Abstract: A solar collector system is provided. The solar collector system comprises a frame member and a top plate supported by the frame member with the top plate being transparent to solar energy. A membrane is supported within the frame beneath the top plate and a solar absorber plate supported within the frame beneath the membrane. A collector or plurality of collectors removes heat from the solar absorber plate. The collectors have a fluid selectively flowable through the heat collectors wherein upon the membrane achieving a first predetermined temperature, the membrane becomes substantially taut within the frame and spaced from the solar absorber plate and wherein upon the membrane achieving a second predetermined temperature, the membrane becomes substantially flaccid and contacts the solar absorber plate thereby maintaining the solar absorber plate below the second predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An isothermal heat pipe system for transferring heat from a primary fluid, such as geothermal water or steam, municipal water system, solar heated water, or the like, to another medium to be heated isothermally, such as a road or bridge deck surface, includes an elongated enclosed chamber with a volatile liquid, such as ammonia or freon, contained therein, a heat exchanger tube positioned to run through the chamber in contact with the volatile liquid, and elongated distribution pipes connected in fluid-flow relation to and extending upwardly from the upper portion of the common chamber above the level of the volatile fluid and extending into divers portions of the medium to be heated in spaced-apart relation to each other in such a manner that there is a continuous downward gradient in each of the distributor tubes from the distal end thereof to the chamber.