SOLAR AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE

Abstract

A solar air conditioning device (100) includes a flat casing (10) and a solar collector (20). The casing includes a frame (12) having two side plates (14a, 14b) and inlet and outlet end plates (16a, 16b), a base plate (11) hermetically assembled to a bottom end of the frame. Inlet and outlet partition plates (15a, 15b) arranged in the casing divide an inner space of the casing into an inlet region (31), an outlet region (41), and a heat-collecting region (211). The solar collector includes a heat-absorbing set (22) and a transparent panel (13) hermetically assembled to a top end of the frame. The heat-absorbing set is arranged in the heat-collecting region and divides the heat-collecting region into an upper heat-storage cavity (24) and a lower heat-absorbing cavity (25). The inlet and outlet regions communicate with opposite ends of the heat-absorbing cavity of the heat-collecting region, respectively.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/776,906 filed on Jul. 12, 2007 and entitled “SOLAR AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE”, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/959,431 filed on Dec. 18, 2007 and entitled “SOLAR AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE”, and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/964,561 filed on Dec. 26, 2007 and entitled “SOLAR AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE”. The co-pending U.S. patent applications are assigned to the same assignee as the instant application. The disclosures of the above-identified applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to air conditioning devices, and particularly to an air conditioning device using solar energy to heat air.

2. Description of Related Art

With increasing CO₂ emissions, the risk of global climate becoming abnormal and ecological destruction may increase. As a result, industrialized countries have again become aware of the urgency to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels after the energy crisis in the 70's. Therefore, it has become important to develop new environmental friendly energy resources, and to replace devices using non-renewable energy resources, such as air-conditioners, with devices using renewable energy. The conventional air conditioning devices not only need more energy, but also require refrigerant which can be harmful to the environment. Consequently, these countries have given positive commitments to use solar energy more effectively. Though people still have reservations about whether solar energy will be able to replace other energy resources in the near future, one thing that is almost certain is that solar energy will be playing a very important role in a number of fields, especially air ventilation and heating in structures such as buildings and vehicles.

As far as an air conditioning device using solar energy for heating and air ventilation is concerned, solar collectors are a key part in such a device, and it has to be mounted at an outside location where sufficient sunlight can be collected, such as on a roof or wall. In the past, a lot of effort has been made to develop solar collectors with different functions and styles. Many of them have been disclosed in patent literature. The most typical example is fixing a glass panel or transparent panel onto a fixed outer frame of a heat-insulated chamber and passing fluid through black heat-absorbing plates or pipes installed inside the chamber, so as to absorb solar energy. Examples include the solar hot water supply system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,685, the air ventilation facility disclosed in WO 9,625,632, the roof-style air ventilation facility disclosed in U.S. patent application Pub. No. 2002/0032000A1, and the roof-style air preheater disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,338. However, the solar collectors used presently still have some drawbacks. Therefore, there is much room for improvements in applying and promoting the usage of solar energy to save energy and facilitate air conditioning. The aforementioned drawbacks include:

• (1) The related solar collector is too heavy. Its long-term use may cause an overly heavy load on the bearing structure.
• (2) Solar-thermo conversion efficiency may be limited.
• (3) The structure of the related solar collector is complicated, which makes its installation and maintenance difficult and expensive, and thus prolongs the period for recovering the investment.
• (4) The related solar heating device has poor compatibility and flexibility to match different bearing structures. Very often, it has to be custom-made.
• (5) The contour of the solar collector is obtrusive and often impairs the aesthete and harmony of the overall appearance of the bearing structure.
• (6) The packaging needed for the collector takes up much space and increases the cost of storage, display, and marketing.
• (7) The integral assembly of the whole-unit product is bulky, making it difficult to use in large-area application and increases installation cost.
• (8) Glass or transparent panels are glazed onto the outer frame of a heat-insulated chamber. Different thermal expansion coefficients of materials may cause thermal stress problems.
• (9) The related design is so complicated as to be difficult for an untrained user to install.
• (10) Some of the related designs can only be applicable to the structures which are under construction and designed to allow its installation. For most existing structures, the designs are unsuitable.
• (11) When air passes over a glazed panel, heat is dissipated unless double-glazing is used, but it is expensive and troublesome.
• (12) Hot water supply systems or liquid systems operated by solar heating experience problems due to freezing and leakage of the working liquid.

