Abstract: In a solar heating system, using liquid for heat-transfer or heat-storage or both, the liquid may be lost slowly due to a leaky pipe connection, or a cracked or split absorber plate or collector pipes attached to the absorber of a closed type of collector, by evaporation through broken solar collector glazing of a trickle-flow collector, or such.A number of schemes have been proposed to provide makeup liquid. One is to allow makeup liquid, such as water, to flow backward from a large heat-storage vessel used during the winter to a smaller one which is the only one in use during the summer. That scheme was disclosed in a patent application filed by Dr. Harry E. Thomason way back in 1961. However, the backflow-connecting pipe had no check valve in it and therefore was of limited value.

Abstract: In the field of solar heating, domestic water heating is accomplished by flowing the potable (city) water through an inner tank which is bathed in a non-toxic liquid in a slightly larger tank, which, in turn, is bathed in an outer tank containing liquid that is circulated to a solar heat collector for heating.

Abstract: Solar heat storage apparatus, invented by Thomason, includes a tank of water surrounded by a truckload of stones in a heat storage bin in the basement, U.S. Pat. No. 3,254,702 and others. Air circulating through the bin is warmed and circulated through the home to warm the home, or other building.The present invention adds humidity to the air and also enhances heat transfer out of the storage bin and into the home by heat-of-vaporization. That permits use of heat from storage to a lower temperature level while making the home feel warmer. And, the solar heat collector obtains more free heat from the sun because it is operating at a lower temperature level and more efficiently.Heat that normally goes up the chimney from an auxiliary heat source, such as a water heater or furnace, is used to assist home heating.

Abstract: For the simple Thomason "SOLARIS" heat collector, a simple outlet is used that requires a drop-outlet nipple with a U-slotted top end, and sealant to avoid escape of liquid or steam (vapor).In a modification, only one drop outlet is used for two "SOLARIS" panels, thus cutting the cost even further.In another modification a slotted, sloping pipe serves as an outlet and drain.

Abstract: In the present invention, a plurality of containers provide for heat storage in water or other fluids, or solids, or both, plus domestic water heating. There is good quality heat exchange going in to storage and going out to points of use. Space heating may be accomplished by hot air, or by hot water or other liquid, or both.

Abstract: Solar energy warms liquid in a storage container. To warm a home or other structure or apparatus, a pump circulates liquid through radiators or other heat exchangers from storage when stored solar heat is adequate, and from a furnace when auxiliary heat is needed. Thus, the radiators are always either warm or hot, during cold weather when heat is needed. They are never cold, as with intermittent operation of conventional hot water heating systems. And, by using warm solar-heated water most of the time, a good percentage of the heat comes from free solar heat, thus saving expensive fuel. Expensive heat exchangers are not needed in the heat storage container.Conversion from existing conventional hot water heat to solar heat is made simple and inexpensive.