Abstract: A solar heating system for a building and other architectural structures including a solar heating system. The solar heating system comprises a solar heating module with an enclosure of panels bounding a plenum. An interior panel is disposed inside the enclosure. A collector panel, which is separated from the interior panel to define a heating chamber, is exposed to, and heated by, solar radiation. Outside air enters the heating chamber though passages in the collector panel, where the air is heated by heat transferred from the collector panel. An air-moving device is coupled with an air outlet from the plenum. The air-moving device applies a negative pressure in the heating chamber effective for drawing the outside air through the passages into the heating chamber and for withdrawing the heated air from the heating chamber through a delivery opening to the plenum for subsequent removal through the air outlet.

Abstract: A fence system whereby the fence pickets are hollow and made of clear material such as plastic or glass. The pickets are constructed to act as solar absorbers and warm air convects up the pickets to a top rail where the air is conveyed to a space to be heated. Cold air in shaded pickets is restrained from entering the top rail by means of baffles or heat exchanger.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) comprises a solar collector assembly (30), an inlet assembly (10) at an entrance of the solar collector assembly, and an outlet assembly (50) at an exit of the solar collector assembly. The solar collector assembly includes a heat-absorbing set (31) and a transparent panel (38) being assembled to a top of the heat-absorbing set. The heat-absorbing set comprises a plurality of heat-absorbing units (32) engaged with each other. A distance between the inlet assembly and the outlet assembly is equal to a longitudinal length of single heat-absorbing unit. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are examples and variations of solar energy collector systems comprising an elevated linear receiver extending generally in an east-west direction, a polar reflector field located on the polar side of the receiver, and an equatorial reflector field located on the equatorial side of the receiver. Each reflector field comprises reflectors positioned in parallel rows which extend generally in the east-west direction. The reflectors in each field are arranged and positioned to reflect incident solar radiation to the receiver during diurnal east-west processing of the sun and pivotally driven to maintain reflection of the incident solar radiation to the receiver during cyclic diurnal north-south processing of the sun. Inter-row spacings of the reflectors on opposite sides of the receiver may be asymmetrical.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collector with integrated flowpath is provided. The insert can be connected to a solar collector manifold for collecting solar energy. The insert with integrated flowpaths can be surrounded by an evacuated chamber. A fluid can be used to transfer the heat collected from the insert. The insert includes first and second flowpaths for conveying the heat transfer fluid. The fluid flowpath is continuous and integral to the insert. The fluid flowpath may be comprised of a group of chambers designed for efficient transfer of thermal energy. Methods of manufacture of inserts with continuous flowpaths are provided. These may include methods for the extrusion of inserts with integral flowpaths from a single piece of material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sun collector comprising a flat absorber body (1) on or in which one or more absorber channels (17) for the flow of a heat transfer medium are configured. In areas which are not occupied by the one or more absorber channels (17), the absorber body (1) of the present sun collector has penetrable openings (4, 10, 13) for sunlight to pass through. The sun collector therefore provides the double function of a sun collector with a partially transparent sun protection device.

Abstract: A tubular radiation absorbing device (1) designed for a solar heating application is described. The tubular radiation absorbing device has a metal central tube (3) and a glass tubular jacket (2) surrounding the central tube (3). A folding bellows (11) is connected between the central tube (3) and the tubular jacket (2), so that the tubular jacket and the central tube are movable relative to each other. A connecting element (20) connects an inner end of the folding bellows (11) with the central tube (3) and extends from the inner end of the folding bellows (11) through an inner annular space (30) between the folding bellows (11) and the central tube (3). The connecting element includes at least a part of a hydrogen window (50). A getter (6) is arranged in an outer annular space (33) between the folding bellows (11) and the tubular jacket (2).

