FIELD OF THE INVENTION: The present invention generally directed to systems for the transfer of thermal energy and more specifically to a thermal conducting panel constructed to efficiently transfer thermal energy over large surface areas.

BACKGROUND : Significant quantities of energy are often used to control the temperature of an object. Typically, a portion of the total quantity of energy used to heat such a structure is lost to the environment. To accommodate for this loss, a temperature above that required to heat an object to a desired temperature is used. This is particularly true when the object has a large surface area that does not conduct heat well or is otherwise subjected to external cooling by the environment. Much of the energy used to heat plants in a greenhouse, for example, is used to heat the environment and not the plants. Studies have shown that a smaller quantity of energy, directed at the root structure of a plant will serve the same purpose with minimal waste. Many large surfaces such as, bridges, runways, streets, sidewalks, often become dangerous to use as the result of ice formation or snow accumulation following a winter storm. Typically, these surfaces are cleared through use of heavy machinery, labor and/or chemicals such as, for example, road salt. Often, the effort and expense associated with clearing an area is wasted as a later storm replaces the material removed. Further, mass use of materials such as, road salt to clear a surface of ice or snow has been shown to have long term, detrimental effects on the environment.

Existing systems used to heat structures are either inefficient or cost prohibitive to employ over large surface areas. Most of the temperature control systems available today utilize a working fluid under pressure that may be heated to

provide radiative heating. These systems are bulky, extremely heavy and very expensive to use over large areas. These systems are particularly problematic when used in colder climates. In the event of freezing these systems can rupture allowing a flood of working fluid to escape. Depending upon the type of working fluid, this release may cause damage to both the surrounding support structure and the environment in general. Further, current systems typically do not utilize a feedback mechanisms that permits a user to detect pressure changes in the system. Thus, current approaches to heat transfer across large surface areas are inefficient, result in a substantial waste of energy and may be cost prohibitive. Since many of the natural, raw materials used to generate this energy are exhaustible, it is critical that new, more efficient methods of energy use be employed. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an inexpensive system that can efficiently transfer thermal heat over a large surface area and which minimizes waste inherent in existing procedures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Described herein is a novel system for transferring thermal energy into and out of large surface areas. In a preferred embodiment, the invention consists of two or more sheets of material, preferably metal, wherein at least one sheet is formed to have one or more indentations and/or bends. The two or more sheets are welded or otherwise affixed together. The space between the sheets is evacuated to decrease the pressure inside the system, and a small amount of working fluid, preferably water, is placed between the sheets. Upon being subjected to thermal energy at one location of the system, the working fluid converts to a gas state which then releases its energy upon condensation at another location of the subject system. The present device provides an extremely efficient means of transferring a quantity of energy from one location to another and permits uniform delivery of heat at very low levels over large areas thereby reducing wastes normally associated with the heating process. The system may be used in any environment, both indoors and outdoors, to efficiently heat an object with less electrical energy input.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figurela. is a schematic illustration of a flat panel thermal conductor system employing a first embodiment of the subject invention designed for efficiently heating a large surface area.

Figure lb is a schematic illustration of a one panel of the thermal conductor system showing a well for retaining working fluids.

Figure. Depicts a manifold tube for use with the present invention.

Figure ld is a schematic illustration of a side cross sectional a panel showing the well heat configured in the panel of the subject invention Figure 2a. is a schematic illustration of an alternate flat panel thermal conductor system employing a manifold on one end of the panel of the subject invention designed for efficiently heating a large surface area.

Figure 2b. is a schematic illustration side view of a single manifold located at one end of the panel of the subject invention.

Figure 2c. is a schematic illustration of an alternate flat panel thermal conductor system employing a manifold on both ends of the a panel of the subject invention designed for efficiently heating a large surface area.

