Abstract: A solar collector includes a plurality of panels overlapped along one direction such that each panel overlies a portion of one adjacent panel and underlies a portion of another adjacent panel to define overlapping areas. The panels are slightly transversely spaced from one another in the overlapping areas for flow of air therebetween to a plenum chamber at least partly enclosed by the panels. Heat absorbed by the panels from solar radiation is transferred to air flowing over the panels and through the spaces in the overlapping areas.

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: A combined solar energy collector, fluid chiller and energy storage system. A movable interior insulated panel in a storage tank is positionable flush against the storage tank wall to insulate the tank for energy storage. The movable interior insulated panel is alternately positionable to form a solar collector or fluid chiller through which the fluid flows by natural circulation.

Abstract: A dryer for particulate material combines the drying effect of a stream of heated gas circulated by a blower in a closed duct system with that of a radiator structure which is in the drying chamber and is in a heat pump circuit. The condenser of the heat pump circuit is in the duct system where it condenses moisture from the gas which has passed through the particulate material. The heat pump compressor is driven by an internal combustion engine which is in a compartment in heat exchange relationship with the duct system. The engine cooling system radiator is immediately downstream from the condenser and the engine exhaust system includes a heat exchanger which is in the duct downstream from the engine cooling radiator.