Related solar air conditioning devices include that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,553. Heat-absorbing units of the solar air conditioning device of U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,553 are connected in a fixed way. However, it is difficult to extend the area of the solar air conditioning device in a convenient way so that the solar air conditioning device can be used in different applications.

It is therefore desirable to provide a solar air conditioning device that can be flexibly extended and used in different applications.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a solar air conditioning device. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the solar air conditioning device includes a flat casing and a solar collector. The casing includes a frame and a base plate hermetically assembled to a bottom end of the frame. The frame includes two elongate side plates disposed at two opposite sides of the casing, and elongate inlet and outlet end plates disposed two opposite ends of the casing. Elongate inlet and outlet partition plates each having a plurality of air passages are arranged in the casing and divide an inner space of the casing into an inlet region, an outlet region, and a heat-collecting region between the inlet region and outlet region. The solar collector includes a heat-absorbing set and a transparent panel. The heat-absorbing set is arranged in the heat-absorbing region of the casing and divides the heat-absorbing region into an upper heat-storage cavity and a lower heat-absorbing cavity. The transparent panel is hermetically assembled to a top end of the frame and covers the inlet region, the heat-absorbing region and the outlet region. The upper heat-storage cavity is formed between the transparent panel and the heat-absorbing set. The lower heat-absorbing cavity is formed between the heat-absorbing set and the base plate. The inlet and outlet regions communicate with opposite ends of the heat-absorbing cavity of the heat-absorbing region, respectively, via the air passages of the inlet and outlet partition plates, whereby air can flow from the inlet region to the outlet region via the heat-absorbing channel and vice versa.

Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an assembled, isometric view of a solar air conditioning device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, showing the solar air conditioning device without a transparent panel.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1, showing the solar air conditioning device without the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing set.

FIG. 4A is an exploded, isometric view of the solar air conditioning device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is an isometric view of a heat-absorbing unit of a heat-absorbing set of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a first/second side plate and a pressing bar of a casing of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a base plate of the casing of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an inlet/outlet partition plate of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an inlet/outlet end plate and a joint of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 9 is a partial, isometric view of the casing of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 4A, showing the second side plate, the inlet end plate, the inlet partition plate, and the base plate to be engaged together.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 1, taken along line X-X thereof.

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded, isometric view of a solar air conditioning device in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an assembled, isometric view of a solar air conditioning device in accordance with a third embodiment, with some parts thereof removed.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of inlet and outlet end plates of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of first and second side plates of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a partial, isometric view of a frame of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 12, showing engagements of inlet end plate, second side plate, inlet partition plate and base plate.

FIG. 16A is an isometric view of an inlet partition plate of the frame in FIG. 15, viewed along a direction indicated by arrow A.

FIG. 16B is an isometric view of an inlet end plate of frame in FIG. 15, viewed along a direction indicated by arrow B.

FIG. 16C is an isometric view of a second side plate of the frame in FIG. 15, viewed along a direction indicated by arrow C.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a solar air conditioning device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with some parts thereof removed.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of an inlet/outlet partition plate of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of an inlet/outlet end plate of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a first/second side plate of the solar air conditioning device in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the drawing figures to describe the various embodiments in detail.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a solar air conditioning device 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The solar air conditioning device 100 includes a flat casing 10, a solar collector 20 (FIG. 4A) received in the casing 10, two partition plates 15a, 15b (i.e., inlet partition plate 15a and outlet partition plate 15b) each having a plurality of air passages 151, and two rectangular shaped joints 18 disposed at front and rear ends of the casing 10. The casing 10 includes a plurality of modularized components which are engaged together. The inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b arranged in the casing 10 divide the casing 10 into three section, i.e., an inlet section 30, an outlet section 40, and a heat collecting section 21 between the inlet section 30 and the outlet section 40. The inlet and outlet sections 30, 40 communicate with an indoor air-exhausting pipe (not shown) and an outdoor environment, respectively, in such that stale indoor air is exhausted outside a house and fresh outdoor air is induced into the house.

Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4A, the casing 10 includes a rectangular shaped base plate 11, a rectangular frame 12 (FIG. 1) disposed on a periphery of the base plate 11 and a transparent panel 13 arranged on a top end of the frame 12. The frame 12 includes two elongate side plates (i.e., first side plate 14a and second side plate 14b), inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b, and inlet and outlet end plates 16a, 16b. The two side plates 14a, 14b are respectively arranged at two opposite sides (i.e., left side and right side) of the casing 10, and the inlet and outlet end plates 16a, 16b are respectively arranged at front end and rear end of the casing 10. The side plates 14a, 14b and partition plates 15a, 15b are connected end to end to form the frame 12. The base plate 11 and transparent panel 13 are located at bottom and top ends of the frame 12, and thus an inner space is defined among the base plate 11, the frame 12 and transparent panel 13. The two joints 18 are respectively mounted to middle portions of the inlet and outlet end plates 16a, 16b. One of the joints 18 is used for connecting the inlet section 30 of the solar air conditioning device 100 to the indoor air-exhausting pipe, and the other of the joints 18 is used for connecting the outlet section 40 of the solar air conditioning device 100 to the outdoor environment. The inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b are arranged in the casing 10 and are located adjacent to the inlet and outlet end plates 16a, 16b, respectively. The partition plates 15a, 15b are parallel to the end plates 16a, 16b. Two opposite ends of the partition plates 15a, 15b and end plates 16a, 16b extend through the side plates 14a, 14b. Therefore, the inner space of the casing 10 is divided into three regions, i.e., an inlet region 31, an outlet region 41 and a heat-collecting region 211. The inlet region 31 is formed between the inlet end plate 16a and the inlet partition plate 15a, whilst the outlet region 41 is formed between the outlet end plate 16b and the outlet partition plate 15b. The heat-collecting region 211 is formed between the inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b, and is located between the inlet region 31 and outlet region 41.

The solar collector 20 includes a heat-absorbing set 22 for absorbing solar energy to heat air flowing therethrough. The heat-absorbing set 22 includes a plurality of modularized heat-absorbing units 23 which are clasped together. Each heat-absorbing unit 23 is made of good thermal conductivity materials with black surface. The heat-absorbing units 23 are clasped together along a latitudinal direction.

Referring also to FIG. 4B, one of the heat-absorbing units 23 of the heat-absorbing set 22 is shown. The heat-absorbing unit 23 has a cross-shaped configuration. The heat-absorbing unit 23 includes an elongate horizontal heat-absorbing plate 232, and an elongate vertical brace plate 231 integrally intersecting the heat-absorbing plate 232 at a middle portion thereof. The brace plate 231 has an upper portion 231a above the heat-absorbing plate 232 and a lower portion 231b below the heat-absorbing plate 232. A height of the upper portion 231a of the brace plate 231 substantially equals to a height of an upper heat-storage cavity 24 (FIG. 10), whilst a height of the lower portion 231b of the brace plate 231 substantially equals to a height of a lower heat-absorbing cavity 25 (FIG. 10).