Figure 2d. is a schematic illustration side view of a single manifold located at both ends of the panel of the subject invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figure la, there is diagrammatically shown the component parts of an evacuated system, generally represented at 100 which utilizes the thermal dynamic properties of evaporation and condensation of a working fluid to transfer thermal energy. hi a preferred embodiment, the system 100 comprises at least two sheets of material, a top sheet 101a and bottom sheet 101b, and a small amount of working fluid (See figure 2e), preferably water, placed between the sheets. One or both sheets are constructed to have a plurality of bends 102 to increase the surface area of the sheet. The sheet is preferably made of metal, but may be constructed of other malleable material such as glass, plastic, and the like. In a preferred embodiment a long piece of metal is obtained, and heated at certain points. The metal is then manipulated to form the plurality of bends 102, thereby forming a panel having both straight and bent sections without junctures. Alternatively, the panel can be made by molding processes commonly used in the art. Other alternative methods of making the subject panel can

be readily understood by those skilled in the art. The form of the panel provides the dual function of both eliminating the need for junctures and increasing the surface area of the material. Since no juncture is utilized, the potential for leakage from the system is minimized.

The formed sheets of material are then placed adjacent to one another such that a plurality of channels 103 are formed between the sheets. These channels 103 may take the form of half circles in the case where one sheet is indented and the other remains flat; or a full circle, when both sheets are indented. These channels 103 become pathways for fluid or gas when the two panels are placed against one another. The ends of the channels gradually taper back to the original flat material.

The panel edges are sealed together by means of solder, welding, gluing or other means in order to form a hermetic seal. Figure 1b shows a well formed in one of the panels. The well is open interiorly to enable movement of fluid throughout the panel.

The well is accessible from the outside through a small opening (not shown). The interior of the panel may be evacuated by removal of air through said small opening (which would be sealed after air removed). The well 104 is created in the either the top 101 a or bottom 101b sheet to accommodate the introduction of a small quantity of working fluid into the system 100. A manifold tube 110, as shown in figure 1 c may be inserted through the orifice 105.

The amount and type of working fluid depends on the area of the panel and the temperature range of the panel. One significant advantage of the current system is that water is a feasible and preferred working fluid. Use of water alleviates all of the toxicity and pollution concerns associated with using other types of working fluids such as ammonia, butane, ethanol, methanol, freon and other commercially available refrigerants that are known to be harmful to the environment. However, these working fluids may be used in accordance with the principles of the subject application. For applications that will require operation at higher temperatures, Mercury as the working fluid may be used.

Figure ld depicts a well 104 showing the fluid 106 level. The manifold tube 110 shown with a wick attached. Use of a wick ensures constant contact between the fluid and the heat transfer. A drip rod 130 is also shown that serves to direct the fluid onto the manifold tube 110. The working fluid is retained in the well at or just below the tube providing a means for heat transfer to and from the working fluid.

Preferably, the tube is situated such that it contacts the working fluid directly.

Alternatively, the tube may be configured to have a wick or similar means on the outside surface of the tube to form a link between the tube and the working fluid. The inside surface of the tube communicates with the external environment to provide a means to introduce and/or remove thermal energy from the system. Ideally, thermal energy is transferred to and from the tube by a change of state in the working fluid.

Alternatively, heated liquid or heated gas or other means of may be utilized.

Figure 2a-d show alternate embodiments of the present invention incorporating a manifold. As shown in figure 2a, a manifold 201 is pressed into one of the panel sheets. The single manifold 201 embodiment, generally represented at 200, is configured to receive manifold tube 110 similar to that described in figure ld above. The manifold 120 has a shallow well design incorporated into its structure that allows for the pooling of working fluid. The orientation of the manifold allows the system to be tilted for placement on an angled surface, such as for example, a roof top. Figure 2b shows a side view of the panel incorporating the manifold 201. As depicted, the manifold has an orifice 202 placed therein for receiving a heating tube 110. The well design inside the manifold is similar to that shown in figure le. Figure 2c and d depict an alternate embodiment of the subject invention having a first 201 a and second 201b manifold situated at either end of the panel. Figure 2d shows a side view of the panel incorporating a first 201a and second 201b manifold. By configuring the panel to have two manifolds, two heating tubes can be used to effect greater control over temperature regulation of the system. For example, removal of energy from the panel and introduction of energy into the panel can be achieved simultaneously by means by manipulating the temperature at either heating tube.

This system is primarily used where the device is not significantly elevated because of effects of gravity on working fluid in the top well.

