Solar Air Heating/Cooling System

摘要

The invention relates to a system for using solar energy to ventilate a space, particularly the interior of a building, although other structures may also be ventilated such as crop stores, desalination plants, glass houses and power generation plants. The system can operate in different modes so that solar energy is used to heat or cool the space, as required. Part of the system is a solar heat collector, which absorbs available solar energy. The solar heat collector includes two separate channels able to receive air from different sources and pass them in counter flow. The channels transfer heat between them using an efficient turbulence-inducing structure that enables the system to operate in the different modes to heat or cool a space.

主权项

1. A solar heat collector for use in a ventilation system, the collector comprising:
a plurality of upper air channels arranged adjacently; a top panel positioned above the upper air channels to define a solar energy absorption space between the top panel and the upper air channels, the upper air channels being in thermal communication with the solar energy absorption space; and at least one lower air channel configured to exchange heat energy with the plurality of upper air channels, the at least one lower air channel positioned underneath the upper air channels and in thermal communication therewith; wherein the upper and lower air channels are configured to receive air from different sources and are fluidly unconnected.