Referring to FIG. 10, when the heat-absorbing set 22 is arranged into the heat-collecting region 211, the connected heat-absorbing units 23 divide the heat-collecting region 211 into the upper heat-storage cavity 24 and the lower heat-absorbing cavity 25. The upper heat-storage cavity 24 is formed between the transparent panel 13 and the heat-absorbing plates 232 of the heat-absorbing set 22, and the lower heat-absorbing cavity 25 is formed between the heat-absorbing plates 232 of the heat-absorbing set 22 and the base plate 11. A plurality of heat-storage channels 241 are defined in the upper heat-storage cavity 24 between the upper portions 231a of the brace plates 231 of adjacent heat-absorbing units 23, whilst a plurality of heat-absorbing channels 251 are defined in the lower heat-absorbing cavity 25 between the lower portions 231b of the brace plates 231 of adjacent heat-absorbing units 23. A top surface of the upper portion 231a defines a groove 234 receiving a seal gasket 192 therein. Front and rear ends of the heat-storage channels 241 are hermetically sealed by the inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b. The heat-absorbing channels 251 communicate with the inlet and outlet regions 31, 41 by the air passages 151 of the inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b. The transparent panel 13 is disposed on the heat-absorbing set 22. Front and rear ends of the transparent panel 13 extend beyond the inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b and reach to the inlet and outlet end plates 16a, 16b. Thus, a solar energy receiving surface 131 is formed by a top surface of the transparent panel 13 (FIG. 1), and covers the inlet region 31, the heat-collecting region 211 and the outlet region 41. A heat-absorbing surface 2320 over the heat-absorbing cavity 25 is formed by top surfaces of the heat-absorbing plates 232 (FIG. 10) of the heat-absorbing units 23. Air before flowing into the heat-absorbing cavity 25 can be heated in the inlet region 31 and air after flowing out of the heat-absorbing cavity 25 can be heated in the outlet region 41, which increases the heat absorbing capability of the solar air conditioning device 100.

In order to connect the heat-absorbing units 23 together, first and second clasping structures 233a, 233b are respectively formed at right and left sides of the heat-absorbing plate 232. The heat-absorbing units 23 are assembled together via engagement between the first and second clasping structures 233a, 233b. The first and second clasping structures 233a, 233b have configurations which complement with each other. The first clasping structure 233a is a mortise, whilst the second clasping structure 233b is a tenon for being fitted in a corresponding mortise. The first clasping structure 233a of a left heat-absorbing unit 23 is engaged with the second clasping structure 233b of an adjacent right heat-absorbing unit 23, so that the adjacent left and right heat-absorbing units 23 are assembled together. The heat-absorbing unit 23 is made of thin plate and handy for being displayed, packaged, stored, transported and assembled.

Particularly referring to FIGS. 4A and 5, the two side plates 14a, 14b have a same structure. Front and rear ends of each of the side plates 14a, 14b respectively define first clasping grooves 141 for engaging with the inlet and outlet end plates 16a, 16b. Each of the side plates 14a, 14b further defines two second clasping grooves 142 for engaging with the inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b. The two second clasping grooves 142 are arranged between the first clasping grooves 141 and each of the second clasping grooves 142 is located adjacent to a corresponding first clasping groove 141. The first and second clasping grooves 141, 142 are located at a top portion of the side plates 14a, 14b and extend through inner and outer surfaces of the side plates 14a, 14b. Two elongate protruding bars (i.e., top protruding bar 145 and bottom protruding bar 146) extend from top and bottom ends of each of the side plates 14a, 14b, respectively. The top protruding bars 145 are located at outer sides of the side plates 14a, 14b and the bottom protruding bars 146 are located at inner sides of the side plates 14a, 14b. A plurality of fixing holes 147 are defined in each of the top protruding bars 145 for mounting the transparent panel 13 thereon.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 7, the inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b have a same structure. The air passages 151 are defines in a lower portion of the inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b. The air passages 151 are separated from each other and are evenly distributed in the inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b. Left and right ends of each of the partition plates 15a, 15b respectively define a third clasping groove 152 for engaging with the second clasping groove 142 of the side plate 14a (or 14b). The third clasping grooves 152 are located at bottom portions of the partition plates 15a, 15b and extend through front and rear faces of the partition plates 15a, 15b. A top surface of each of the partition plates 15a, 15b defines a groove 153 extending along a latitudinal direction thereof for receiving a seal gasket (not shown) therein. When the partition plates 15a, 15b are arranged in the casing 10, top portions of the partition plates 15a, 15b hermetically seal front and rear ends of heat-storage channels 241 of the solar collector 20, whilst the air passages 151 of the partition plates 15a, 15b communicate with the heat-absorbing channels 251 of the solar collector 20. Therefore, the stale indoor air evenly enters into the heat-absorbing cavity 25 and increases heat-absorbing efficiency of the solar air conditioning device 100. In order to decrease air resistance, a total area of the air passages 151 of each of the partition plates 15a, 15b is preferably twice as large as a cross-sectional area of an inner hole of the air-exhausting pipe.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 8, the inlet and outlet end plates 16a, 16b have a same structure. Left and right ends of each of the end plates 16a, 16b respectively define a fourth clasping groove 161 for engaging with the first clasping groove 141 of the side plate 14a (or 14b). The fourth clasping grooves 161 are located at bottom potions of the end plates 16a, 16b and extend through front and rear faces of the end plates 16a, 16b. An elongate protruding bar 163 extending from a top end of each side plate 16a (or 16b) is located at an outer side of end plate 16a (or 16b) A plurality of fixing holes 164 are defined in a top surface of the elongate protruding bar 163 for mounting the transparent panel 13 thereon. Each of the end plates 16a, 16b defines a rectangular shaped opening 162 in a middle portion thereof for communication the joint 18 with the inlet region 31 or outlet region 41.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 6, the base plate 11 has a rectangular shaped configuration. The base plate 11 defines a plurality receiving grooves 111, corresponding to bottom protruding bars 146 of the side plates 14a, 14b, bottom ends of the inlet and outlet end plates 16a, 16b, and bottom ends of the inlet and outlet partition plates 151a, 151b.