Through evaporation and condensation of the working fluid, thermal energy is efficiently transferred throughout the system. Heat from an external source will cause the working fluid in the panel to vaporize. Thermal energy is transferred between the manifold tube and the interior of the panel through the wall of the manifold tube.

During operation as a heater, the vapor then travels throughout the panel by pressure differential. The vapor then condenses releasing thermal energy, causing the panel surface temperature to increase. The now condensed working fluid flows by gravity down and into the reservoir section to complete the cycle. As the panel wall

temperature increases, heat is released to effect change in the temperature of an object resting on top, adjacent to, or proximate to the system.

In another embodiment, the subject invention is configured to serve as a source of radiant heat to heat a surface area. In use, one or more systems are installed into, under or over the floors, walls and/or ceilings of a structure. Because the design of the panel allows for rapid and efficient conduction of energy across a surface area, the present invention provides a cost-effective means to heat a large surface area.

When used in this manner, the panels are constructed to have one or more manifolds and one or more manifold tubes. The manifold tubes emanating from each panel are connected together by other tube assemblies to form a system. A heat source, such as for example, a boiler or similar means is connected to a section of the tube to supply thermal energy to the system. In the preferred embodiment, the heat source is a heat pipe system with a boiler containing a working fluid. When thermal energy of a level above that of the panels is introduced on or into the boiler the working fluid will boil creating vapor. This vapor will travel up the connecting tube and into manifold tube by pressure differential. Thermal energy is transferred to the interior of the panel by transfer across through the walls of the manifold tube. As the vapor condenses in one or more of the system panels, thermal energy is released. The now condensed working fluid travels by gravity back to the boiler.

The subject invention may be used in a variety of settings for a variety of purposes. For example in one embodiment the system is designed such that one of the materials is made of a sunlight penetrable material, for example, a glazing wall made of transparent material such as glass or plastic. In use, the solar exposed panel surface would be blackened to absorb and convert solar radiation into thermal energy.

The working fluid inside the panel would vaporize when exposed to the thermal energy and change to steam. A reservoir of water mounted at the top of the panel and in direct contact with a portion of the top surface of the panel would absorb the thermal energy released as the steam condenses on the bottom side of the same area of panel. The water in the reservoir could be in a plastic bag or the like to isolate the water from the panel material, but thin enough to allow thermal energy transfer between the panel surface and the water. This process would continue as long as the panel temperature remains greater than the water temperature in the reservoir.

Indentations may be formed into the bottom sheet of the panel so as to create multiple pools of working fluid throughout the entire panel. These pools allow for"instant on"

thermal transfer by keeping working fluid in close proximity to all areas of the panel.

As solar radiation intensifies, such as when a cloud passes from in front of the sun, these pools of working fluid would begin to boil and immediately transfer thermal energy to the reservoir.

In some instances, it will be advantageous to utilize the device in low temperature environments. In such instances, the system is designed to operate effectively in decreased temperature. For example, the tube diameter, both the manifold tube and the tubes formed by the panel sheets may be changed. The depth of the manifold may be adjusted such that the depth of the manifold allows pooled working fluid to adequately coat the surface of the manifold tube with a layer of fluid.

Alternative, low temperature operation is improved by the addition of a wick into the manifold chamber. The wick serves to maintain a coating of working fluid over the manifold tube assembly while allowing the tube to be elevated above the pooled working fluid. Further, the panel may include liquid pathways between each panel tube and the top of the manifold tube to improve low temperature performance. The addition of small wicks between the end of the panel tube and the top of the manifold tube allow for the condensed working fluid to drip from the end of the panel tube onto the manifold tube. Other means recognizable in the art could also be utilized to achieve the improved efficiency when the system is used in cold environments.

Alternatively, the manifold may be placed in the center of the panel instead of at the end to alter its function. This modification serves to decrease the pressure drop of the vapor by halving the length of the panel tubes in respect to the manifold tube.

One can immediately realize that the subject system may be used in other instances where the heating of large surface areas is desired. The main mechanical requirement of the panel is that it be able to maintain an airtight seal so as to maintain the internal vacuum. One will immediately recognize that this goal may be achieved through use of a variety of materials suitable for underground applications. For example, appropriate materials may use to create a system for use underneath runways, bridges, streets, sidewalks, driveways, roofs, steps, or other surfaces exposed to the environment to either prevent or remove snow or ice from the surface. In use, thermal panels are installed into or directly under the surface.

