AU2011355591B2

AU2011355591B2 - A solar collector drainage arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU2011355591B2
Application number: AU2011355591A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Glen BOLITHO; Gregory Chapman; Joseph REARDON
Original assignee: Rheem Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Rheem Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-01-12
Filing date: 2011-12-22
Publication date: 2017-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-22
Also published as: AU2011355591A1; WO2012094698A1

Abstract

A drainage arrangement for a solar collector enclosure, the arrangement including a corner junction (5.070) with corner wall segments (5.084, 5.086), wherein the wall segment include attachment spigots (5.090, 5.094) adapted to engage corresponding engagement channels (4.052) in a wall extrusion (4.024) of the enclosure. The spigots include drain channels (5.150) which transit across a seal (5.098) between the corner junction and the extrusion to provide a drain path from the interior of the enclosure to the exterior aperture (6.154).

Description

PCT/AU2011/001678 WO 2012/094698 1 A SOLAR COLLECTOR DRAINAGE ARRANGEMENT Field of the invention [001] This invention relates to a drainage arrangement for an enclosure.

[002] The invention is particularly adapted for use with enclosures exposed to atmosphere, such as solar collector panel enclosures.

Background of the invention [003] Solar collector panels generally include a heat transfer fluid circuit having risers and headers enclosed in a substantially closed enclosure with a transparent lid, usually of glass or other transparent material, to permit the solar energy to impinge on the risers. One problem which can be experienced with such collectors is the ingress of water into the enclosure. Water inside the enclosure may contact the insulation and decrease its insulation characteristics.

[004] This invention can be used in conjunction with solar collector enclosures such as that described in our co-pending applications of even date, entitled A SOLAR COLLECTOR VENTILATION ARRANGEMENT, and A SEALING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SOLAR COLLECTOR ENCLOSURE.

[005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a means for allowing water to egress from the inside of a solar collector enclosure.

Summary of the invention [006] The present invention provides a comer junction for a solar collector enclosure, the comer junction including an engagement member adapted to engage an engagement channel in an enclosure wall assembly, the comer junction including a sealant channel adapted to provide a partial seal between the comer junction and the enclosure wall, the engagement member including a drainage channel, wherein, in use, the drainage channel transits the seal from the interior of the enclosure to the exterior of the enclosure.

[007] The comer junction can include a sealant channel to accommodate a seal between overlapping portions of the corner junction and the enclosure wall.

[008] The first engagement formation can be a spigot.

[009] The sealant channel and the drainage channel are on opposite sides of a wall of the comer junction. PCT/AU2011/001678 WO 2012/094698 2 [010] The enclosure wall engagement channel can include a first upright wall integral with the exterior wall of the enclosure and a second upright wall within the enclosure, the second upright wall projection above the spigot to define a first dam wall, the comer junction including a second dam wall which, in use, interfeces with the first dam wall.

[011] The second dam wall can include a transverse section adapted to engage with a first dam wall of a second enclosure wall interior.

[012] The drainage channel can be part of a drain path having an outlet segment transverse to the drainage channel.

[013] The outlet segment has a downward facing aperture.

[014] A shield recess can be provided between the outlet aperture and the edge of the comer junction.

Brief description of the drawings [015] An embodiment or embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [016] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a solar collector.

[017] Figure 2 is a partial section view of a solar collector according to an embodiment of the invention having pipe risers.

[018] Figure 3 is a partial section view of a solar collector according to an embodiment of the invention.

[019] Figure 4 illustrates a novel extrusion adapted for forming the walls of a solar collector enclosure according to an embodiment of the invention.

[020] Figure 5 illustrates a comer assembly according to an embodiment of the invention adapted for use with the extrusion of Figure 4.

[021] Figure 6 is a partial illustration of the underside of a comer assembly illustrating a drain channel according to an embodiment of the invention.

[022] Figure 7 is a cut-away illustration of the comer of a solar collector enclosure assembly illustrating features of the drainage system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[023] Figure 8 illustrates a part cut away view showing details of features of Figure 7. PCT/AU2011/001678 WO 2012/094698 3 [024] Figure 9 illustrates a comer assembly similar to that of Figure 5, showing features of the drainage system.

[025] The numbering convention used in the drawings is that the digits to the left of the full stop indicate the drawing number, and the digits to the right of the full stop are the element reference numbers. Where possible, the same element reference number is used in different drawings to indicate corresponding elements.

[026] It is understood that, unless indicated otherwise, the drawings are intended to be illustrative rather than exact representations, and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The orientation of the drawings is chosen to illustrate the features of the objects shown, and does not necessarily represent the orientation of the objects in use.

Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments [027] Illustrated in Figure 1 is a simplified illustration of a solar collector. 1.002 having an enclosure box 1.004. The box includes side walls 1.006 with a peripheral seat 1.010 for a glass cover (not shown). The glass is sealed to the box around the peripheral seat.

[028] The heat transfer path includes an upper and lower header 1.018, 1.016 and a plurality of riser pipes 1.014 providing a fluid path between the hollow headers. An inlet for the heat transfer fluid is provided at 1.022, and an outlet for the heated heat transfer fluid is provided at 1.020.