Referring to FIG. 9, in assembly of the modularized components of the casing 10, the side plates 14a, 14b and the end plates 16a, 16b are assembled together via engagements between the first clasping grooves 141 and the fourth clasping grooves 161. The side plates 14a, 14b and the partition plates 15a, 15b are assembled together via engagements between the second clasping grooves 142 and the third clasping groove 152. Thus, the side plates 14a, 14b, the partition plates 15a, 15b and the end plates 16a, 16b are assembled together so as to form the frame 12. A top end of the frame 12 forms a rectangular supporting roof 121 at an inner side thereof for supporting the transparent panel 13 (FIG. 3). The bottom end of the frame 12 is received in the receiving grooves 111, i.e., bottom protruding bars 146 of the side plates 14a, 14b, bottom ends of the inlet and outlet end plates 16a, 16b and bottom ends of the inlet and outlet partition plates 151a, 151b, being received in corresponding receiving grooves 111. In order to increase the connected strength of the casing 10, agglutinant and bolts can be used for firmly fixing the frame 12 to the base plate 11.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 10, in assembly of the base plate 11, the frame 12, the heat-absorbing set 22 and the transparent panel 13, bottom end of the frame 12 is received in the receiving grooves 111 of the base plate 11. The heat-absorbing set 22 is received in the heat-collecting region 211 formed between the inlet and outlet partition plates 15a, 15b. The transparent panel 13 with four U-shaped cushions 191 each attached to a side thereof is placed on the supporting roof 121 of the frame 12. A plurality of elongate pressing bars 17 are placed above the top protruding bar 145, 163 and edges of the transparent panel 13. A plurality of bolts 193 extend through mounting holes 171 defined in the pressing bars 17, and are finally threaded into the fixing holes 147 of the side plates 14a, 14b and fixing holes 164 of the end plates 16a, 16b. Thus, the pressing bars 17 press downwardly edges of the transparent panel 13 to keep the transparent panel 13 hermetically connecting with the frame 12. The seal gaskets 192 are discretely received in the grooves 234 in the top ends of the brace plates 231 and contact with the transparent panel 13. The seal gaskets 192 extend along a longitudinal direction of the brace plates 231 for evenly supporting the transparent panel 13 on the heat-absorbing units 23. A plurality of air gaps 242 are formed between the heat-absorbing unit 23 and the transparent panel 13 at positions without the seal gaskets 192. The air gaps 242 communicate the heat-storage channels 241 with each other in such that air in the heat-storage cavity 24 is evenly heated and the heat transfer capability of the solar air conditioning device 100 is increased.

