Patent ID: 8381399
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: F24S,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of repurposing an insulated thermal glass window unit comprised of an interior pane with an interior and exterior surface, an exterior pane with an interior and exterior surface, an interior space between said panes being faced by said interior face of each of said panes, and a gasket sealing all edges of the two panes around said interior space into a solar heat energy absorbing panel, which method comprises the steps of: disassembling the thermal glass window unit such that the interior pane and exterior pane are disconnected from each other along at least part of one edge of the interior and exterior panes; opening the gasket; inserting first and second pipe sections through said gasket at first and second locations on a perimeter of the unit; resealing the edges of said panes and providing a fluid tight seal around the interior space and around said inserted pipe sections; placing a frame around the perimeter of the unit; attaching insulation to said exterior face of said formerly exterior glass pane to form a bottom surface to the solar panel; and forming a fluid-conducting space between said panes adapted for receiving lower-temperature fluid from the first pipe section and discharging heated fluid from the second pipe section.