SOLAR HEAT PRODUCING AWNING SYSTEM

The vital exploitation of the solar energy needs maximum area. By combining the traditional protection against with utilization of, the sun rays, an inexpensive and aesthetically satisfactory solution is achieved.

The total area of awnings for private, business and public buildings worldwide make up billions of square meters.

The invention will be described by reference to examples of embodiments shown in the drawing where

Fig. 1 is plan view of a section of an unfolded awning seen from above

Fig. 2 is vertical section on a larger scale taken along the line I-I in Fig. 1

Fig. 3 is a section taken along the line H-II in Fig. 2

Fig.4 is a section on a larger scale of an alternative structure taken along the line H-II in Fig. 2

Fig. 5 is a section taken along the line IH-III in Fig. 6

Fig. 6 is plan view seen from above of an awning including

α supporting console

Fig. 7 is α plan view of an alternative type of awning in unfolded position

Fig. 8 is a section on a larger scale taken along the line

IV-IV in Fig. 7

Fig.9 is a section taken along the line V-V in Fig. 8

Fig. 10 is a section taken along the line VI-VI in Fig. 8.

A solar heat producing awning includes

- means for maximizing the solar heat absorbed by the top side of the awning

- means for thermal insolation of the top side from the underside of the awning

- channel means for convectional circulation of the absorbed heat between the top side and the underside of the awning

- tank with water or air to be heated by the circulated heat.

For maximum absorption of the solar heat, the top side of the awning is black by way of paint or one of the special coatings developed for maximum heat absorption.

In the following the invention will be described by way of two different embodiments of the invention:

1) Figs. 1-6

In this example the awning is a membrane combining at least one layer of more or less heat-conducive materials such as steel, aluminium, copper or plastic enclosing air-, vapor-

or water-filled channels for transport of the heat to the tank (3).

The awning as shown is a heat-absorbing rollable membrane consisting of a rolled spring steel sheet (2) with the heated water circulating convectionally through the channels (25) on the top side, through holes (21) in the tank (3), through holes within the area *H* in the bottom of the tank (3), closed channels (27) on the underside of the insolating layer (28) and holes through the membrane (2) at the outer end of the awning. For ensuring one-way flow direction, the holes may be valved by covering them with flexible sheet material attached only in points of its periphery. If necessary, a pump may assist the circulation. The insolating layer (28) with open pores should be so compressible that its thickness is no hindrance for rolling up of the awning. The enclosed air may escape through the sides of the awning.

In the tank (3) the water heats the circulating water in the pipe (19) for transfer of the heat to its final user destination, for instance a swimming pool, floor heating or an indoors isolated water tank for household, through a heat exchanger, i.e. a temperature-regulated valve that always provides for higher temperature on the downstream end.

The tank (3) made of for example steel, aluminium or plastic extends throughout the width of the awning and is supported at either end by the pipe (19), the downstream end of which may be elevated in relation to the upstream

end. Either end of the tank is closed by a lid (20).

The channels (25)-(27) may be made up of transparent flexible sheet material (22) and flexible sheet material (23) glued to the awning (2) in stripes (24). The sheet also prevents radiation of the captured heat into space.

Ventilation of the space beneath the awning will automatically take place through the opening (17).

The awning (2) is supported on the tank (3) and may be rolled in and out by by the traditional two horizontal folding arms that by means of a vertical handle are screwed out from the wall (1).

Alternatively the awning (2) is rolled around a rod (5), Figs 5 -6, that via spherical bearings (9) connects two telescopic consoles consisting of telescopic pipes (6) hinged on the wall (1) by bolts (8) and spring steel rolls (7) fastened to the rod (5). The telescopic pipes (6) are driven by compressed water or air. When the water or air is let out, the spring steel rolls will pull and roll the awning (2) onto the wall (1) and press the water in the channels (25) and (27) into the tank (3).

The awning (2) may be produced as a rolled membrane of spring steel and thereby make the spring steel rolls (7) superfluous. The tank (3) may be formed by bending the edge of the membrane around and attach it to the underside of the membrane, for instance by gluing and/or bolting it to a heat-insolating middle piece (26) that is perforated with

channels perpendicular to the walls for passage of the water between the tank (3) and the channels (27).

Alternatively the awning may consist of an extruded thin- walled plastic profile, Fig. 8, where (25) are the water- filled upper transport channels, (27) the water-filled lower transport channels and (35) air-filled isolating channels.

Any of the walls (30)-(33) may be reinforced, for example by a Kevlar or metal net or Kevlar pulp, or the plastic profile may be combined with a supporting membrane of for instance spring steel.

2) Figs. 7-9

The awning in this example consists of a folding plate of heat-insolating rigid material (10) that is sliding on and supported by two diagonally crossing layers of parallel telescopic pipes (11) and (12) turning around the vertical axles (14) mounted in a U-profile (13) on the wall (1). The lengths of the telescopic pipes may be regulated by compressed air or water via hoses (15).

The heat absorbed by the black upper surface of the awning (10) is contained in a closed space formed by a transparent flexible sheet (16), (17), (18), (38) stretched around the folding plate (10), its rounded edges under (38), the ribs (22) of the tank (3) and glued to the two sides (41) and (42) of one of the folds of the folding plate (10). Within this space the sides (43) and (44) of the folding plate is perforated with holes (36) and (37), respectively.

The heat will expand the enclosed space so that the upper section of the sheet (16) will rise to position (39) and the lower section (17) will lower to position (40) between the supporting pipe members (12).

Hereby a convectional circulation of the air through the expansions of the space and through the perforations (36) and (37) will start because the water-filled tank (3) with the ribs (22) will cool the heated air. The thereby heated water (45) in the tank can be utilized for household or other purposes if correspondingly cooler water is supplied at the lower end of the pipe, or by pump means.

For ensuring one-way flow direction, the holes may be valved by covering them with flexible sheet material attached only in points of its periphery.

A small amount of water within the closed space will evaporate and increase the heat transport capability.

The solar heating may be combined with solar electricity by the same awning if the closed section (46) of folding plate (10) for solar heating near the supporting wall (1) is extended further away from the wall and supplied with a system of rigid or flexible solar cells on the sunny or both sides of the folds of the folding plate (10).