WO2003085331A1 - Systeme chauffe-piscine solaire - Google Patents

Systeme chauffe-piscine solaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003085331A1
WO2003085331A1 PCT/US2003/009685 US0309685W WO03085331A1 WO 2003085331 A1 WO2003085331 A1 WO 2003085331A1 US 0309685 W US0309685 W US 0309685W WO 03085331 A1 WO03085331 A1 WO 03085331A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solar
unit
pool
heater system
pool heater
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2003/009685
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Patrik Swanljung
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU2003230757A priority Critical patent/AU2003230757A1/en
Publication of WO2003085331A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003085331A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/12—Devices or arrangements for circulating water, i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment
    • E04H4/129—Systems for heating the water content of swimming pools
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
    • F24S10/10—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids forming pools or ponds
    • F24S10/17—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids forming pools or ponds using covers or floating solar absorbing elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S80/00—Details, accessories or component parts of solar heat collectors not provided for in groups F24S10/00-F24S70/00
    • F24S80/30—Arrangements for connecting the fluid circuits of solar collectors with each other or with other components, e.g. pipe connections; Fluid distributing means, e.g. headers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/44—Heat exchange systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to pool heaters and more specifically it relates to a solar pool heater system for efficiently heating a pool with solar energy. Description of the Related Art
  • Pool heaters have been in use for years.
  • One type of pool heater is comprised of an electrical heater unit that heats the water utilizing conventional electric power.
  • a second type of pool heater is comprised of a passive cover that allows solar energy to enter the pool but retains the solar energy within the pool.
  • Another type of pool heater is comprised of a solar heater unit that is positioned away from the pool (e.g. on the roof of a house) wherein water is pumped to the solar heater unit and then returned.
  • Conventional pool heaters do not efficiently heat a pool.
  • Conventional passive covers do not effectively heat a pool since they only heat a thin surface layer of the pool water.
  • a further problem with conventional pool heaters is that they can be difficult and cumbersome to install.
  • Another problem with conventional pool heaters is that they do not fit various sizes of pools.
  • the solar pool heater system substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of efficiently heating a pool with solar energy.
  • the present invention provides a new solar pool heater system construction wherein the same can be utilized for
  • the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a new solar pool heater system that has many of the advantages of the pool heaters mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new solar pool heater system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art pool heaters, either alone or in any combination thereof.
  • the present invention generally comprises a buoyant support member, a distribution unit attached to the support member, a manifold fluidly connected to the distribution unit, a pump unit fluidly connected to the manifold, and a solar unit electrically connected to the pump unit.
  • the pump unit draws colder water from the pool and provides the same to the manifold which distributes the water through distribution channels within the distribution unit. The water is heated via solar energy while passing through the distribution unit. The heated water is then returned to the body of pool water through an exhaust conduit.
  • a primary object of the present invention is to provide a solar pool heater system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
  • a second object is to provide a solar pool heater system for efficiently heating a pool with solar energy.
  • Another object is to provide a solar pool heater system that may be utilized upon various sizes and shapes of pools.
  • An additional object is to provide a solar pool heater system that is modular.
  • a further object is to provide a solar pool heater system that does not require additional space other than the pool.
  • Another object is to provide a solar pool heater system that simultaneously heats and circulates the water within a pool.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention positioned within a pool.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention positioned within the pool utilizing an exhaust conduit.
  • FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the solar unit.
  • FIG. 4 is an end view of distribution unit and support member.
  • FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of distribution unit and support member.
  • FIG. 6a is a cutaway perspective view of the manifold within a sleeve.
  • FIG. 6b is a perspective view of the manifold within a sleeve.
  • FIG. 6c is a perspective view of the manifold.
  • FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a side cutaway view of the distribution unit fluidly connected to the manifold.
  • FIG. 9a is a top view of one variation of the present invention within a pool.
  • FIG. 9b is a top view of a second variation of the present invention within a pool.
  • FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical connections between the electrical components of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate a solar pool heater system 10, which comprises a buoyant support member 50, a distribution unit 60 attached to the support member 50, a manifold 70 fluidly connected to the distribution unit 60, a pump unit 30 fluidly connected to the manifold 70, and a solar unit 20 electrically connected to the pump unit 30.
  • the pump unit 30 draws colder water from the lower portion of the pool 12 and provides the same to the manifold 70 which distributes the water through distribution channels 62 within the distribution unit 60.
  • the water is heated via solar energy while passing through the distribution unit 60.
  • the heated water is then returned to the body of pool 12 water through an exhaust conduit 48.
  • the support member 50 is comprised of a buoyant material for floating upon the water surface of a pool 12.
  • the support member 50 may be comprised of a sheet material or a plurality of segment connected together.
  • the support member 50 may be comprised of various types of buoyant materials such as but not limited to foam rubber and the like.
  • the support member 50 further is preferably capable of insulating the pool 12 thereby retaining the heat within the body of water in the pool 12.
  • the distribution unit 60 positioned upon the upper surface of the support member 50.
  • the distribution unit 60 is preferably attached to the upper surface of the support member 50, however various other configurations may be utilized.
  • the distribution unit 60 includes a plurality of distribution channels 62.
  • the distribution channels 62 preferably extend substantially parallel to one another as further shown in Figures 5 and 7 of the drawings.
  • the distribution channels 62 are preferably comprised of a relative broad and flat structure for maximizing the exposure of the water flowing through the distribution channels 62 to solar energy.
  • the upper surface or the lower surface of the distribution channels 62 is comprised of a colored or opaque material, for allowing for the absorption of solar energy and the heating of the water flowing through the distribution channels 62. If the lower surface is used for absorption of solar energy, a transparent or semitransparent material is used for the upper surface, allowing for the passage of solar energy to lower surface. If the upper surface is primarily used for absorption of solar energy, the lower surface may be of any color. The lower surface may also consist of the support member 50.
  • the exhaust conduit 48 is attached to a second end of the distribution unit 60 for dispensing the heated water back into the pool 12.
  • the exhaust conduit 48 preferably extends downwardly to a lower portion of the pool 12 as best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.
  • the exhaust conduit 48 may have various shapes, lengths and sizes as can be appreciated to allow for the transfer of the heated water back into the lower portion of the pool 12.
  • the manifold 70 is fluidly connected to the distribution unit 60 as best illustrated in Figure 8 of the drawings.
  • the manifold 70 includes a plurality of ports 72 that open into a respective distribution channel of the distribution unit 60 for providing the water to be heated to the distribution unit 60.
  • the manifold 70 may be comprised of an elongate structure having a longitudinal axis with the ports 72 extending transversely from a main conduit.
  • a cap member 74 may be attached to one end of the manifold 70 opposite of the pump unit 30 for preventing the escape of water through thereof as shown in Figure 6c of the drawings.
  • the manifold 70 with extended ports 72 may be surrounded by a sleeve 40, for allowing the distribution unit 60 attached to the support member 50 to be easily rolled up when they are removed from the pool.
  • the sleeve 40 is comprised of a material such as but not limited to foam rubber and the like.
  • the sleeve 40 may be comprised of a buoyant material.
  • the manifold may be constructed as a tube around which the distribution unit 60 is wrapped, with ports 72 in the form of holes providing the fluid connection to the distribution channels 62.
  • the manifold may also be constructed in the form of channels within distribution unit 60 itself.
