Solar water heating system

Abstract

One or more hot water solar systems or solar collection assemblies are disclosed herein. The solar collection assemblies may include an insulating support assembly for supporting a tank above a nearby ground surface. An immersion vent having improved characteristics may be provided. A BTU meter positioned within an equipment cavity and having improved characteristics may be provided. Insulated tank supports having improved characteristics may be provided. A heat exchanger to panel sizing ratio for improved performance may be provided.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A solar collection assembly comprising:
 an array configured for receiving energy from sunlight and passing a fluid therethrough to heat the fluid;   a tank assembly in fluid communication with the array and configured for storing heated fluids; and   an insulated support assembly that carries the tank assembly spaced-apart from a surrounding surface.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the support assembly comprises a skid that runs about the length of the tank assembly and the skid is made from an insulating material. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the support assembly comprises supports that define a joint about a medial portion, the joint defining a gap that receives a block of insulating material. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further including an immersion vent defined in a storage tank of the tank assembly and extending from a sidewall thereof at an angle into a top portion of the tank. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the tank assembly includes a tank that is receivably enclosed within an insulated casing, the tank having a length shorter than the casing to thereby define an insulated cavity therein. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein a line extends from the tank through the insulated cavity outward of the tank assembly for supplying liquid to the array. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 6 , further including a pump positioned outward of the tank assembly and in communication with the line for pumping liquids to the array. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein one or more heat generating components are positioned within the insulated cavity. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more heat generating components are one of a heat exchange, pump, and flow sensor. 
     
     
         10 . A tank assembly for use with a solar collection assembly, the tank assembly comprising:
 a casing defining an inner insulating layer and an insulated cavity therein;   a tank that is received within the insulated cavity; and   an insulated support assembly that carries the tank assembly spaced-apart from a surrounding surface.   
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the support assembly comprises a skid that runs about the length of the tank assembly and the skid is made from an insulating material. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the support assembly comprises supports that define a joint about a medial portion, the joint defining a gap that receives a block of insulating material. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 10 , further including an immersion vent defined in a storage tank of the tank assembly and extending from a sidewall thereof at an angle into a top portion of the tank. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein a line extends from the tank through the insulated cavity outward of the tank assembly for supplying liquid to an array. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein one or more heat generating components are positioned within the insulated cavity. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the one or more heat generating components are one of a heat exchange, pump, and flow sensor.