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collector includes a receptacle and a tube positioned within the receptacle and having a closed end. The tube includes a divider cross-sectionally bifurcating the tube. The divider is spaced apart from the closed end of the tube to allow fluid communication between two bifurcated portions of the tube. A fluid is circulated through the two bifurcated portions of the tube for transferring of the solar thermal energy.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a radiant energy heat exchanging panel having two lateral tube, and a number of intermediate pipes disposed between the lateral tubes and each having a longitudinal bore communicating with the longitudinal bores of the lateral tubes for allowing the longitudinal bores of the lateral tube and the intermediate pipes to be coupled together to form a sealed working fluid flowing system, the lateral tubes and the intermediate pipes are made of synthetic materials and formed with a molding process for allowing the lateral tubes and the intermediate pipes to be easily and quickly made or manufactured. A number of fins may be coupled between the intermediate pipes.

Abstract: Volumetric solar receivers are disclosed. An illustrated volumetric solar receiver includes a heat absorbing cavity (1), a glass window, and a working fluid inlet pipe (2) and an outlet pipe (3) connecting with the heat absorbing cavity (1). The glass window comprises a double-layer hollow glass (41 and 42). The hollow portion of the glass window forms the inner cavity (43). This inner cavity (43) is provided with an outlet (44) connected to the heat absorbing cavity (1). The working fluid inlet pipe (2) is connected with this inner cavity (43) and further with the heat absorbing cavity (1) via the outlet (44) of this inner cavity. This arrangement keeps the temperature at the glass window low and prevents local overheating, and also avoids waste of heat carried away by the cooling fluid from the glass window.

Abstract: The parabolic trough collector has a receiver formed by several single absorber tubes (13). The single absorber tubes (13) are supported by absorber tube supports (14) and surrounded by a glass tube (15). Because of different expansion behavior of the absorber tube (13) and the glass tube (15) during collector operation flexible unions (17) are foreseen between absorber tube (13) and glass tube (15). In order to use the radiation coming to the non active-area where the absorber tube supports (14) and the flexible unions (17) are installed a mirror collar (20) is installed on this area. The mirror collar (20) is able to reflect the solar radiation, which is coming from different directions, to the active absorber part of the single absorber tubes (13) also when the sun incident angle is changing.

Abstract: An apparatus for pre-heating ventilation air for a building. The apparatus includes a first sunlight-absorbent collector panel on the building. The panel is exposed to ambient air and defines a first air collection space between itself and the building. The first sunlight-absorbent collector panel has a plurality of air inlet openings to allow the ambient air to pass through the openings to the first air collection space. A second sunlight-absorbent collector panel on the building is adjacent the first sunlight-absorbent collector panel and defines a second air collection space between itself and the building. The second sunlight-absorbent collector panel has a plurality of air inlet openings to allow air to pass through the openings to the second air collection space. A glazing covers the second sunlight-absorbent collector panel and defines an intermediary air flow chamber between itself and the second sunlight-absorbent collector panel.

Abstract: A solar receiver (2) comprises a housing (4) defining a receiver chamber (12) and an aperture (14); a window (16) mounted in the aperture (14); at least two inlet means (17) axially spaced from the window (16) and positioned at different distances therefrom for the injection into the receiver chamber (12) of different flows of workind fluid; an outlet means (18) for the ejection of the working fluid out of the receiver chamber (12); and absorption control means for the provision of the different flows of the working fluid with different capability to absorb solar radiation

Abstract: The absorber pipe (1), especially for a parabolic collector for a solar heat collecting apparatus, is described. The absorber pipe (1) includes central metal pipe (3), a glass sleeve tube (2) surrounding the nine so that an annular space (4) is formed between them and an expansion compensating device connecting the central metal nine and a glass-metal transitional element (5) on a free end of the sleeve tube (2). The expansion compensation device (10) connects the metal pipe and sleeve tube, so that they can slide relative to each other, and includes folding bellows (11) for that purpose. Furthermore it also includes a connecting element (15), which has either a cylindrical or a conical section (17,18,18?) and which connects an interior end of the folding bellows with the metal pipe.

