The frame denser 242, whereupon heat is removed from the refrig 270 includes legs 304 which support the plate 264 above erant and is discharged into the ambient atmosphere. In the underlying surface 272. The plates 262 and 264 may this manner protection against excessive temperature 15 comprise part of an elongated plate 306 which is bent within the refrigerant heating chamber of the thermal around a suitable form to provide curved end portions collector assembly 220 is assured. 308 and 310. The ends of the plate 306 are overlapped at A thermal collector assembly 260 constructed in ac a convenient location 312 and are welded or brazed cordance with the invention is diagrammatically illus together. The refrigerant heating chamber of the ther trated in FIG. 8. The thermal collector assembly 260 20 mal collector assembly 260 is then closed by side plates includes first and second plates 262 and 264 each formed 314 extending along and joined to the opposite edges of from a thermally conductive material. The plates 262 the plate 306.

and 264 may be specially fabricated for strength, if The third plate 278 of the thermal collector assembly desired. The first and second plates 262 and 264 define 260 preferably comprises part of a third plate/strut a refrigerant heating chamber therebetween. The plates 25 assembly 320. As is best shown in FIG. 11, in addition to 262 and 264 extend in divergent planes to define a re the third plate portion 278, the third plate/strut assem frigerant receiving zone 266 wherein the plates 262 and bly 320 includes a plurality of strut portions 322 each 264 are positioned relatively close to one another and a extending outwardly from the third plate portion 278 refrigerant discharge zone 268 wherein the plates 262 into engagement with the interior surfaces of the plates and 264 are positioned relatively apart from each other. 30 262 and 264. The third plate/strut assembly 320 further A frame 270 supports the plates 262 and 264 and the includes a plurality of fasteners 324 each extending refrigerant heating zone defined therebetween on the through the plates 262 and 264 and through one of the surface 272 of a roof. The frame 270 supports the plate strut portions 322. By means of the strut portions 322 264 in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the and the fasteners 324, the third plate/strut assembly 320 roof surface 272. The frame 270 includes a plate 274 35 serves to prevent both inward and outward movement which is transparent to solar radiation. The plate 274 of the plates 262 and 264 relative to one another. together with other components of the frame 270 form FIG. 12 illustrates a photovoltaic cell assembly 330 a closed chamber 276 surrounding the plate 262 of the which may be utilized in conjunction with any of the thermal collector assembly 260. solar powered fluid heating systems 20, 120 or 160 illus A third plate 278 formed from a thermally insulating trated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The photovoltaic cell assem material is positioned within the refrigerant heating bly 330 includes a frame 332 including a prone portion zone between the first and second plates 262 and 264. 334 and an erect portion 336. The erect portion 336 is The third plate 278 is positioned substantially equidis preferably secured to the prone portion 334 by means of tant from the first and second plates 262 and 264, and fasteners 338 to facilitate disassembly of the frame 332 extends the entire distance between the refrigerant re 45 for shipping, etc. The frame 332 further includes suit ceiving zone 266 and the refrigerant discharge zone 268. able bracing structure 340 for preventing relative move The third plate 278 divides the refrigerant heating ment between the erect portion 336 and the prone por chamber into an upper refrigerant path 280 extending tion 334 of the frame. For example, the bracing struc adjacent the first plate 262 and the second refrigerant ture 340 may comprise cables 342 secured to suitable path 282 extending adjacent the second plate 264. Re 50 fasteners 344, etc.

frigerant in the first refrigerant path 280 is adapted for The prone portion 334 of the frame 332 includes a heating by solar radiation which passes through the first support surface 346, and the erect portion 336 of plate 274 of the frame 270 and through the first plate 262 the frame includes a second support surface 348. The to heat the refrigerant in the first refrigerant path. Re second support surface 348 extends perpendicularly frigerant in the second refrigerant path 282 is adapted to 55 with respect to the first support surface 346. The erect receive heat from the ambient atmosphere through the portion 336 of the frame further includes a third support second plate 264. Thus, the thermal collector assembly surface 350 which extends parallel to but which faces in 260 is adapted to produce refrigerant vapor when the the opposite direction from the second support surface sun is shining, or when the temperature of the surround 348. The prone portion of the frame 332 further includes ing atmosphere is sufficiently high to vaporize the re 60 a fourth support surface 352 which extends parallel to, frigerant in the refrigerant heating chamber thereof, or and preferably comprises an extension of the first sup both. port surface 346.

