Patent Application
20140116420
The present disclosure relates to the field of shades.
Shades are intended to provide protection from the sun. In addition to providing shade, shade structures enhance the visual appeal of buildings, platforms, patios, and other outdoor areas. Shade structures are available in a wide variety of designs, including, for example: awnings, brise soleil, canopies, fences, guardrails and decorative screens. Shade structures may be attached to a structure, or may be free-standing. Existing shade structures are manufactured from materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and fabric.
The systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein have innovative aspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized.
The present disclosure relates to a sunshade with an integrated solar thermal collector. In some embodiments, a sunshade is comprised of at least one panel that doubles as a solar thermal collector. The panels may be fixed in place, or may be rotatable. The panels may all be arranged in the same orientation to form an attractive sunshade. The panels may be tilted in order to maximize sun exposure on the top face of the panels. The optimal tilt of the panels is determined by the location's latitude, the orientation of the shade structure (for example south-west facing), and by the location of the shade relative to surrounding structures that determine the sun exposure on the shade throughout the day.
Each panel of the shade is a solar thermal collector. In some embodiments, a panel is comprised of an elongated U-shaped (in cross section) beam (also referred to as a “C” beam) on which a clear face is mounted on top of the U-shape to enclose a cavity. Further, insulation may be mounted inside the cavity to rest in the bottom of the U-shaped beam. Further, a tube may be disposed behind the clear face and on top of the insulation. Further, a fin may be disposed in the cavity between the clear face and the tube. Preferably, the fin is situated in contact with the tube for a length substantially equal to the length of the cavity that is contacted by sunlight.
Each panel may advantageously be capped at its ends with sleeves. The sleeve at each end may be attached to an outrigger beam. Two outriggers may hold a series of panels in place in the same orientation to form an attractive sunshade. Sleeves are advantageous because they increase the strength of the panel and also the strength of the overall sunshade structure. The sleeves are also advantageous because they secure the clear face, which extends under the sleeve, to prevent it from falling off the panel. This is especially important where the sunshade acts to shade a window that is several stories high. Generally, longer panels require longer sleeves to ensure the sunshade's integrity.
The clear face of a panel allows sunlight to pass into the interior of the panel. After the sunlight passes into the panel, it strikes the absorbing material, for example, metal or insulation, comprising the panel's interior. The material of the clear face (which may be tempered glass, for example) must be “clear” to the infrared rays of the Sun and allow these rays to freely pass through. Because the sunshade is visible from the outside of the architectural structure (such as a multi-story building, for example), coatings can be used as an architectural feature, adding a mirror look or even color where appropriate. The material within each panel absorbing the sunlight converts the sunlight into heat. The clear face and the U-shaped beam prevent the heat from escaping.
The present disclosure also includes a solar thermal collector system that derives energy from the sunshade. The sunshade may comprise at least one solar thermal collector panel. Further, tubing disposed in the panels is connected such that the sunshade has one inlet and one outlet tube.
In some embodiments, the tubing is tied into a water supply. In these embodiments, the water supply passes through the solar thermal collector panels before being fed back into a hot water supply or a water heater. In other embodiments, a solar thermal collector system enables energy absorbed by fluid in the solar thermal collector panels to be transferred to and heat a hot water supply for a building, household, or pool by means of a heat exchanger, In these embodiments, the tubing is closed circuit. The sunshade is connected to a heat exchanger and a pump with tubing. The heat exchanger transfers heat from a system fluid to a water supply.
In some embodiments, the tubing is connected to a space heating system. The tubing may be connected to a thermal radiator. Alternatively, the tubing may be connected to a radiant floor.
The sunshade structure detailed below is operable in a wide climate range, and over a broad geographic area. The sunshade structure detailed below may qualify for government or utility-sponsored renewable energy incentives, and, dependent on its location, may provide energy cost savings that may equal or exceed the cost of the shade within as soon as 4-5 years. Thus, sunshade structures with integrated solar thermal collectors and solar thermal collector systems using such structures, as described herein, are desirable.
Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the inventions. In addition, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be reused to indicate correspondence between reference elements.
a is a depiction of an illustrative sunshade attached to a building and extending over a window.
b is a depiction of an alternative sunshade attached to a building and extending over a window.
The various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given device.
The embodiments of the disclosure and the various features and details thereof are explained more fully with the reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described herein and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known construction techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the teaching principals of the disclosed embodiments. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice disclosed embodiments. The examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting.
Referring now to the drawings, in some embodiments as depicted by
A panel 10 may have a length of about 3 ft. to about 7 ft. Further, a panel 10 may have a length of about 1 ft. to about 3 ft. Further, a panel 10 may have a length of about 7 ft. to about 12 ft. Heating capacity improves with panels of greater length because a longer stretch of tube 11 is heated. However, the length of a panel 10 is limited by increasing fragility of longer clear faces 13 that form the top face of the panel 10. Longer clear faces are also disadvantageous because they are more expensive. To address this problem, where longer panels are necessary to accommodate a design need, the long panel may be comprised of segments of shorter panels, as depicted in
A panel 10 may have a width of about 3″ to about 4″. Further, a panel 10 may have a width of about 1″ to about 3″. Further, a panel 10 may have a width of about 4″ to about 8″. Further, a panel 10 may have a width of about 8″ to about 1 ft. Further, a panel 10 may have a width of about 1 ft. to about 3 ft. Further, a panel 10 may have a width of about 1.5 ft. to about 3 ft. A greater width increases the amount of solar energy capture; however, greater widths are often less desirable from an architectural appearance and functional standpoint because greater widths result in fewer panels 10 comprising the overall sunshade structure 20, as depicted in
A panel 10 may have a depth of about 1.5″ to about 2″. Further, a panel 10 may have a depth of about 1″ to about 1.5″, Further, a panel 10 may have a depth of about 2″ to about 3″. Further, a panel 10 may have a depth of about 3″ to about 5″ Further, a panel 10 may have a depth of about 5″ to about 1 ft. Generally, shallower panels are more beneficial because of their lower weight which requires less structural support. The versatility of the design is important in order to accommodate and permit the creation of different desired architectural aesthetic impressions.
A panel 10 may be comprised of an elongated U-shaped beam 16, as shown in
The elongated U-shaped beam 16 includes a bottom panel 21, side panels 22, and support lips 25, as shown in
The top of the support lip 25 may be located about 3/16″ from the top edge of the side panel 22. Alternatively, the top of the support lip 25 may be located about 5/16″ from the top edge of the side panel 22. Alternatively, the top of the support lip 25 may be located about 9/16″ from the top edge of the side panel 22. Alternatively, the top of the support lip 25 may be located about 13/16″ from the top edge of the side panel 22. Generally, the position of the support lip 25 is determined by the thickness of the clear face 13, and is such that top of the clear face is either flush with or not more than ½″ lower that the top of side panels 22.
A clear face 13 is secured to rest inside the U-shaped beam 16 and on top of the support lips 25, as shown in
The clear face 13 may be secured to the support lips 25 with double-sided tape. Alternatively, the clear face 13 may be secured to the support lips 25 with glue or adhesive. Alternatively, the clear face 13 may be secured to the support lips 25 by tabs extending from the elongated U-shaped beam 16 to extend over the clear face. Alternatively, the clear face 13 may be situated on the support lips 25 without securing it in any fashion. Preferably, there is some form of cushioning between the clear face 13 and the support lips 25. Double-sided tape can provide adequate cushioning. Persons having skill in the art know of common means for providing an adequate cushion between the clear face 13 and the support lips 25. The interface of the clear face 13 and the elongated U-shaped beam 16 may be sealed with sealants commonly known in the art.