Abstract: A bottom supported solar receiver tube/header assembly having a bottom clip for supporting the entire load of a plurality of tubes carrying a heat absorbing fluid. The tubes are allowed to expand vertically upwardly under thermal flux conditions created when the fluid absorbs heat from the solar receiver panel. A receiver panel assembly incorporating a plurality of the bottom supported receiver tubes requires less piping than a comparably sized, conventional receiver panel assembly with top supported tubes and even better facilitates access and maintenance of valves associated with the receiver panel assembly. The invention further allows a solar receiver panel assembly to be constructed with significantly fewer drain and vent valves than previously developed, top supported receiver panel assemblies.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrating collector having a frame with bottom, end and side panels of corrugated material adapted to include secondary side panels that are folded inward and have vertical slots for containment of parabolic supports for a flexible reflective surface placed on top of the supports. Frame end panels have apertures located on the parabolic focal line for connection of fluid conduits outside the frame. For arrangement in solar collector arrays, conduit apertures in end-to-end mounted collectors are aligned to receive a common absorber pipe that extends through and beyond a plurality of collector frames for external connections to conduits in the next adjacent parabolic reflective surface parallel to the first reflective surface in the same frame. Supports for the reflective surface have parabolic cutouts in the top portion and are processed as multiple side by side components in a corrugating machine. The preferred material is corrugated paperboard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collector module (1) comprising a collector pipe (2) which has a inlet (9) and an outlet (10) for the heat transfer medium. Said collector module (1) also comprises at least one co-axially cross-flown collector pipe (3) which has a jacket pipe (4), an absorber pipe (5) and a co-axial pipe (6). The aim of the invention is to produce a collector module which has good mounting qualities as well as good sealing abilities and increased endurance. According to the invention, the outlet (10) comprises at least one hollow nipple (12) which extends in the radial direction of the collector pipe, whereon at least one absorbing pipe (5) is fixed in a co-axial manner, whereby at least one sealing element (15) is arranged between the nipple (12) and the absorbing pipe (5). The inlet (9) comprises at least one element (13, 20) for receiving the co-axial pipe.

Abstract: A solar water heater has a rotationally-molded water box and a glazing subassembly disposed over the water box that enhances solar gain and provides an insulating air space between the outside environment and the water box. When used with a pressurized water system, an internal heat exchanger is integrally molded within the water box. Mounting and connection hardware is included to provide a rapid and secure method of installation.

Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral solar energy collector storage systems. Generally, an integral collector storage system includes a tank system, a plurality of heat exchange tubes with at least some of the heat exchange tubes arranged within the tank system, a first glazing layer positioned over the tank system and a base plate positioned under the tank system. In one aspect of the invention, the tank system, the first glazing layer an the base plate each include protrusions and a clip is provided to hold the layers together. In another aspect of the invention, the first glazing layer and the base plate are ribbed to provide structural support. This arrangement is particularly useful when these components are formed from plastic. In yet another aspect of the invention, the tank system has a plurality of interconnected tank chambers formed from tubes. In this aspect, a supply header pipe and a fluid return header pipe are provided at a first end of the tank system.

Abstract: A solar collector has a distribution and collecting unit having a housing and a distribution channel and a connecting channel arranged in the housing. Collector tubes for heating a fluid medium are connected to the housing. The collector tubes have an adaptor, respectively, with a rotary closure for connecting the collector tubes to the distribution channel and the collecting channel of the housing. The adaptor is rotatably adjustable for aligning the collector tubes relative to the solar radiation in order to improve thermal output of the solar collector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral solar energy collector storage systems. Generally, an integral collector storage system includes a tank system, a plurality of heat exchange tubes with at least some of the heat exchange tubes arranged within the tank system, a first glazing layer positioned over the tank system and a base plate positioned under the tank system. In one aspect of the invention, the tank system, the first glazing layer an the base plate each include protrusions and a clip is provided to hold the layers together. In another aspect of the invention, the first glazing layer and the base plate are ribbed to provide structural support. This arrangement is particularly useful when these components are formed from plastic. In yet another aspect of the invention, the tank system has a plurality of interconnected tank chambers formed from tubes. In this aspect, a supply header pipe and a fluid return header pipe are provided at a first end of the tank system.