Heated refrigerant flows from the thermal collector The photovoltaic cell assembly 330 further comprises assembly 260 through a vapor conduit 288 including a a first array of photovoltaic cells 356 mounted on the first portion 290 extending from the refrigerant dis 65 first support surface 346; a second array of photovoltaic charge zone 268 of the thermal collector assembly 260 cells 358 mounted on the second support surface 348; a to a separator 292 and a second portion 294 extending third array of photovoltaic cells 360 mounted on the from the separator 292 to the condenser (not shown). third support surface 350 and a fourth array of photo 19 voltaic cells 362 mounted on the fourth support surface The operation of the thermal collector assembly 390 352. The arrays of photovoltaic cells 356, 358, 360 and will be best understood by consideration of the position 362 are each mounted in a frame 364, and the frames 364 of the sun at various times during the day. At dawn, the are secured to the frame 332 by means of suitable fasten sun is positioned as represented by the arrow 410, and ers 366. Each of the arrays of photovoltaic cells 356, 5 the thermal collector 394 is thus positioned for maxi 358, 360 and 362 produces an output, and the outputs of mum exposure to the rays of the sun. At mid-morning the arrays of photovoltaic cells are added together to the sun is positioned as represented by the arrow 412, produce a combined output which is optimized and the thermal collectors 394 and 396 are positioned throughout the entire day. for combined maximum exposure to the rays of the sun. Operation of the photovoltaic cell assembly 330 will 10 At mid-day the sun is positioned as represented by the be best understood by consideration of the positioning arrow 414, and the thermal collectors 392 and 396 are of the sun at various times during the day. At dawn the positioned for maximum exposure to the rays of the sun. position of the sun relative to the assembly 330 is repre At mid-afternoon the sun is positioned as represented by sented by the arrow 370. At such time the array of the arrow 416, and the thermal collectors 392 and 394 photovoltaic cells 360 is positioned directly in the path 15 are positioned for combined maximum exposure to the of the rays of the sun, while the remaining photovoltaic rays of the sun. At dusk the sun is positioned as repre cell arrays in the assembly 330 are positioned substan sented by the arrow 418, and the thermal collector 394 tially out of the path of the rays of the sun. At mid is once again positioned for maximum exposure to the morning the sun is positioned as represented by the rays of the sun. Since the outputs of the thermal collec arrow 372. At such time the photovoltaic cell arrays 20 tors 392,394 and 396 are added together, it will thus be 360 and 362 are positioned for combined maximum understood that the thermal collector assembly 390 exposure to the rays of the sun, while the photovoltaic produces a combined output which is optimized cell arrays 356 and 358 are positioned substantially out throughout all the daylight hours. of the path of the rays of the sun. At mid-day the posi FIG. 15 illustrates a thermal collector assembly 420. tion of the sun is represented by the arrow 374. At such 25 Many of the component parts of the thermal collector time the photovoltaic cell arrays 356 and 362 are posi assembly 420 are substantially identical in construction tioned for maximum exposure to the rays of the sun, and function to component parts of the thermal collec while the photovoltaic cell arrays 358 and 360 are posi tor assembly 390 illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. Such tioned substantially out of the path of the rays of the identical component parts are identified in FIG. 15 with sun. At mid-afternoon the position of the sun is repre 30 the same reference numerals utilized hereinabove in the sented by the arrow 376. At such time the photovoltaic description of the thermal collector assembly 390, but cell arrays 356 and 358 are positioned for combined are differentiated therefrom by means of a prime () maximum exposure to the rays of the sun, while the designation.

