Abstract: A solar collector utilizing elongated channel-shaped reflector members which comprise modified parabolas in cross-section to reflect sun rays onto straight sections of a tubular conductor of heat-transfer fluid located substantially along the focal lines of said reflector members and being oval in cross-section to intercept the rays of the sun as the position of the sun rises above and falls below the central axes of said reflector members, a series of said reflector members and conductors being horizontal in use for gravity drain and flow and the ends of the straight sections being connected to provide a sinous tube system. An insulating frame supports said reflector members and tube systems and a transparent cover extends across the outer face in use.

Abstract: A thermal storage and heat transfer system for use with a solar energy heat collector comprising a tank having a plurality of temperature zones therein each zone having, preferably, a plurality of layers of closely arranged cells of irregular shape occupying a minimum space to provide a maximum number of cells in said space in a manner to provide ample passages between the cells for a liquid heat transfer medium to contact and move past appreciable surface areas to effect heat transfer to and from said medium, said cells in said zones respectively having sealed therein different heat storage mediums of a nature to develope a substantially constant latent heat of fusion temperature when changing from liquid to solid state at a predetermined temperature, and a pump connected to said tank and operable to circulate said heat transfer medium through said passages from and to a solar heat collector. The prefered shape of said cells is a tetrahedron or a similar simple solid geometric configuration.