Patent ID: 8640474
Filing Date: 2014-02-04
Classification: F24S,F25B,Y02A,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A solar collector assembly configured for integration with a heat pump system for improving the efficacy of the heat pump system, the solar collector assembly comprising: a compressor; a heat exchanger; a plurality of enclosed solar heater collection tubes; a fluid distribution manifold subassembly, comprising: a fluid collection manifold subassembly, comprising: a heat exchanger to compressor conduit providing a fluid communication passageway between the heat exchanger and the compressor; a compressor to solar heater supply conduit providing a fluid communication passageway between the compressor and the fluid supply inlet; a thermally elevated fluid conduit providing a fluid communication passageway between the fluid return outlet and the heat exchanger; at least one first thermal transfer enhancing tube having a fluid inlet end for receiving a flow of fluid from said first fluid supply distribution conduit and a fluid outlet end for the egress of said flow of fluid from said first fluid supply distribution conduit into said first fluid return collection conduit; and at least one second thermal transfer enhancing tube having a fluid inlet end for receiving a flow of fluid from said second fluid supply distribution conduit and a fluid outlet end for the egress of said flow of fluid from said second fluid supply distribution conduit into said second fluid return collection conduit, wherein, one of the at least one first thermal transfer enhancing tubes and one of the at least one second thermal transfer enhancing tube are located together within the same enclosed collection tube of the plurality of solar heater collection tubes; wherein, fluid flow through said solar collector assembly is controlled to alternate fluid flow through said first and second thermal transfer enhancing tubes such that stagnant fluid in said first thermal transfer enhancing tube is subjected to solar heating while fluid continues to flow through said second thermal transfer enhancing tube, and vice versa.