photovoltaic cell arrays 360 and 362 are substantially The primary distinction between the thermal collec non-exposed to the rays of the sun. At dusk the position 35 tor assembly 390 and thermal collector assembly 420 of the sun is represented by the arrow 378. At such time comprises the fact that as opposed to a single upright the photovoltaic cell array 358 is positioned for maxi thermal collector 394, the thermal collector assembly mum exposure to the rays of the sun, while the remain 420 employs dual upright thermal collectors 424 and ing photovoltaic cell arrays are not significantly ex 426. The collectors 424 and 426 are separated by layers posed thereto. It will thus be understood that by adding of thermally insulative material 428. Otherwise, the the outputs of the photovoltaic cell arrays 356, 358, 360 construction and operation of the thermal collector and 362 the photovoltaic cell assembly 330 produces a assembly 420 is identical to that described above in combined output which is optimized throughout all of connection with the thermal collector assembly 390. the daylight hours. Referring now to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 there is shown FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a thermal collector assem 45 a fluid heating system 450 which is adapted for actua bly 390 which may be utilized in any of the solar pow tion both by solar energy and by waste heat. The fluid ered fluid heating systems 20, 120 or 160 illustrated in heating system 450 is utilized in conjunction with an FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The thermal collector engine 452 which may comprise a diesel engine, a car assembly 390 comprises three thermal collectors 392, buretion/ignition engine or any other type of internal or 394 and 396. The three thermal collectors 392,394 and 50 external combustion engine. Typically, the engine 452 is 396 receive liquid refrigerant from a common inlet con provided with an exhaust pipe 454 which normally duit 398 and are connected thereto through isolation serves to discharge exhaust resulting from the operation valves 400. The three thermal collectors 392,394 and of the engine directly into the atmosphere. As is well 396 discharge heated refrigerant through a common known, most engines discharge an exhaust comprising outlet conduit 402 and are connected therethrough to 55 substantially heated vapors, whereby the exhaust pipe isolation valves 404. The use of the isolation valves 400 454 functions to dissipate waste heat into the atmo and 404 permits any of the thermal collectors to be sphere together with products of combustion compris disconnected from the refrigerant circuit to facilitate ing the engine exhaust. In accordance with the present repair, etc. invention, the exhaust resulting from operation of the The thermal collectors 392,394 and 396 are prefera engine 452 is not immediately discharged into the atmo bly constructed as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The teach sphere, but instead is directed through a conduit 456 ings of FIGS. 6 through 11 may also be utilized in the and valve 458 to a thermal collector assembly 460. The construction of the thermal collectors comprising the function of the valve 458 is to control the amount of assembly 390, if desired. However, as is best shown in exhaust from the engine 452 that is received by the FIG. 14, the thermal collector 394 has a second plate 65 thermal collector assemby 460 and to discharge the 406 which is exposed to solar radiation through a panel remainder directly into the atmosphere. 408 formed from a material which is transparent to solar Referring specifically to FIG. 17, the thermal collec radiation, for example, glass. tor assembly 460 includes first and second plates 462 20 and 464 each formed from a thermally conductive mate through the engine 501 and to discharge waste heat into rial. The plates 462 and 464 may be specially formed for the ambient atmosphere.

strength, if desired. The first and second plates 462 and In the construction of the fluid heating system 500, a 464 define a refrigerant heating chamber therebetween. line 504 is extended from the inlet of the radiator 502 The plates 462 and 464 extend in divergent planes to through a valve 506 to a thermal collector assembly define a refrigerant receiving zone 466 wherein the 508. A line 510 in turn extends from the thermal collec plates 462 and 464 are positioned relatively close to one tor assembly 508 to the outlet of the radiator 502. The another and a refrigerant discharge zone 468 wherein function of the valve 506 is to control the amount of the plates 462 and 464 are positioned relatively apart liquid flowing from the engine to the thermal collector from each other. O assembly 508 and to direct the remainder of the liquid A frame 470 supports the plates 462 and 464 and the coolant to the radiator 502.