[029] Solar collectors are exposed to ambient weather conditions, and water vapour can penetrate within the enclosure and form condensation on the inside of the glass.

[030] Figure 2 illustrates a section of a first embodiment of a solar collector. The wall extrusion 2.024 (described in detail in Figure 4) includes an external overhang 2.040 which can serve for use in lifting the collector by installers when installing the collector on a roof or other location, and an external channel 2.025 which can be used for fixing the collector assembly to its mount or mounting structure.

[031 ] The overhang 2.040 also provides impact protection for the edge of the toughened glass cover and can shield grommet rubber fittings to reduce weathering. PCT/AU2011/001678 WO 2012/094698 4 [032] The glass cover 2.034 is seated on a peripheral seat provided by the wall extrusion 2.024 and channel and cooperating comer assemblies such as those illustrated in Figure 5, and is sealed thereto.

[033] The risers 2.014 in this embodiment are located under and in thermal contact with an absorber plate 2.032. Thus the solar energy can pass through the glass 2.034 and impinge on the absorber plate 2.032 from whence the heat is thermally conducted to the risers 2.014 for delivery to the outlet header.

[034] A base plate panel 2.026 closes off the lower side of the enclosure.

The extrusion 2.024 includes a channel 4.056 for receiving the edges of the base plate or panel 2.026, and the comer assemblies (illustrated in Figure 5) also include seats 5.087 for the comers of the base plate or panel 2.026.

[035] Insulation 2.028 is provided between the collector risers 2.014 and the base plate or panel 2.026.

[036] In Figure 3 is an alternative assembly where multiple risers are formed in a unitary manner in a plate 3.038, which is assembled in much the same way as in the preceding description except that the absorber plate 2.032 is not required as the riser plate 2.038 has an upper surface which serves the same function.

[037] Figure 4 illustrates the wall extrusion profile. The wall 4.048 has upper formations including: external overhang 4.040 forming a comer cap attachment (channel A); internal glass seat seal formations 4.042; internal comer cap alignment 4.044 (under channel B); the top of channel 4.044 forms a glass seat rim 4.045; internal comer wall attachment channel 4.046 (channel C); internal comer wall attachment channel 4.052 (channel D); base plate receiving channel 4.056; external fixing channel 4.050.

[038] Figure 5 illustrates a comer assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. The comer assembly includes a cap 5.070 and a wall segment 5.082. The cap and wall segment are adapted to conform to the shape of the wall extrusions and it recesses. PCT/AU2011/001678 WO 2012/094698 5 [039] The cap 5.070 includes an overhang 5.072 which forms a continuation of the extrusion overhang 4.040. In addition the cap overhang 5.072 includes a projection 5.074 which is adapted to be a close fit within the underside of the extrusion overhang 4.040. The cap 5.070 includes a second projection 5.076 which is likewise adapted to fit under the ledge formed by channel 4.044 of the extrusion.

[040] The cap also includes a glass seat 5.080 and seal formations 5.078. The cap wall 5.079 extends downward below the glass seat and transversely thereto.

[041 ] The comer wall segment includes a pair of intersecting walls 5.084, 5.086 with projecting spigots 5.088,5.090,5.092,5.094 adapted for insertions in the channels C & D of the wall extrusion. The lower spigots 5.092, 5.094 include drain channel slots such as 5.150.

[042] A sealant injection point 5.096 communicates with a sealant channel 5.098 on the opposite side of the wall 5.084 so that sealant can be injected into the sealant channel when the comer assembly is joined to the wall extrusions. A purge point 5.100 is provided at the top of the sealant channel and the end of the purge point is located so that the end of the purge point is visible beyond the edge of the extrusion, allowing the person injection the sealant to view the purge point to determine when the sealant channel is full. A similar sealing injection point, sealant channel and purge point are provided on comer wall 5.086.

[043] The base plate seat 5.087 accommodates the comer of the base plate inserted in the base plate channel 4.056 of the wall extrusion.

[044] The cap 5.070 and comer wall segment 5.082 can include a snap fit arrangement to attach the to the comer wall segment.

[045] In figure 9 is a comer assembly similar to that of Figure 5, with some of the features of figure 5 such as spigots 5.088,5.090,5.094 and 5.092 not being used with the walls 9.084 and 9.086 having their ends being able to be inserted into the extrusion of figure 4.

[046] Figure 6 is a partial view of the underside of the comer assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. Thus, in use, this view will be inverted. The spigot 6.094 includes a drain channel 6.150 which, in use, extends from the interior of the enclosure via aperture 6.152 to an open recess 6.154 which, in use has a downward facing opening to allow any water drained from inside the enclosure to escape. The spigot of the intersection side of the comer wall assembly has been omitted from the drawing to illustrate the through hole 6.156 which is aligned with the PCT/AU2011/001678 WO 2012/094698 6 drain channel of the omitted spigot and is in fluid communication with a second downward facing recess 6.158 so water can drain from the corresponding extrusion channel to the outside of the enclosure.

