Interchangeable Modular Solar Thermal Collector Builing Block System

Abstract

Solar hot water collector array comprised of rows and or columns of modular solar thermal collectors with a single array inlet and outlet. The identical interchangeable modules, of one square meter (10 Sq. Ft.) each weighing about ten kg (22 Lb.) can be transported conveniently and carried to the roof by one person with one ladder. The identical modules are plumbed together by four standard plumbing connections located near the module corners. One side of the interchangeable module is the inlet/outlet while the other side is either closed/unused or connected to the inlet/outlet side of the collector in the row next to it. Collectors in the end column form the series backbone of the fluid flow. Collectors in rows off the backbone column form parallel fluid paths. Many interchangeable modules can be placed together like bricks to form the desired column by row array.

1 . An interchangeable modular solar thermal collector building block which can be easily plumbed together in a column and row array to cover large areas with a single inlet and outlet.  
   
   
       2 . An interchangeable modular solar thermal collector building block according to  claim 1  which has the top plumbing fittings (left and right) and bottom plumbing fittings (left and right) are connected by common heat absorbing pipe elements which are then interconnected by a serpentine heat absorbing pipe element.  
   
   
       3 . A row of interchangeable modular solar thermal collector according to  claim 1  which are plumbed for parallel fluid flow, where modules can be added on the row.  
   
   
       4 . A column of interchangeable modular solar thermal collector according to  claim 1  which are plumbed for series fluid flow, where modules can be added into the column.  
   
   
       5 . A two column array backbone of interchangeable modular solar thermal collector according to  claim 1  which have the columns plumbed for series fluid flow, with the two columns plumbed together in parallel, where modules can be added on either column going either right or left.  
   
   
       6 . A row/column array of interchangeable modular solar thermal collector according to  claim 1  which have rows plumbed together in parallel which are then organized into a column plumbed for series fluid flow, where modules can be added at the row ends or new row of modules added to the column.  
   
   
       7 . Standard plumbing interconnections to the interchangeable modular solar thermal collectors which may use valves and fittings: compression, ball/cone unions, flared fittings, male or female pipe threads; or standard copper sweat solder.