refrigerant heating zone defined therebetween on a The thermal collector assembly 508 incorporates surface 472 or other suitable support. The frame 470 numerous component parts which are substantially supports the plate 464 in a spaced apart relationship identical in construction and function to component with respect to the surface 472. The frame 470 includes 15 parts of the thermal collector assembly 180 illustrated in a plate 474 which is transparent to solar radiation. The FIG. 5. Such identical component parts are designated plate 474 together with the other components of the in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 with the same reference numer frame 470 form a closed chamber 476 surrounding the als utilized above in the description of the thermal col plate 462 of the thermal collector assembly 460. lector assembly 180, but are differentiated therefrom by A third plate 478 formed from a thermally insulating 20 means of a double prime (') designation. material is positioned within the refrigerant heating Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the fluid heating sys zone defined between the first and second plates 462 tem 500 includes a heat transfer assembly 511 situated and 464. The third plate 478 is positioned substantially within the refrigerant receiving zone 190" of the ther equidistant from the first and second plates 462 and 464, 25 mal collector assembly 508. The heat transfer assembly and extends the entire distance between the refrigerant 511 includes a liquid conduit 512 connected at one end receiving zone 466 and the refrigerant discharge zone to the line 504 and connected at the other end to the line 468. The third plate 478 divides the refrigerant heating 510. The conduit 512 may be provided with a plurality chamber into a first refrigerant path 480 extending adja offins 514 or may be otherwise constructed to facilitate cent the first plate 462 and a second refrigerant path 482 30 the transfer of heat between liquid coolant flowing extending adjacent the second plate 464. Refrigerant in therethrough and refrigerant received in the zone 190' the first refrigerant path 480 is adapted for heating by of the thermal collector assembly 508. solar radiation which passes through the plate 474 of the It will thus be understood that whenever the sun is frame 470 and through the first plate 462 to heat refrig shining, solar energy is received through the plate 204' erant in the first refrigerant path. 35 and the plate 182", thereby heating refrigerant within The conduit 456 extends to a discharge end situated the thermal collector 508. Also, liquid coolant is di adjacent to the plate 464 of the thermal collector assem rected from the engine 501 through the line 504 to the bly 460. A layer of thermal insulation 484 extends heat transfer assembly 511, thereby vaporizing refriger downwardly from the discharge end of the conduit 456 ant within the refrigerant receiving zone 190" to permit in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the plate 40 operation of the thermal collector assembly 508. It will 464. As is best shown in FIG. 18, the discharge end of thus be understood that the thermal collector assembly the conduit 456 is provided with a plurality of outlet 500 is adapted for use in conjunction with any of the holes 486. A plurality of fins 490 are situated between fluid heating systems 20, 120 or 160 shown in FIGS. 1, the plate 464 and the layer of insulation 484 to direct 2 and 3, respectively, regardless of whether or not ther exhaust flowing through the conduit 456 and the outlet 45 mal energy is present at any particular time. holes 486 thereof along paths extending adjacent to the It will be further understood that the structure of the plate 464. fluid heating system. 450 as illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17 The thermal collector assembly 460 is adapted for use and 18 may be combined with the structure of the fluid in any of the fluid heating systems 20, 120 or 160 shown heating system 500 as illustrated in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 respectively. When the sun is shin 50 if desired. In such instances the thermal collector assem ing, solar radiation is received through the plate 474 and bly is adapted for actuation by solar energy and by through the plate 462, thereby heating refrigerant in the waste heat extracted both from engine exhaust resulting first refrigerant path 480. In addition, exhaust from the from operation of the engine and from liquid coolant engine 452 is directed through the conduit 456 and that is directed through the engine to regulate the ten through the outlets 486 thereof. Heat from the exhaust 55 perature thereof. The use of such a combined system is passes through the second plate 464 and functions to advantageous in those instances in which waste heat heat the refrigerant in the second refrigerant path 482. from a relatively small engine is utilized to effect heat Thus, the thermal collector assembly 460 is adapted for ing of a relatively large quantity of fluid. actuation either by solar energy, or by the extraction of Referring now to FIG. 22, there is shown a fluid waste heat from the exhaust from the engine 452, or 60 heating system 520 adapted for actuation both by solar both. energy and by waste heat. The fluid heating system 520 Referring to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, there is shown a utilizes numerous component parts which are substan fluid heating system 500 adapted for actuation both by tially identical in construction and function to compo solar energy and by waste heat. The fluid heating sys nent parts. Such component parts are designated in tem 500 includes an engine 501 comprising one of the 65 FIG.22 with the same reference numerals utilized in the various liquid cooled varieties. As such, the engine 501 description of the thermal collector assembly 260, but includes a radiator 502 which is normally utilized to are differentiated therefrom by means of a prime () extract waste heat from the liquid coolant flowing designation.

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The fluid heating system 520 is also similar in many erant within the first refrigerant path is heated respects to the fluid heating system 450 shown in FIGS. primarily by solar energy; and 16, 17 and 18 and to the fluid heating system 500 shown means for directing a waste heat-laden fluid from the in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 respectively. However, as op waste heat source into engagement with the second posed to being actuated by waste heat resulting from plate so that the refrigerant within the second re the operation of an engine, the fluid heating system 520 frigerant path is heated primarily by said waste is adapted for actuation by waste heat resulting from the heat-laden fluid, said third plate serving to prevent operation of building 522. As is well known, many heat dissipation from said second refrigerant path buildings employ ventilating systems which exhaust when solar energy is not being received by said heated air into the ambient atmosphere. Alternatively, 10 collector.

