Self-contained passive solar heating system

摘要

A self-contained passive solar heating system includes first and second heat pipes, each having a refrigerant medium therein, a condenser portion and an evaporator portion, with the condenser portion of the first heat pipe being coupled to the evaporator portion of the second heat pipe for transferring heat thereto when the pressure within the first heat pipe is greater than the pressure within the second heat pipe. The evaporator portion of the first heat pipe is adapted to be exposed to a source of heat and the condenser portion of the second heat pipe contacts a medium to be heated. A temperature control mechanism may be installed as the coupling between the first and second heat pipes for uncoupling the same when the temperature within the first heat pipe falls below a predetermined temperature. Also, a third heat pipe may be provided having a thermostatic portion operatively connected to the condenser portion of the second heat pipe by a piston means so that changes in pressure within the thermostatic portion occasioned by changes in temperature of the medium to be heated will cause movement of the pistons to vary the size of the condensing portion of the second heat pipe to increase or decrease the rate of heat transfer to the medium.