초록 ▼

An integrated circuit dc-comparator compares voltage signals representative of sump water and collector water temperatures in a solar energy conversion system and continuously provides a direct current voltage signal from the time that it is sensed that the collector water is 11°F warmer than the su

An integrated circuit dc-comparator compares voltage signals representative of sump water and collector water temperatures in a solar energy conversion system and continuously provides a direct current voltage signal from the time that it is sensed that the collector water is 11°F warmer than the sump water, until such time as it is sensed that the collector water is only 2°F warmer than the sump water. The integrated circuit is latched to provide the continuous dc signal notwithstanding variations in noise level, by a resistor connected between the integrated circuit output terminal and the integrated circuit input terminal at which the collector water temperature is sensed. The direct current voltage signal gates-on a sensitive gate thyristor which in turn provides a gating signal to a high power thyristor connected in cascade therewith to enable the high power thyristor to energize a pump motor for pumping water between the solar energy system collector and sump until a temperature difference of only 2°F between the collector water and sump water temperatures is sensed. The integrated circuit may be inhibited from providing the direct current voltage signal for enabling the pump motor whenever the sump water temperature exceeds a certain upper limit notwithstanding the difference between the sump water and collector water temperatures.

대표청구항 ▼

In a solar energy conversion systems, a controller for an electrical motor for a water pump for controlling circulation of water between a solar energy collector and a water storage sump in response to sensed predetermined differences between the temperature of the collector water and the temperatur

In a solar energy conversion systems, a controller for an electrical motor for a water pump for controlling circulation of water between a solar energy collector and a water storage sump in response to sensed predetermined differences between the temperature of the collector water and the temperature of the sump water, comprising: first means for comparing said sensed temperatures and for providing a first indication when it is sensed that said collector water temperature has become greater than said sump water temperature by a first predetermined difference and a second indication when it is sensed that said collector water temperature has become greater than said sump water temperature by a second lesser predetermined difference; second means for latching the first means to continuously provide said first indication from the time that it is sensed that the temperature of the collector water has become greater than the temperature of the sump water by said first predetermined difference until such time as it is sensed that the temperature of the collector water has become greater than the temperature of the sump water by said second lesser predetermined difference and for latching the first means to continuously provide said second indication from the time that said second lesser predetermined difference is sensed until such time as said first predetermined difference is sensed; and thyristor means for switching said pump motor into connection with an alternating current power source to cause circulation of said water when said first indication is provided by the first means and out of connection with said power source when said second indication is provided by the first means.