Thermal energy is then supplied to the panels by means of a heat pipe. Electricity, gas or other fuel would supply the heat source for the heat pipe. If used with a bridge located over water, then the water could be the heat source. The heat pipe would

preferably use a refrigerant like R-22 (Freon) when the bridge is located over water because of the low system temperature. Alternatively, panels could be installed on a roof surface and used to collect solar energy for heating water. Further, the subject system could be used in sports stadiums to either prevent or remove snow or ice from the playing surface and/or seating area of a stadium. In such instances, thermal panels are installed into or directly under the playing surface, both real or artificial and/or the seats. Thermal energy would be supplied to the panels by means of a heat pipe. The system may also be used to heat areas used in landscaping, such as with ornamental water gardens and fishponds, or as a means to heat the soil in a garden.

The panels could similarly be used indoors by placing them under floors or within to heat a home or business comprised of multiple thermal panels and a single heat source, such as for example, a boiler or other heat source. The thermostat would be attached to the heat source. Thermal panels could also be installed into or directly behind bathtub and/or shower stall material to maintain and/or heat bathtubs and/or shower stalls. When used for a shower, the warm water supplied to the showerhead first flows to the manifold to supply heat for the panel. A valve or switch may be incorporated to enable or disable the heating process. Similarly, panels could be used as means for insulation indoors. Likewise, the system may be installed inside the box spring of a bed to offer an alternative to electric blankets.

Any of a number of pressure sensitive control mechanism known in the art may be built into the device to control activation of the system. Since the internal pressure of the system relates directly to the temperature of the system and of the system panels, changes in temperature may used to trigger the control device. For example, when the internal pressure of the system falls below a pre-determined level, represented by temperature change, the system would be activated and the structure would be heated. Once the system pressure reaches a pre-determined upper limit, the heating system automatically turns off. This allows for the installation thermostat directly onto the heat source to more efficiently control heating of the system, thereby minimizing energy waste associated with such a procedure. For example, the system may be equipped with a pressure sensing thermostat or similar device or circuit to measure an increase in system pressure. Increasing system pressure could indicate a fire in the structure. A horn or other method of alerting the occupant of the structure to the possible fire could be connected to and activated by the furnace system. A connection between the furnace and a monitoring system similar to that used by

burglar systems of today could be made to allow for alerting the fire department to the possible fire.

According to other novel applications of the subject panel, it is used in the agricultural and/or ornamental industry. With respect to agricultural, the subject panel could provide an advantageous option for controlled heating of large scale animal production facilities, such as hogs, chickens, goats, or cattle. In the case of large hog raising facilities, the subject panel could be strategically positioned in individual pens to provide heat to new-borne piglets without over-heating or stressing the mother hog. Similarly, the subject panel could be implemented in large chicken coups or cattle barns.

With respect to the ornamental or other plant growing industries where plants are grown in greenhouses, the subject panel could be implemented as a focused heat source in small and/or large greenhouses. Recent studies have suggested that the conventional methods of heating greenhouses, basically unfocused introduction of hot air into the greenhouse, are wasteful, expensive and inefficient. These same studies have suggested that focused heating directly to the root system of the plants, as opposed to the entire internal atmosphere of the greenhouse, is much more efficient.

Accordingly, the subject panel could be configured for placement on a table or bench typically used by growers to hold potted plants. For example, the subject panel could be configured in an elongated shape, e. g. 3 X 10 feet, and placed on top of the benches. The plants will then be positioned on top of the panel, whereby heat is delivered from underneath the plant focusing on the root system. In an alternative embodiment, the panel is configured into or incorporated into a bench or table.

Preferably, individual panels can be interlinked together to form a long row (s) of thermal conducting panels. Panels utilized for this application will ideally be fashioned such that the manifold spans the elongated axis of the panel.

One knowledgeable in the area will recognize that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modification or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons having knowledge in the field and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and the scope of the appended claims.