The clear face 13 may be about 0.125″ thick. Alternatively, the clear face 13 may be about 0.1″ thick to about 0.2″ thick. Alternatively, the clear face 13 may be about 0.2″ thick to about 0.4″ thick. Alternatively, the clear face 13 may be about 0.4″ thick to about 0.6″ thick. The clear face 13 may be comprised of one or more glass panels. Alternatively, the clear face 13 may be comprised of one or more plastic panels. Acceptable plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and vinyl, is commonly available and known to persons having skill in the art.
In some embodiments, the panel 10 could have two clear faces 13 (for example, one of the side panels 22 could also be a clear face), an arrangement which lets in more sunlight. In other embodiments, the panel 10 has three clear faces 13. In other embodiments, the panel 10 is formed entirely of clear faces 13. In embodiments with more than one clear face 13, the clear faces may be formed of an extruded plastic.
In some embodiments, at least one clear face 13 of the panel 10 is tempered glass. Tempered glass, which is processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength, is beneficial because its durability leads to a lower likelihood that the clear face will break during transport and installation or when exposed to outdoor elements including, for example, rain, hail, birds, squirrels, and flying debris. The tempered glass may include a thin plastic film inside forming a sandwich structure to prevent the glass from shattering and breaking into sharp separated pieces. There are many types of “safety” glass and many ways to accomplish this safety result that are well known in the art. It is understood that the material selected for the clear face may include any of these well-known glass types and others that may become known in the future. The tempered glass face 13 may be about 0.125″ thick. Alternatively, the tempered glass face 13 may be about 0.1″ thick to about 0.2″ thick. Alternatively, the tempered glass face 13 may be about 0.2″ thick to about 0.4″ thick. Alternatively, the tempered glass face 13 may be about 0.4″ to about 0.6″ thick. Tempered glass is widely available and appropriate varieties of tempered glass are well known to those skilled in the art.
In some embodiments, at least one face of the panel 10 is low-iron tempered glass. Low-iron tempered glass is preferable because of its widespread availability, its durability, and its ability to transmit a high percentage of solar radiation. A standard sheet of 0.1″ thick to 0.2″ thick low-iron tempered glass typically has a transmittance of greater than about 90% of total solar radiation. The low-iron tempered glass face 13 may be about 0.125″ thick. Alternatively, the low-iron tempered glass face 13 may be about 0.1″ thick to about 0.2″ thick. Alternatively, the low-iron tempered glass face 13 may be about 0.2″ thick to about 0.4″ thick. Alternatively, the tempered glass face 13 may be about 0.2″ to about 0.4″ thick. Alternatively, the low-iron tempered glass face 13 may be about 0.4″ to about 0.6″ thick.
In some embodiments, at least one face of the panel 10 is glass or plastic with an anti-reflective coating. Anti-reflective coating is preferable because less light is lost to reflection, thereby increasing the heat transfer efficiency. Those skilled in the art know of appropriate anti-reflective coatings. In some embodiments, at least one face of the panel 10 is glass or plastic with a self-cleaning coating. Self-cleaning coating is preferable because less dirt and dust accumulates, allowing more light to pass through, thereby increasing the heat transfer efficiency. Those skilled in the art know of appropriate self-cleaning coatings. In some embodiments, at least one face of the panel 10 is glass or plastic with a coating or glazing that advantageously allows the passage of infrared light but reflects all or part of the visible light. In other embodiments, at least one face of the panel 10 is glass or plastic with a coating that affects the color of the glass or plastic. Such coatings are widely available and commonly known.
Sleeves 40 may be fitted around the ends of the elongated U-shaped beam 16, as shown in
Sleeves 40 may entirely surround the elongated U-shaped beams 16 to cap off their ends. Sleeves 40 may be made substantially of aluminum, or any other appropriate metal or alloy, Trex decking or building material, or any other appropriately hard, weatherproof or weather resistant material. The sleeves 40 or the brackets may be welded or otherwise attached to an outrigger 42 on the outward-facing side of the outrigger. Alternatively, the elongated U-shaped beams 16 may be affixed directly to the outrigger 42 without the use of sleeves or brackets. The outrigger 42 has openings to accommodate for a plurality of panels 10 to be situated in a common orientation to form a sunshade 20. An outrigger cover 45 may be secured to the outrigger 42 to hide the tubing 11 and the welded connection between the outrigger 42 and the sleeves 40 or brackets. An fascia panel 43 may be secured to an either end of the outriggers 42.
