Solar heat pipe heat exchanger

Abstract

This invention relates to the process of collecting heat and removing heat from a heat pipe for solar energy applications. More specifically, this invention is a solar energy system that elegantly couples a heat pipe and a single header heat transfer assembly that has the capability of interchangeable operational designs using solar collector panel, solar vacuum tube, or integrated solar thermal and photovoltaic array configurations. The header assembly is structurally and thermally connected to the heat pipe by a heat pipe receiver which surrounds the condenser end of the heat pipe and plugs into the interior of the header assembly.

1 . A solar heat pipe heat exchanger, comprising:
 a single header with a length and two ends, said header comprising an inlet with an inlet interior space extending the length of the header for inlet passage of heat transfer fluid;   the single header also comprising a return extending the length of the header for outlet passage of heat transfer fluid, the return being separated from the inlet by a thermal gap for the length of the header, and the return being secured to the inlet by a flange at each end of the header; and,   the inlet having a heat pipe receiver extending into the inlet interior space, the heat pipe receiver being adapted to matingly accept the condensation end of a pipe.   
     
     
         2 . The heat exchanger of  claim 1  wherein the inlet interior space comprises a plurality of passageways formed by heat transfer fins. 
     
     
         3 . The heat exchanger of  claim 1  wherein the heat pipe receiver is a finned tube. 
     
     
         4 . The heat exchanger of  claim 2  wherein the heat pipe receiver contacts the heat transfer fins.