In the solar air conditioning device 100, the heat-absorbing unit 23 includes a plurality of modularized heat-absorbing units 23 which are clasped together. The heat-absorbing units 23 divide the heat-collecting region 211 into the upper heat-storage cavity 24 and the lower heat-absorbing cavity 25. Top portions of the partition plates 15a, 15b hermetically seal front and rear ends of the heat-storage cavity 24 and the air passages 151 of the partition plates 15a, 15b communicate with the heat-absorbing cavity 25 with the inlet region 31 of the inlet section 30 and outlet region 31 of the outlet section 30, which allows air to be heated mainly in the lower heat-absorbing channels 251. Therefore, since the solar air conditioning device 100 has only one transparent panel 13, most air goes through the lower heat-absorbing channels 251 and the solar air conditioning device 100 demonstrates excellent heat insulation as well improving heating efficiency.

Referring to FIG. 11, a second embodiment of the present solar air conditioning device is shown. Differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment are explained below. The solar collector in this embodiment includes a planar heat-absorbing plate 52 and a plurality of supporting shelves 51. The supporting shelves 51 are disposed below and above the planar heat-absorbing plate 52 for supporting the planar heat-absorbing plate 52 and the transparent panel 13. The supporting shelves 51 can be made of a cheap material different from the planar heat-absorbing plate 52 to save manufacturing cost.

Referring to FIG. 12, a third embodiment of the present solar air conditioning device is shown. Differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment are configurations of components of the frame 60. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 16B, in this embodiment, protruding bars 611, 612 extending from top and bottom ends of the end plates 61a, 61b are both located at an outer side of the end plates 61a, 61b. Elongate clasping grooves 613 are defined in inner surfaces of the end plates 61a, 61b and extend through top and bottom ends thereof. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 16C, elongate protruding bars 621, 622 extending from top and bottom ends of the side plates 62a, 62b are both located at an outer side thereof. Elongate receiving grooves 623 are defined in an inner surface of the side plates 62a, 62b and extend through top and bottom ends thereof for receiving ends of the partition plates 63a, 63b. Elongate clasping grooves 624 (FIG. 16C) are defined in an inner surface of ends of the side plates 62a, 62b and extend through top and bottom ends thereof for receiving ends of the end plates 61a, 61b (FIGS. 15 and 16C).

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 15, in assembly of the frame 60, the end plates 61a, 61b and the side plates 62a, 62b are assembled together via engagements between the clasping grooves 613 and the clasping grooves 624. Two opposite ends of each of the partition plates 63a, 63b are embedded into the receiving grooves 623 of the side plates 62a, 62b. The base plate 64 is received in rectangular space defined in a bottom end of the frame 12 and surround by the bottom protruding bars 612 of the end plates 61a, 61b and bottom protruding bars 622 of the side plates 62a, 62b. In this embodiment, there are no grooves 111 defined in the base plate 11 and no clasping grooves formed on the partition plates 63a, 63b. Thus, processes of manufacture and assembly of the components of the frame 60 are simplified, hereby reducing the cost of the solar air conditioning device.

Referring to FIGS. 17-20, a fourth embodiment of the present solar air conditioning device is shown. In this embodiment, the components of the frame, i.e., inlet and outlet partition plates 72a, 72b, inlet and outlet end plates 73a, 73b and first and second side plates 74a, 74b, each are made of having a U-shaped profile. The U-shaped profile includes a vertical supporting body, a horizontal top flange and a horizontal bottom flange. The top and bottom flanges are both located at an outer side of the supporting body. Each of the partition plates 72a, 72b defines a plurality of air passages 723 in the supporting body 724. The partition plates 72a, 72b, the end plates 73a, 73b and the side plates 74a, 74b are mounted on the base plate 71 by a plurality of bolts extending through fixing holes 721 defined in bottom flanges 722 of the partition plates 72a, 72b, fixing holes 731 defined in bottom flanges 732 of the end plates 73a, 73b and fixing holes 741 defined in bottom flanges 742 of the side plates 74a, 74b, and then engaging with the base plate 71. A rectangular bracket 76 is formed on an inner side of the heat-absorbing section 75 for supporting edges of the heat-absorbing set.