[047] The drainage outlet recesses 6.154,6.158 are inboard of the additional recesses 6.155,6.157 and this assists in preventing water from the exterior of the enclosure reaching the drainage outlets 6.154,6.158. In use, the intervening wall between the outlet aperture 6.154 and the diversion recess 6.155 diverts incoming water from the edge of the comer junction downwardly so it will preferentially run off.

[048] The overhangs 5.072,4.040 of the comer cap and the extrusion (Figures 5 &4) tend to divert vertical rainfall away from the wall, while the exterior grooves of the attachment channel 4.050 also collect water and divert it to the lower ends of the inclined enclosure. Thus, if comer 6.159 is a comer of the lower side of the enclosure, the water will run off at the comer, water ingress being limited by the radial ribs and walls forming a “torture path* and the fact that the ingress has to work against gravity.

[049] Figure 7 is a cut-away view illustrating the comer assembly with walls 7.084,7.086 and wall extrusions 7.024. A cut away section of the base 7.026 is shown assembled into the base retention slots 7.056. Water which enters the enclosure, for example under the glass seal, will run down the inner wall of the wall extrusion and accumulate in the extrusion channel such as 7.052. The engagement spigots 7.090,7.094 engage the corresponding channels in the wall extrusions so the entrance to the drainage channels such as 7.150 are directed to the extrusion engagement channels such as 7.052 to receive water which has collected in the extrusion channels 7.052 and divert it to the exterior of the enclosure via aperture 7.152 and recess 7.154. As Figure 7 shows, the channels 7.150 communicate from the interior of the enclosure across the sealant channels 7.098 to the external aperture 7.152. Should the external aperture 7.152 become obstructed or if the flow is too great for a single outlet, the water will be retained by dam wall 7.160 and flow around the bend to the next drain channel in spigot 7.094. Because there is a similar drainage feature at each comer of the enclosure, the diversion via the dam 7.160 will provide at least two additional drainage paths, one at either end of the extrusion wall to which the flow from the first drainage channel has been diverted.

[050] The drainage path shown in Figure 7 includes an upright segment formed by the recess 7.154 and a transverse segment formed by the drainage PCT/AU2011/001678 WO 2012/094698 7 channel 7.150. As the upright segment faces downward, this assists in preventing ingress of water via the drainage path. The bend in the path formed by the intersection of the upright segment and the transverse segment also assists in preventing water ingress.

[051] Figure 8 is a cut-away view similar to Figure 7 with rectangular cutouts of the base 8.012 showing enlarged detail if the end 8.162 of the sealant channel 8.098. The drainage channel 8.150 can be seen transiting across the sealant channel which is shown in dash line as it is on the rear side of the comer wall 8.084 as viewed in Figure 8. Thus the drainage channel 8.150 passes from the inside of the enclosure, to the exterior recess 8.154.

[052] In this specification, reference to a document, disclosure, or other publication or use is not an admission that the document, disclosure, publication or use forms part of the common general knowledge of the skilled worker in the field of this invention at the priority date of this specification, unless otherwise stated.

[053] In this specification, terms indicating orientation or direction, such as “up", “down", “vertical", “horizontal", “left", “right" “upright’, “transverse" etc. are not intended to be absolute terms unless the context requires or indicates otherwise. These terms will normally refer to orientations shown in the drawings.

[054] Where ever it is used, the word “comprising" is to be understood in its “open" sense, that is, in the sense of “including", and thus not limited to its “closed" sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise", “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

[055] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

[056] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

Claims

1. A comer junction for a solar collector enclosure, the comer junction including at least one first engagement formation adapted to engage a second engagement formation in an enclosure wall assembly, the comer junction including a drainage channel, wherein, in use, the drainage channel transits from the interior of the enclosure to the exterior of the enclosure.
2. A comer junction for a solar collector enclosure as claimed in claim 1, including a sealant channel to accommodate a seal between overlapping portions of the comer junction and the enclosure wall.
3. A comer junction for a solar collector enclosure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first engagement formation is a spigot.
4. A comer junction as claimed in claim 2, or as claimed in claim 3 when appended to claim 2, wherein the sealant channel and the drainage channel are on opposite sides of a wall of the comer junction.
5. A comer junction as claimed in claim 4, wherein the drainage channel transits the seal.
6. A comer junction for a solar collector enclosure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second engagement formation is a channel.
7. A comer junction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage channel is part of a drain path having an outlet segment transverse to the drainage channel.
8. A comer junction as claimed in claim 7, wherein the outlet segment has a downward facing aperture.
9. A comer junction as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein a shield recess is provided between the outlet aperture and the edge of the comer junction.
10. An enclosure assembly including a comer junction as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, or claims 7 to 9 when appended to claims 4 to 6, and a wall member, wherein the enclosure wall engagement channel includes a first upright wall integral with the exterior wall of the enclosure and a second upright wall within the enclosure, the second upright wall projection above the spigot to define a first dam wall, the comer junction including a second dam wall which, in use interfaces with the first dam wall.
11. An enclosure assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second dam wall includes a transverse section adapted to engage with a first dam wall of a second enclosure wall interior.
12. A drainage arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
13. A solar collector enclosure including a comer junction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.
14. A solar collector substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.