  • a second manifold 70 may be used to collect the heated water from the distribution unit 60 and transfer it towards the bottom of the pool through an exhaust conduit 48.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the alternative of dispensing with a second manifold, by using an extension of the distribution unit 60 as the exhaust conduit 48.
  • the pump unit 30 is fluidly connected to the manifold 70 for providing water from within a pool 12 to the manifold 70 via a delivery tube 32 or similar fluid connection.
  • the pump unit 30 is preferably comprised of a submersible pump structure that may be submerged for extended periods of time.
  • Various pump devices may be utilized to construct the pump unit 30 which are well-known in the pump industry.
  • the solar unit 20 is electrically connected to the pump unit 30 either directly or through a control unit as illustrated in Figure 10 of the drawings.
  • the solar unit 20 includes one or more solar cells for converting solar energy from the sun to electricity which are well-known.
  • a power cable 26 or other electrical conducting device is electrically connected between the solar unit 20 and the pump unit 30.
  • the power cable 26 is insulated to prevent electrical conduction when positioned within the pool 12.
  • FIG 3 best illustrates that the solar unit 20 includes a support base 22 and a support structure 24 adjustably attached to the support base 22 for allowing adjustment of the angle of solar cells within the solar unit 20 to best receive the solar energy from the sun.
  • the support base 22 preferably has a plurality of cutouts for receiving a selected portion of the support structure 24 as further shown in Figure 1 of the drawings.
  • Various other support structures 24 may be utilized to support the solar unit 20.
  • the solar unit 20 automatically activates the pump unit 30 during solar energy periods and is preferably used in combination with a battery unit 28 and a control unit 80.
  • the battery unit 28 may be comprised of any conventional rechargeable power supply.
  • the control unit 80 activates the pump unit 30.
  • the pump unit 30 then operates for a preset time or until a predetermined discharge level is reached. This cycle repeats as long as solar energy is present.
  • the invention is first installed to a specific pool 12 structure.
  • the support member 50, the distribution unit 60 and the manifold 70 may be trimmed according to the shape and size of the pool 12.
  • Figures 9a and 9b illustrate some alternative variations of the present invention designed to accommodate different shaped pools 12.
  • the support member 50 both supports 72 the distribution unit 60 upon the surface of the pool 12 to maximize the solar exposure and also insulates the body of water within the pool 12.
  • the pump unit 30 is positioned within the pool 12 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.
  • the solar unit 20 provides electrical power to the pump unit 30 either directly from the solar cells or from the battery unit 28, as regulated by the control unit 80, when sufficient solar energy is present.
  • the pump unit 30 draws the cold water from the pool 12 and forces the cold water to the manifold 70.
  • the cold water is then diverted through the ports 72 into the distribution channels 62 of the distribution unit 60.
  • the water is then heated within the distribution channel by the solar energy.
  • the heated water is then dispensed out the second end of the distribution unit 60 back into the water of the pool 12.
  • An exhaust conduit 48 may be fluidly connected to the second end of the distribution unit 60 for diverting the heated water directly to the lower portion of the pool 12 as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings.
  • a second manifold 70 may be fluidly connected to the second end of the distribution unit 60 and then fluidly connected at one end to the exhaust conduit 48 for diverting the heated water to the lower portion of the pool 12.
  • Various other structures may be achieved utilizing the present invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système chauffe-piscine solaire (10) destiné à chauffer efficacement une piscine (12) au moyen de l'énergie solaire. Ce système chauffe-piscine solaire comprend un élément de support flottant (50), une unité de distribution (60) fixée à cet élément de support, un collecteur (70) en communication fluidique avec l'unité de distribution, une unité de pompe (30) en communication fluidique avec le collecteur, ainsi qu'une unité solaire (20) électriquement connectée à l'unité de pompe. L'unité de pompe permet d'aspirer de l'eau froide à partir de la piscine et d'acheminer cette eau vers le collecteur, lequel distribue l'eau par l'intermédiaire de canaux de distribution dans l'unité de distribution. L'eau est chauffée au moyen de l'énergie solaire pendant qu'elle traverse l'unité de distribution. Cette eau chauffée est alors réacheminée vers la masse d'eau de piscine par l'intermédiaire d'un conduit d'évacuation (48).
PCT/US2003/009685 2002-04-04 2003-03-28 Systeme chauffe-piscine solaire Ceased WO2003085331A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003230757A AU2003230757A1 (en) 2002-04-04 2003-03-28 Solar pool heater system