In summer, the solar air conditioning device can heat the stale indoor air guided from the air-exhausting pipe and expel the heated stale indoor air out of the housing using thermal buoyancy effect.

In winter, air can be heated in the solar collector of the solar air conditioning device and guided back to the house via a fan connected with the air-exhausting pipe.

The solar air conditioning device can be installed with a hot water supply system which can operate year-round. A plurality of heat-absorbing water pipes are arranged in the heat-storage cavity of the solar air conditioning device; then, heated water is transferred back to a water circulation circuit including a heat storage tank. Meanwhile, air is heated in the heat-absorbing channels of the solar air conditioning device.

One special feature of the solar air conditioning device is that although it only has one layer of transparent panel in its structure, because most air goes through the lower heat-absorbing cavities, the solar air conditioning device has the excellent thermal insulation effect of a double-glazed system and a very high heat-absorption efficiency.

The casing and the heat-absorbing set of the solar air conditioning device are designed according to a modular concept. Cost of the solar air conditioning device is greatly reduced because the components are made of thin boards and plates, and are suitable for mass-production. The solar air conditioning device is much simpler than related assemblies with a whole-unit design. The assembly not only saves expenses in packaging but also requires less room for display and storage to make channel marketing much easier. The solar air conditioning device is very easy to install and maintain. Moreover, users can install and assemble the system by themselves.

All in all, the solar air conditioning device is a passive environmental protection air conditioner which is driven by solar energy. There is no need to consume electric energy and no environmental destroy caused by refrigerant. The solar air conditioning device exhausts the stale indoor air out of the house. Therefore, the quality of the indoor air is improved and a comfortable feeling is obtained. Moreover, the modularized components benefit the solar air conditioning device for being displayed, packaged, stored, transported and assembled. Furthermore, the components of the solar air conditioning device are thin and are handy for DIY assembly, which fits for the environmental protection and DIY trends.

It is to be further understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structures and functions of the embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. A solar air conditioning device comprising:

a flat casing, comprising: a frame comprising two elongate side plates disposed at two opposite sides of the casing, and elongate inlet and outlet end plates disposed two opposite ends of the casing; a base plate hermetically assembled to a bottom end of the frame; and elongated inlet and outlet partition plates each having a plurality of air passages arranged therein, the inlet and outlet partition plates dividing an inner space of the casing into an inlet region, an outlet region, and a heat-collecting region between the inlet region and outlet region; and

a solar collector, comprising: a heat-absorbing set arranged in the heat-absorbing region of the casing and dividing the heat-absorbing region into an upper heat-storage cavity and a lower heat-absorbing cavity, and a transparent panel hermetically assembled to a top end of the frame and covering the inlet region, the heat-absorbing region and the outlet region, the upper heat-storage cavity being formed between the transparent panel and the heat-absorbing set, the lower heat-absorbing cavity being formed between the heat-absorbing set and the base plate, wherein the inlet and outlet regions communicate with opposite ends of the heat-absorbing cavity of the heat-absorbing region, respectively, via the air passages of the inlet and outlet partition plates, whereby air can flow from the inlet region to the outlet region via the heat-absorbing cavity.

2. The solar air conditioning device of claim 1, wherein the inlet and outlet partition plates are located adjacent to the inlet and outlet end plates, respectively, the inlet region being formed between the inlet end plate and the inlet partition plate, the outlet region being formed between the outlet end plate and the outlet partition plate, the heat-collecting region being formed between the inlet and outlet partition plates.

3. The solar air conditioning device of claim 2, wherein the two side plates and the inlet and outlet end plates are clasped together.

