Abstract: A solar powered water pump combines an evacuated tubular solar collector array for heating air with a diaphragm type pump by providing an internal heat exchanger in the manifold of the collector array. The heat exchanger uses heat from the heated air to generate steam from water. The steam from the heat exchanger is used to drive the diaphragm pump. Another heat exchange medium such as freon or ammonia can be used in place of water.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved venting arrangement for a solar energy collecting device of the type wherein a double walled tubular-type structure is employed with the outer wall of the inner tube carrying a solar absorbent coating and the interior of the inner tube being periodically filled with a heat transfer fluid. To prevent such heat transfer fluid from completely filling the inner tube, and thus establishing an undesirable siphoning action, and to concurrently permit the unrestricted venting of air out of the inner tube during filling and into the inner tube upon drainage of the fluid therefrom, this disclosure provides a vent tube extending into the upper regions of the inner tube and having a floatable valve structure mounted on its upper end and arranged so as to effect a seating of the valve and the closing of the vent tube when the fluid level in the inner tube reaches a desired height.

Abstract: The invention is a solar energy conversion apparatus in which several evacuated, glass tubular collectors are connected together in a liquid circulation system for controlled movement of a liquid between the interior of the collectors and a storage tank. Liquid circulation is controlled by sensors and switches therefor in regulating operation of valves and/or a pump. The conditions for circulating the liquid rely upon (1) sensing a need for energy at the storage tank, (2) sensing solar radiation availability, (3) sensing thermal conditions in the solar collector tubes to avoid high temperature and thermal shock, and sensing a need to withdraw hot liquid and add more.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solar water glass lined tank in which a copper tubing heat exchanger coil is installed and connected across inlet and outlet fittings of the tank. The circuit for circulation of a fluid which is to be heated or cooled is connected to these fittings for thermal exchange with fluid in the tank. Legs are secured to the tubing coil by flexible fasteners, such as plastic or plastic coated wire ties, and the tubing coil is installed in the tank prior to welding a head wall in place. The legs are spaced about the coil formation and extend from a sidewall, top-head corner junction of the tank. The legs are preferably of the same metal material as the coil and are cushioned at their ends with rubber or plastic bumpers. The head wall is welded in place and the tank is assembled for shipment and use.