Abstract: The system contains an unique solar collector for transferring heat energy from the sun to a solution comprising a two-phase refrigerant and a fluid absorbent. Solar radiation causes a vaporization of the refrigerant which exits from the solar panel through a separate path from the remainder of the fluid. The vaporized refrigerant is returned to a liquid state and passed through an evaporator in a lower pressure environment for producing a cooling effect. The refrigerant is recombined with the absorbent and returned to the solar collector in a high pressure environment.Three modes of operation are included in the system. Continuous cooling being the first mode. The second mode consists of storing the liquid refrigerant after separation from the refrigerant absorbent fluid. The refrigerant and absorbent are stored for future use.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in variable vacuum steam heating systems and subatmospheric steam heating systems consisting of a solar energy collecting panel capable of performing as full or part time substitute for the conventional steam boilers of vacuum steam heating systems. Essentially, the collector is two semi rigid air tight panels laminated together to provide a thin air tight chamber between their inner surfaces in which condensate being returned to the collector from the usual steam radiators, convectors, blast coils, and other heating devices is changed into steam at temperatures up to 212.degree. F. under subatmospheric pressures by solar radiation.