4. The solar air conditioning device of claim 3, wherein each of the side plates comprises two first clasping structures respectively located at two opposite ends thereof and two second clasping structures located between the two first clasping structures, the inlet and outlet end plates each comprising two third clasping structures respectively located at two opposite ends thereof, the inlet and outlet partition plates each comprising two fourth clasping structures respectively located at two opposite ends thereof, the side plates and the end plates being assembled together via engagements between the first clasping structures and the fourth clasping structures, the side plates and the partition plates being assembled together via engagements between the second clasping structures and the third clasping structures.

5. The solar air conditioning device of claim 4, wherein the first and second clasping structures of the side plates are grooves extending through inner and outer surfaces thereof, the third clasping structures of the inlet and outlet end plates are grooves extending through front and rear surfaces thereof, and the fourth clasping structures of the inlet and outlet partition plates are grooves extending through front and rear surfaces thereof.

6. The solar air conditioning device of claim 4, wherein each of the side plates forms a protruding bar at a bottom end thereof, the base plate defining a plurality of receiving grooves adapted for receiving the bottom protruding bars of the side plates, bottom ends of the inlet and outlet end plates, and bottom ends of the inlet and outlet partition plates.

7. The solar air conditioning device of claim 3, wherein each of the side plates comprises two elongate first clasping grooves respectively located at two opposite ends thereof and two elongate receiving grooves located between the two first clasping grooves, the inlet and outlet end plates each comprising two elongate second clasping grooves respectively located at two opposite ends thereof, the side plates and the end plates being assembled together via engagements between the first clasping grooves and the second clasping grooves, two opposite ends of each of the partition plates being received in the receiving grooves of the side plates.

8. The solar air conditioning device of claim 7, wherein the first clasping grooves and the receiving grooves of the side plates are defined in inner surfaces thereof and extend through top and bottom ends thereof, the second clasping grooves of the end plates being defined in inner surfaces thereof and extend through top and bottom ends thereof.

9. The solar air conditioning device of claim 7, wherein each of the side plates forms a protruding bar at a bottom end thereof, the inlet and outlet end plates each forming a protruding bar at a bottom end thereof, the base plate being received in the bottom end of the frame and surround by the protruding bars of the side plates and the end plates.

10. The solar air conditioning device of claim 2, wherein the inlet and outlet partition plates, inlet and outlet end plates and first and second side plates each are made of having a U-shaped profile, the U-shaped profile comprising a vertical supporting body, a horizontal top flange and a horizontal bottom flange located at an outer side of the supporting body.

11. The solar air conditioning device of claim 10, wherein a rectangular bracket is formed on an inner side of the heat-absorbing section adapted for supporting edges of the heat-absorbing set.

12. The solar air conditioning device of claim 11, wherein the heat-absorbing set includes a plurality of modularized heat-absorbing units which are clasped together, a plurality of heat-storage channels being defined in the upper heat-storage cavity and a plurality of heat-absorbing channels being defined in the lower heat-absorbing cavity, the partition plates hermetically sealing front and rear ends of heat-storage channels, whilst the air passages of the partition plates communicating with the heat-absorbing channels.

13. The solar air conditioning device of claim 12, wherein the heat-absorbing unit has a cross-shaped configuration and comprises an elongate horizontal heat-absorbing plate and an elongate vertical brace plate integrally interconnecting a middle portion of the heat-absorbing plate, the heat-absorbing plate forming a mortise at an end thereof and a tenon at an opposing end thereof adapted for fitting a corresponding mortise of an adjacent heat-absorbing unit.

14. The solar air conditioning device of claim 2, wherein the heat-absorbing set comprises a planar heat-absorbing plate and a plurality of supporting shelves, the supporting shelves being disposed below and above the planar heat-absorbing plate adapted for supporting the planar heat-absorbing plate and the transparent panel.

15. The solar air conditioning device of claim 1, wherein the top end of the frame forms a supporting roof at an inner side thereof adapted for supporting the transparent panel.