the building 522 may employ an air conditioning system 2. For use in conjunction with an engine of the type which functions to exhaust waste heat into the ambient that normally discharges heat-laden exhaust gases into atmosphere. the atmosphere, a thermal collector comprising: In either event, heat-laden exhaust air resulting from 15 an enclosure including first and second plates each operation of the building 522 is directed through a con formed from a thermally conductive material, said duit 524, through a valve 526 and through a conduit 528 enclosure having a refrigerant receiving zone and a into the space between the roof 272 of the building 522 refrigerant discharge zone;

and the plate 264 of the thermal collector assembly liquid conduit means having a first portion for deliv 260". The function of the valve 526 is to regulate the 20 ering refrigerant to said refrigerant receiving zone, amount of heat-laden exhaust air that is directed into the and a second portion for delivering a vapor compo space between the roof 272 and the plate 264, and to nent of said refrigerant from said collector; discharge the remainder of the heat-laden exhaust air a third plate formed from a thermally insulating mate flowing through the conduit 524 directly into the ambi rial and being positioned within the enclosure be ent atmosphere. It will thus be understood that the 25 tween the first and second plates to divide the thermal collector assembly 260' of the fluid heating enclosure into first and second refrigerant paths, system 520 is adapted for actuation by solar energy, or said first refrigerant path located between said first by the extraction of waste heat resulting from operation and third plates and said second refrigerant path of the building 522, or both. Under conditions of sub located between said second and third plates; stantial sunlight, solar energy is utilized to heat refriger 30 said refrigerant being normally supported in both said ant in the first refrigerant path 280'. In addition, heat first and second refrigerant paths, with said third laden exhaust air resulting from operation of the build plate being normally partially submerged in said ing 522 is directed into the space between the roof 272 refrigerant receiving zone; and the plate 264, thereby vaporizing refrigerant in the means supporting the enclosure with the first plate second refrigerant path 282" by the extraction of heat 35 positioned for contact by sunlight so that the refrig from the heat-laden exhaust air. erant within the first path is heated primarily by Although preferred embodiments of the invention solar energy;

have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings means for directing heat-laden exhaust gases from the and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it engine into engagement with the second plate so will be understood that the invention is not limited to 40 that the refrigerant within the second refrigerant the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous path is heated primarily by said waste heat-laden rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of fluid, said third plate serving to prevent heat dissi parts and elements without departing from the spirit of pation from said second refrigerant path when the invention. solar energy is not being received by said collector. I claim: 45 3. For use in conjunction with a building of the type 1. For use in conjunction with a source of waste heat, that normally exhausts heat-laden air into the ambient a thermal collector comprising: atmosphere, a thermal collector comprising: an enclosure including first and second plates each an enclosure including first and second plates each formed from a thermally conductive material, said formed from a thermally conductive material, said enclosure having a refrigerant receiving zone and a 50 enclosure having a refrigerant receiving zone and a refrigerant vapor discharge zone; refrigerant vapor discharge zone; liquid conduit means having a first portion for deliv liquid conduit means having a first portion for deliv ering refrigerant to said refrigerant receiving zone, ering refrigerant to said refrigerant receiving zone, and a second portion for delivering a vapor compo and a second portion for delivering a vapor compo nent of said refrigerant from said collector; 55 ment of said refrigerant from said collector; a third plate formed from a thermally insulating mate a third plate formed from a thermally insulating mate rial and being positioned within the enclosure be rial and being positioned within the enclosure be tween the first and second plates to divide the tween the first and second plates to divide the enclosure into first and second refrigerant paths, enclosure into first and second refrigerant paths, said first refrigerant path located between said first 60 said first refrigerant path located between said first and third plates and said second refrigerant path and third plates and said second refrigerant path located between said second and third plates; located between said second and third plates; said refrigerant being normally supported in both said said refrigerant being normally supported in both said first and second refrigerant paths, with said third first and second refrigerant paths, with said third plate being normally partially submerged in said 65 plate being normally partially submerged in said refrigerant receiving zone; refrigerant receiving zone;

means supporting the enclosure with the first plate means supporting the enclosure with the first plate positioned for contact by sunlight so that the refrig positioned for contact by sunlight so that the refrig 22 erant within the first refrigerant path is heated primarily by solar energy; and means for directing heat-laden exhaust air from the building into engagement with the second plate so that the refrigerant within the second refrigerant 5 path is heated primarily by said heat-laden exhaust air, said third plate serving to prevent heat dissipa tion from said second refrigerant path when solar energy is not being received by said collector.