Apparatus and method for solar heating of a pool of water
A solar heating system for heating a pool of water includes a water bag formed of materials such that when it is not in use, it is deflated and compressed so as to occupy little space. When the water bag is in use it is inflatable and expandable so as to contain a substantial amount of water which can be heated by the rays of the sun absorbed by the water bag. A water bag embodying the invention can be formed of inexpensive materials (e.g., plastic, rubber or canvas). The water bag is very portable and can be set up (to collect water and heat it) quickly and easily. When not in use it can be folded or rolled up taking up very little storage space. It does not interfere with the use of the pool of water it is intended to warm. It can be set up any place, close to the pool of water or by using longer hoses it can be located away from the pool, where the best sunlight and solar heat is available.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/512,427 filed Oct. 20, 2003 and titled Swimming Pool Solar Heating Bag.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to heating of water by solar radiation.
Heating of water by means of electricity or gas is well known and effective. But, it is costly. Passive solar heating of water has been disclosed as an alternative. However, known apparatus and systems suffer from one or more of the following disadvantages. They are difficult to manufacture, are expensive, and are not easily portable or foldable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe disadvantages discussed above are overcome in systems embodying the invention.
A solar heating system for heating a pool of water includes a water bag formed of materials which enable the water bag to be deflated and compressed so as to occupy little space, when not in use. When the water bag is in use it is inflatable and expandable so as to contain a substantial amount of water which can be heated by the rays of the sun absorbed by the water bag. A water bag embodying the invention can be formed of inexpensive non-porous materials (e.g., plastic, rubber or canvas) of a texture and color which can absorb the rays of the sun and heat the contents of the water bag. The water bag is very portable and can be set up so as to be filled with water which can be heated quickly and easily. When not in use the water bag can be folded or rolled up taking up very little storage space. It does not interfere with the use of the pool of water it is intended to warm. It can be set up any place, close to the pool of water or by using longer hoses it can be located away from the pool, where the best sunlight and solar heat is available. The water bag can be coupled via hoses and valves to a pool of water to permit water to flow through the bag continuously. Alternatively, the valves may be used to allow the bag to be filled with water from a pool of water and for the water to be held in the bag until it is heated for a predetermined period or time or until it reaches a predetermined temperature, before the heated water is discharged into the pool of water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn the accompanying drawings like reference characters denote like components; and
A water bag 10 embodying the invention may be formed as shown in
In
As the water flows through the channels from input 22 to output 24, it is subject to being heated by the solar heat absorbed by the water bag.
The system may be operated in several different modes. In one mode, a water pump 105 (which may be a pump integral to the water circulation and filtration system of the pool or an additional, independent, pump specifically used with the water bag of the invention) pumps water from the pool via hose 36a and into the water bag via hose 36b and the water flows continuously through the water bag 10 and is then returned to the pool of water via hoses 38a, 38b.
In another mode of operation, a valve 107 may be inserted between the output port 24 of the bag and the pool of water. In
Thus, when the water bag is to be folded, tubes 36b and 38a may be detached from the input port 22 and the output port 24, respectively. Any water within the water bag 10 can then be evacuated by causing the water to exit through ports 22 and 24. In addition, if optional ports (e.g., O1-O4) are formed in the water bag, they may be activated (opened) to empty out the water in the water bag. Obviously, when the bag is in use the optional ports would normally be closed.
The materials used for the top and bottom sheets 12 and 14 can vary so long as they have similar characteristic to polyvinyl chloride and achieve similar results after construction; e.g., the ability to absorb solar energy, inflate and deflate with water pressure, and to be rolled or folded tightly. The thickness of the top and bottom sheets can also vary over a wide range so long as the desired results noted above are achieved.
Seams and ribs (20 and wi) of the type detailed in
The openings (e.g., 22, 24) and the fittings for the openings can vary in size and in the type of materials used.
The hoses (e.g., 36, 38) may vary in length and diameter and in their termination. For example, male or female plug-in or threaded hoses may be used. Intake and/or output hoses may also be permanently connected to the water bag.