Abstract: In a solar energy collector assembly comprising a tubular heat collector member and a reflector extending along a length of the tubular heat collector member, the reflector consists of a modified compound parabolic concentrator having a bottom part defined by a linear segment in cross section. Thus, the shape of the reflector is significantly simplified without substantially impairing the efficiency in the collection of heat.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device for converting radiation energy into electric power, includes a front side exposed to radiation from a radiation source, a backside; and a cooling unit having a liquid medium, e.g. water, arranged between the front side and the radiation source. The liquid medium is surrounded by an envelope, and forms with the envelope a selective filter allowing passage of radiation useful for the photovoltaic effect and converting the longer wave radiation into hear which is immediately dissipated to substantially prevent heating of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained, solar powered heating and cooling system for a building. The collector has an insulated heating chamber, and a light transmissive cover and a thermostatically controlled vent. The chamber contains absorptive columns standing on the floor. An internal liquid conduit exposes the liquid to the heat within the chamber. The collector is connected to a remote thermal reservoir such that a liquid circuit and a separate gas circuit both circulate heated fluid to the reservoir. Heat can be stored in any of a liquid reservoir, thermal mass reservoir and gas reservoir. Wind powered generators and photovoltaic cells provide power for the system or other applications. The thermal reservoir has heat exchangers which deliver stored heat to the building or operate a heat operated refrigeration machine (e.g., a liquid absorption chiller). Additional self sustaining power sources may optionally be incorporated into the present invention.

Abstract: In a heat collector comprising a linear tubular heat collector member defining an internal passage for conducting fluid a reflector having a reflecting surface partly surrounding the heat collector member and a heat insulating member provided in association with the reflector. The insulating member is typically directly attached to the reflector. The heat insulating member improves the thermal efficiency of the heat collector.

Abstract: In a radiation heat collector, comprising: a linear tubular heat collector member defining an internal passage for conducting fluid and a reflector having a reflecting surface partly surrounding the heat collector member, the reflector is rotatably supported around the heat collector member so that the angular position can be changed at will so as to optimize the orientation of the reflector for the given location, inclination of the solar collector, time of the year and time of the day.

Abstract: A solar power heating system includes a plurality of concentrating solar collectors each comprising a frame having two side walls and a reflecting layer attached to the inside thereof. Each of the side walls has two engaging members so as to conveniently connect with others. An isolating block is received between the two side walls and a circulating tube is engaged in the isolating block with a section of the circulating tube being exposed from the top of the isolating block. An absorbing layer is attached to the top of the isolating block and the section of the circulating tube. A lens device is connected between the two side walls so that water flowing through the circulating tube is heated by the absorbing layer. A heat exchanging device is connected to concentrating solar collectors.

Abstract: A collector core (104) for a solar water-heating-system (100) includes a plurality of heat-absorbing pipes (108) each of which surrounds a cooler-water return-pipe (116). The heating-pipes (108) may connect directly to an insulated hot-water storage-tank (104) from which cooler water descends through the return-pipes (116) into the heating-pipes (108). Upon reaching the end of the return-pipes (116), the cooler water flows outward into the space between the surrounding heating-pipes (108) and the inner return-pipes (116). Upon warming, water between the two pipes (108, 116) rises upward back to the hot-water storage-tank (104) thus completing the thermosyphon flow cycle. Preferably, the inner return-pipe (116) is made of polyvinyl chloride ("PVC"), polybutelene ("PB"), or other compressible material which permits collector core (106) operation both in freezing and non-freezing environments.

