Solar energy capture using external transparent cladding and heat pump - to provide water or space preheating for various building patterns

摘要

A solar energy heating system is based on enclosure of any suitable part of the exterior of the building with a transparent or translucent material and using a heat pump to circulate and extract heat from heated air trapped against the building surface. Esp. claimed for preheating water or for localised space heating for individual or clustered buildings. Refers to distribution systems involving poly-ethylene pipes set into concrete slabs or foundations. Adaptable to various building locations or forms without presuming specific shapes or orientations. Pref. heat is also recovered from the heat pump ventilation. Pref. constructed as a "semi-active"/"semi-passive" system, to take advantage of external insulation plus collection of heat absorption by insulation plus partial recovery of heat from air being exhausted from the building plus heat transfer by a heat pump.