As shown in
In
In
In the figures, the invention has been illustrated using a swimming pool in conjunction with the water bag. It should be understood that this is for purpose of illustration only, and that any pool of water such as a spa or pond may be used in conjunction with a water bag embodying the invention to use solar heat to warm up water introduce into the water bag which can then be discharged into the pool of water.
Claims
1. A water bag for heating water using solar radiation comprising:
- first and second sheets of pliable, expandable, non-porous material joined together at their outer edges to form a pouch which can hold water; the first and second sheets being of a material and color that can absorb solar radiation and convert it into heat;
- a first orifice formed in the pouch for enabling the first orifice to be coupled to a pool of water for enabling water to flow from the pool into the pouch and causing the pouch to expand and for enabling the rays of the sun incident on the pouch to heat the water in the pouch;
- a second orifice formed in the pouch for coupling said second orifice to the pool of water for enabling water to flow from the water bag into the pool of water; and
- wherein, when the water bag is not in use, the pouch may be deflated such that said first and second sheets lie one on top of the other, touching each other, with little air and water therebetween; and said pouch, when the water bag is in use, expanding to its fullest extent.
2. The water bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the water bag is not in use, the sheets may be folded to occupy little space.
3. The water bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the water bag is not in use, the sheets may be rolled-up to occupy little space.
4. The water bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sheets are formed of polyvinyl chloride.
5. The water bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pool of water is one of a swimming pool, a spa and a pond.
6. The water bag as claimed in claim 1 further including ribs formed along the length of the water bag, between the two ends of the bag, for producing channels within the water bag.
7. The water bag as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and second orifices are located at opposite ends of the water bag.
8. The water bag as claimed in claim 6 wherein as hose and a valve are coupled to the second orifice to control the discharge of water from the water bag.
9. The water bag as claimed in claim 6 wherein as hose and a valve are coupled to the first orifice to control the flow of water into the water bag.
10. A system for providing solar heating for a pool of water, comprising:
- first and second sheets of expandable, pliable, non-porous material joined together to form a pouch which can hold water; the sheets being of a material having a texture and being generally of dark color in order to absorb the rays of the sun and heat the water in the pouch;
- the pouch having an input port at one end of the pouch for enabling the input port to be coupled via a hose to a pool of water and for enabling water to flow from the pool of water into the pouch;
- the pouch having an output port located on the pouch at a point relative to the input port to ensure the longest path of travel for the water to flow within the pouch;
- wherein the pouch when exposed to the sun heats up the water with which it is filled; and
- wherein when the pouch is not in use it can be emptied of water and said first and second sheets collapse and are in touch with each other for enabling the pouch to be tightly rolled or folded.
11. The system as claimed in claim 10, further including means for selectively enabling water to flow continuously through the pouch and for selectively enabling water to fill the pouch until certain conditions of time and temperature are met and the water in the pouch is then discharged.
12. A method for heating water using a water bag comprised of first and second sheets of pliable, expandable, non-porous material joined together at their outer edges to form a pouch which can hold water; the first and second sheets being of a material and color that can absorb solar radiation and convert it into heat and having a first orifice formed in the pouch for enabling the first orifice to be coupled to a pool of water for enabling water to flow from the pool into the pouch and causing the pouch to expand and for enabling the rays of the sun incident on the pouch to heat the water in the pouch and having a second orifice formed in the pouch for coupling said second orifice to the pool of water for enabling water to flow from the water bag into the pool of water and wherein, when the water bag is not in use, the pouch may be deflated such that said first and second sheets lie one on top of the other, touching each other, with little air and water therebetween comprising the steps of:
- selectively introducing water into the bag so the water can flow continuously through the bag and then discharge into a pool of water; and
- selectively introducing water into the bag and holding the water in the bag until the temperature reaches a desired level and then discharging the contents of the bag into a pool of water.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 19, 2004
Publication Date: Jun 16, 2005
Inventor: Lewis Cleef (South Bound Brook, NJ)
Application Number: 10/968,297