| 摘要 |
<p>A solar heater system (10) comprises a dome shaped solar energy collector (12) that has a transparent dome shaped outer member (14) and a reflective dome-shaped inner member (16). The dome shape means that in use of the solar collector (12) and over a substantial portion of a day, some portion or other of the surface of the collector will generally face towards the sun. An enclosed space (18) between the outer and inner members (14, 16) contains heat absorbing conduits (20) of a primary fluid flow circuit for passage of a fluid to be heated. The conduits (20) extend uprightly between a lower manifold (22) and an upper manifold (24). The primary fluid flow circuit includes a reservoir (26) within the inner member for collection of the heated fluid. A second, closed, fluid flow circut for a pressurized low boiling point liquid may also be provided. This has upright heat absorbing conduits (40) between upper and lower manifolds (44 and 46) and a heat exchange coil (42) within the reservoir (26). A solar cell array (50) may also be provided in the top of the dome for providing power for pumps (36, 48) in the primary and second fluid flow circuits and/or for an electrical heating element (70) within the reservoir (26). The solar heater system (10) has a high efficiency because of the integration of two fluid heating systems and an electric heating system. Also the shape of the solar energy collector allows for a higher efficiency than known flat panel solar collectors.</p> |