In some embodiments, the elongated U-shaped beam 16 is formed with the top portions at the ends of the beam being enclosed (for example, the top portions of the beam may be part of the extruded metal structure). This eliminates the need for sleeves 40, where the beam can be directly affixed to the outriggers 42.
A layer of insulation 18 may be mounted inside the elongated U-shaped beam behind the clear face 13, as shown in
Other embodiments may not include an insulation layer, as shown in
Tubing 11 is disposed in the panel 10 behind the clear face 13. At least one tube 11 extends the length of the panel 10. In some embodiments, as depicted in
Preferably, the tube 11 weaving through the panels 10 is comprised substantially or entirely of copper and is spaced from the walls of the U-shaped beam. Copper is a good conductor and thus allows for faster heat absorption in the tubing 11. In other embodiments, the tube 11 may be made from other conductive materials well known in the art such as, for example, aluminum and even glass where the glass is coated such that it absorbs heat. In other embodiments, the tube may be comprised of a glass outer tube and a concentric inner tube wherein the cylindrical space between the inner and outer tube acts as an insulator so that the heat does not escape. This space can be a vacuum or air or another gas. The appropriate coatings to be used are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The tubing 11 may be about ½″ in diameter. Alternatively, the tubing 11 may be about ¼″ in diameter. Alternatively, the tubing 11 may be about ⅜″ in diameter. Alternatively, the tubing 11 may be about ¾″ in diameter. Alternatively, the tubing 11 may be about 1″ in diameter. Further it is contemplated that, in addition to round tubes, the portions of the tubes 11 that are exposed to sunlight within the elongated U-shaped beam 16 may be shaped in cross-sectional shapes that may be flatter in order to allow for easier heat collection. These contemplated shapes may include oval or rectangular shapes with the wider portion of the tubing 11 facing the clear face 13. The tubing 11 within the elongated U-shaped beam 16 may also be structured to spread the fluid out as fat and as thin as reasonably possible while it passes through the elongated U-shaped beam 16 and is exposed to sunlight so as to more quickly collect the available heat. This may advantageously be accomplished by, for example, dividing the water flow into a series of thin tubes laid flat across the width of the elongated U-shaped beam 16 or by using a flat thin tube with baffles inside and extending substantially across the width of to the beam to keep the water flow relatively slower as it passes through the panel 10.
As shown in
The side of the fin 14 facing the clear panel 13 may be colored to affect the outward appearance of the panel 10. For example, the fin 14 may be painted red which gives the top of the sunshade 20 a reddish appearance. As another example, the fin 14 may be painted green which gives the top of the sunshade 20 a greenish appearance.
In some embodiments, the tubing 12a and 12b located outside the sunshade 20 is PEX tubing. PEX tubing is manufactured from cross-linked polyethylene. PEX tubing is a flexible tube commonly used in heating systems. PEX tubing is preferable because it is widely available and because it meets all major plumbing/heating codes and bends easily, making it more versatile than copper tubing. Manufacturers of PEX generally provide a 20-25 year warranty, but PEX is known to have a much longer lifespan. PEX comes in ⅜″, ½″ ⅝″, and ¾″ are also available.
The tubing 12a and 12b located outside the sunshade 20 may be made of other materials known to persons of ordinary skill in the art to be appropriate for this application given the relatively high expected temperature levels.
The system may be designed to use water in the tubing 11, 12. When the system is a closed circuit system as shown in
Some embodiments include a plurality of panels 10 arranged in the same orientation to form an attractive sunshade 20, as shown in
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
While the detailed description herein has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As will be recognized, certain embodiments of the inventions described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others.
