Abstract: A solar energy collector wherein the absorber means comprises a black liquid absorber for converting solar energy to thermal energy and absorbing the thermal energy. The solar energy collector includes an upper cover having a plurality of raised chamber modules each having surfaces angularly disposed to the cover surface for collecting and transmitting solar energy to the black liquid absorber. Center plate means are provided for exposing the black liquid absorber to solar radiation and comprise a floating member having an upper and lower surface means transparent to solar energy and defining a plurality of upper and lower elongated channel means for circulating the black liquid absorber there within to provide a flow-return flow of the black liquid absorber thereby providing additional exposure to solar radiation.

Abstract: A solar energy collector wherein the absorber means comprises a black liquid absorber for converting solar energy to thermal energy and absorbing the thermal energy. The solar energy collector includes an upper cover having a plurality of raised chamber modules each having surfaces angularly disposed to the cover surface for collecting and transmitting solar energy to the black liquid absorber. Means are provided for exposing the black liquid absorber to solar radiation and comprise an upper and lower surface means transparent to solar energy and defining a plurality of elongated channel means for conveying the black liquid absorber therebetween. Inlet means are provided for introducing the black liquid abosrber to the channel means and outlet means are provided for conveying away the black liquid absorber and absorbed thermal energy.

Abstract: A solar energy receiving surface having a heat exchange fluid conduit for circulating a heat exchange fluid in contact with the energy receiving surface is positioned between and thermally insulated from an upper and a lower cover, the lower cover serving as a base, and the upper cover, serving as a fixed tracking system, is provided with a multiplicity of raised surfaces which trap and collect incident solar radiation and direct it to the energy receiving surface. In the preferred embodiment the collector is evacuated to provide greater thermal insulation efficiency. Other conduits are provided to introduce a heat exchange fluid and to receive or collect the fluid after it has been in heat exchange contact with the energy receiving surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting radiant solar energy to provide solar heating which may be used singly or in multiples as modular units. The apparatus is constructed as a self-contained unit having an insulated base, an energy receiving surface positioned adjacent the insulated base, and a heat exchange fluid conduit for circulating a heat exchange fluid in contact with the energy receiving surface. Other conduits are provided to introduce a heat exchange fluid and to receive or collect the fluid after it has been in contact with the energy receiving surface. The top or cover of the collector module is positioned in spaced relationship adjacent the energy receiving surface. The cover is transparent to solar energy and is provided with a plurality of spaced raised structures having surfaces angularly disposed to transmit radiant solar energy to the energy receiving surface. Side walls provide a self-contained unit and permit mounting of the unit on a surface.