Abstract: A light weight modular solar water heater whereby the entire solar collector of the system can be shipped in a single box by a low cost parcel service (like UPS) which is designed to be easily assembled and installed by one person such as a homeowner, handyman or installer hereinafter referred to as "installer" wherein the preferred embodiment the collector module is shipped in a single box with the frame and solar energy absorber in two sections using a three piece glazing and trim assembly allowing for the collector end sections to be fully assembled at the factory and allowing for the center section to be open for the solar collector installer to have easy access to connect the frame and absorber sections and may be attached to the roof using a unique tabbed mounting rails which allow for the attachment to the roof of multiple collectors using a tabbed U shaped bracket between collectors with absorber connections made using couplers which pull or "float" out of the collector after shipping for connection t

Abstract: A solar heat collecting apparatus includes a first, inner glass dome, and a second, larger outer glass dome disposed outwardly from the inner dome. Both of the inner and outer domes have respective inner and outer surfaces and an open end, and an infrared reflective coating is adhered to the inner surface of the outer dome. A solder glass seal joins the open ends of the inner and outer domes together, thereby forming a void between said inner and outer domes. Means are provided for rechargeably forming a vacuum in the void, and an absorber plate is disposed beneath and covered by the inner and outer domes. Solar radiation entering the solar heat collecting apparatus according to the present invention is absorbed by the absorber plate, and transferred to a remote storage system by conventional heat transfer means, such as an array of conduits placed in thermal contact with the absorber plate and containing a suitable fluid.

Abstract: This invention provides a molten salt, solar central smooth tube receiver that is able to effectively absorb a peak solar flux of 1.42 MW/M.sup.2 by constructing the receiver from low cycle fatigue 625 alloy. Although higher flux levels are attainable for a smooth tube receiver by reducing the tube diameter to increase the salt's heat transfer coefficient, the receiver's size is optimized at this flux level to minimize capital and performance costs. Analogously, material provides substantial performance and capital cost improvements for receivers constructed with internally enhanced film coefficient tubes. The receiver's cost is minimized by utilizing autogenously welded and drawn tubing with the weld located at the tube's neutral axis to provide minimal strain at the weld.

Abstract: A flat plate solar collector comprising a planar glazing and a rear housing formed into a number of semi-circular cells to receive fin-tube absorbers with minimal direct contact, the glazing being a low iron glass with an anti-reflective exterior coating and a low emissivity interior coating, the glazing being directly supported by the rear housing cells, the interior wall of the rear housing and the lower side of the fin-tube absorber having low emissivity surfaces. At least one radiation shield member having low emissivity upper and lower surfaces is positioned between the fin-tube absorber and the rear housing. The collector is evacuated by atmosphere control means also capable of reintroducing atmosphere into the collector to control internal temperature.

Abstract: A solar thermal cell must include such a means of stopping solar radiation that no radiation is reemitted. Known art black, heat-binding absorbing surfaces are of this kind. The collecting of solar radiation energy should take place using a liquid jacket covering the entire southfacing pane of the roof, the said liquid jacket being implemented by means of a relatively inexpensive, well-sealed structure that should also be capable of withstanding strains such as that caused by snow.Underneath solar thermal cell's intermediate spaces (5) for the heatcollecting liquid, there is a dark-surfaced mineral wool board (1) stopping solar radiation. The intermediate space (5) may be located between two light-admitting membranes (2 and 3) and overlying there may be a light-admitting sheet of corrugated fiberglass (4). Between the membranes (2 and 3) or equivalent there may be ridges (6) forming intermediate spaces (5) between the mebranes (2 and 3). The intermediate spaces (5) may be arranged in tiers; e.g.

Abstract: A solar absorber assembly (13) having upper and lower connectors (14, 15) between which tubes (16) extend for conveying water to be heated, the tubes (16) being surrounded by a glazing assembly (17) which is supported by the connectors (14, 15). The connectors (14, 15) may be connected with adjacent connectors (14, 15) of adjacent assemblies (13) to form a fence panel (11) which can be supported by posts (12), the fence panel (11) also serving as a security fence for swimming pools.

Abstract: In a solar collector assembly, one or more absorber tubes are made up of a plurality of discarded metal can bodies in end-to-end relation, one or more collector tubes are made up of a plurality of discarded transparent pop bottles arranged in end-to-end relation to one another and in surrounding relation to the absorber tubes. A blower is positioned in one of the absorber tubes to force air through the absorber tube and through a discharge conduit into a space to be heated.