Abstract: A supplemental solar energy collection system including a photovoltaic panel which converts incident radiation into electricity. A housing includes a top thermally conductive surface mated with the photovoltaic panel and serving as a thermal collector. Open channels behind the thermally conductive surface carry fluid in contact with the top thermally conductive surface for removing heat from the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting and utilizing energy generated by the sun, comprising a layered construction provided with a substrate layer and a cover layer comprising a curable mortar, wherein there is arranged on the substrate layer a tube system through which a fluid can be transported in order to regulate the temperature in the tube system, this tube system being at least partially embedded in the mortar, and wherein the mortar of the cover layer comprises insulating granules, cement, water and additives. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a layered construction for a device for collecting and utilizing energy generated by the sun.

Abstract: This invention relates to solar engineering. The solar collector, which comprises a closed enclosure and an absorber 5 with channels for a liquid heat carrier, is designed in the form of a cylindrical portion having radius R1 and an axis coinciding with the axis of the central cylindrical portion 1 of the enclosure. The absorber 5 consists of thin-walled, interconnected modules. The modules are provided with bulges on the rear side thereof, in which channels with slots are made for arranging pipes forming heat-carrier flowing channels. In addition, the absorber can be designed in the form of a storage tank. The shape of the collector is optimized in such a way that the axes of the two lateral cylindrical portions 2 thereof are remote at distance L and the central cylindrical portion 1 is as remote as possible from a plane 3 tangential to the lateral cylindrical portions 2 at a distance H having the defined ratio of geometric parameters.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a first header, a second header and one or more riser tubes that connect the first header and second header. The solar collector is mounted to a surface, e.g., a roof, such that the headers are substantially parallel to a horizontal axis. The first header is curved so as to define a low point that facilitates drainage of liquid from the solar collector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in-floor radiant heating system having a tube that is received into low profile panels. Channels are formed in the top of the panels. The channels can have a neck shaped top section and a circular shaped bottom section. The bottom section has a diameter that is larger than the width of the top section. The diameter of the tubing is smaller than the diameter of the bottom section to ensure a snug fit. Flares can be located between the ends of the channels and the sides of the panel to allow the tube to bend and fit between adjacent panels that are offset up to a determined amount. A transition piece can be used to interface between a room with the in-floor system and one without. An installer can see the top of the tubing during the installation process.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collector manifold is provided. The manifold is connected to solar collector tubes for collecting solar energy. A fluid is used to transfer the heat collected from the collector tubes. The manifold includes an inlet path for receiving the fluid, a fluid flow path for transferring the fluid to the solar collector tubes, and an outlet path for outputting the heated fluid. To facilitate the flow paths, the manifold includes a plate with depressions.

Abstract: A high concentration central receiver system and method provides improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under a compressive stress.

Abstract: A plate-tube type heat exchanger not requiring maintenance is described, comprising: a plate with a plurality of channels running parallel along thereof; and, a plurality of tubes housed and secured to said channels, thus forming a circuit for the circulation of a heating fluid, a cooling fluid or a means of heating; the plate includes integrally attachment means associated to each channel, which in their closed position, cover along with its corresponding channel, almost the entire tube external perimeter housing in said channel, thereby securing each of the tubes to the whole plate, without the use of welding and a large contact surface is achieved for the heat conduction between the plate and each one of the tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a condenser for radiating heat of a high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from a compressor to room temperature air and cooling water to condense and liquefy the refrigerant, and more particularly, to a condenser provided with a condensing tube and a cooling plate for helping heat radiation of the condensing tube, the condensing tube and the cooling plate being provided in various structures, thereby improving a condensation efficiency. The condenser includes: a condensing tube 10 including a refrigerant inlet 12 formed at one end thereof, a refrigerant outlet 14 formed at the other end thereof, and a passage pipe 16 having a heat radiation protrusion formed on an outer circumference thereof; and a cooling plate having a groove 22 on which the condensing tube is mounted so as to prevent a separation of the condensing tube, and a plurality of bent pieces 24 formed protruding from left and right sides of the groove 22.

Abstract: An improved solar collector pipe that directly conveys fluid to be heated and collects and transfers solar energy efficiently and directly to the internal fluid, thereby maximizing both the amount of energy transmitted to the internal fluid and the peak temperature attainable by that fluid. The solar collector pipe includes a transparent portion for admitting solar energy into the solar collector pipe. Internal to the solar collector pipe is an absorbing portion for absorbing solar energy. A conduit portion is also included and comprises a reflecting surface thereon for reflecting solar energy received through the transparent portion onto the absorbing portion. In embodiments of the invention, the transparent portion, the conduit portion, and the absorbing portion together define at least one fluid passageway for conveying the fluid. In other embodiments of the invention, an internal conduit defines a fluid passageway for conveying the fluid.

Abstract: A system of elements capable of transferring thermal energy from outside to inside a building or vice versa, has abutting waterproof trays (a) enclosing tubes (d) at their junction. Correspondingly long slotted profiles (b) enclosing the joints and held captive by them may be rotated to allow the insertion of rigid elements (c) sequentially so that adjacent pairs of profiles (b) are restrained from further rotational movement and provide a planar surface. Rigid elements (c) of sufficient density may provide a flat roof which is self-ballasting against wind uplift without penetrative fixings to the sub-surface.