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US37013902P 2002-04-04 2002-04-04
US60/370,139 2002-04-04
US10/401,466 US20030188737A1 (en) 2002-04-04 2003-03-27 Solar pool heater system
US10/401,466 2003-03-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003085331A1 true WO2003085331A1 (fr) 2003-10-16

Family

ID=28678317

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2003/009685 Ceased WO2003085331A1 (fr) 2002-04-04 2003-03-28 Systeme chauffe-piscine solaire

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20030188737A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2003230757A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003085331A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008093133A2 (fr) * 2007-02-02 2008-08-07 G24 Innovations Limited Réseaux de cellules photovoltaïques
ES2307429B1 (es) * 2007-05-09 2009-10-08 Jose Antonio Aguilera Galeote Bordillo para piscinas.
US8096294B1 (en) * 2008-10-08 2012-01-17 Jenkins Richard D Spa water heating apparatus and method
US9200465B2 (en) * 2012-08-10 2015-12-01 Ali Mireshghi Method and apparatus for solar pool heating
DE102013010210A1 (de) * 2013-06-20 2014-12-24 Veit Knickenberg Thermochrome Schwimmbeckenverkleidung
USD730503S1 (en) * 2014-10-30 2015-05-26 Solar Sun Rings, Inc. Floating heating device for pools and spas
USD728764S1 (en) * 2014-10-30 2015-05-05 Solar Sun Rings, Inc. Floating heating device for pools and spas
US20230167651A1 (en) * 2021-11-28 2023-06-01 Richard Mark Hirsch Water temperature regulating pool cover

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4082081A (en) * 1975-12-18 1978-04-04 Mccolgan John M Portable light-weight solar heater
DE2732470A1 (de) * 1977-07-19 1979-02-01 Elco Oel & Gasbrenner Schwimmbadabdeckung
US4227511A (en) * 1977-05-06 1980-10-14 Aktiebolaget Atomenergi Solar collector apparatus
US4256087A (en) * 1978-03-06 1981-03-17 Charles Sowers Swimming pool solar heater
FR2506434A1 (fr) * 1981-05-22 1982-11-26 Termatube Ensemble pour la recuperation d'energie solaire et la production d'eau chaude
GB2144035A (en) * 1983-07-27 1985-02-27 Harry Osborn Boyd Improvements relating to swimming pool covers and the like
US4709688A (en) * 1986-03-25 1987-12-01 Paradis Roger O Open cell sheeting
US4784215A (en) * 1986-08-01 1988-11-15 Peter Sing Thermal insulating shades
US5143052A (en) * 1991-10-07 1992-09-01 Case Terry E Floating solar pool heater

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4082081A (en) * 1975-12-18 1978-04-04 Mccolgan John M Portable light-weight solar heater
US4227511A (en) * 1977-05-06 1980-10-14 Aktiebolaget Atomenergi Solar collector apparatus
DE2732470A1 (de) * 1977-07-19 1979-02-01 Elco Oel & Gasbrenner Schwimmbadabdeckung
US4256087A (en) * 1978-03-06 1981-03-17 Charles Sowers Swimming pool solar heater
FR2506434A1 (fr) * 1981-05-22 1982-11-26 Termatube Ensemble pour la recuperation d'energie solaire et la production d'eau chaude
GB2144035A (en) * 1983-07-27 1985-02-27 Harry Osborn Boyd Improvements relating to swimming pool covers and the like
US4709688A (en) * 1986-03-25 1987-12-01 Paradis Roger O Open cell sheeting
US4784215A (en) * 1986-08-01 1988-11-15 Peter Sing Thermal insulating shades
US5143052A (en) * 1991-10-07 1992-09-01 Case Terry E Floating solar pool heater

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003230757A1 (en) 2003-10-20
US20030188737A1 (en) 2003-10-09

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