Abstract: Using thermal radiation to supply occupant comfort has long existed in the heating domain, and to a lesser scale in the cooling domain. Cooling power of radiant cooling systems is limited by the risk of condensation on the panel itself, as well as adjacent surfaces. Similarly, convective system losses to the ambient air prevent maintaining a large temperature difference from the surface and the surroundings. The disclosed approach combats these common pitfalls of radiant cooling systems in the building domain, increasing the power and therefore applicability of radiant cooling.

Abstract: Various embodiments may relate to a radiant cooler. The radiant cooler may include a chamber. The radiant cooler may also include a vacuum pump connected to the chamber. The radiant cooler may further include an infrared absorber arranged within the chamber. A wall of the chamber may be configured to allow at least a portion of infrared light to pass through. The vacuum pump may be configured to generate a vacuum in the chamber. The infrared absorber may include a fluid, i.e. a liquid, configured to evaporate into the vacuum upon receiving thermal energy from at least the portion of infrared light.

Abstract: A heat receiver tube for absorbing solar energy and for transferring absorbed solar energy to a heat transfer fluid which can be located inside of at least one core tube of the heat receiver tube is provided. The core tube includes a core tube surface with at least one solar energy absorptive coating for absorbing solar radiation. The core tube is enveloped by at least one enveloping tube. The enveloping tube includes at least one enveloping tube wall which is at least partly transparent for the solar radiation. The enveloping tube wall includes at least one inner enveloping tube surface. The core tube and the enveloping tube are coaxially arranged to each other such that an inner heat receiver tube space is formed which is bordered by the core tube surface (and the inner enveloping tube surface.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum solar thermal collector module including a case having an open top and an internal space, a vacuum thermal collector panel provided inside the case and having a vacuum inside, and an insulation disposed between the vacuum thermal collector panel and the case to block heat transfer, wherein the vacuum thermal collector panel is plural and arranged in a horizontal direction inside the case.

Abstract: An air heating unit using solar energy has an inner core further comprised of at least one passageway within which air circulates while being interfered by baffles shaped, sized, and positioned so as to create turbulence in the air flow in order to homogeneously warm the air.

Abstract: An solar energy harvester and method for controlling the solar energy harvester, in which an insolation collector is formed of one or more elements each having two opposite major sides, a first side and a second side, and being configured to collect energy from insolation incident on any of the first and second sides. A cradle enables installation of the insolation collector on a roof with the first side generally towards the sun independently of the form of the roof. One or more heliostats reflect insolation to the second side of the insolation collector. A controller controls the one or more heliostats to maintain reflected insolation incident on the collector and to decrease the reflected insolation incident on the collector when necessary to inhibit the insolation collector receiving insolation exceeding given threshold through its first and second sides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid solar panel comprising: photovoltaic elements (1) having a front face and a rear face; a heat exchanger (E) arranged opposite the rear face of said photovoltaic elements (1); and a cooling fluid circulating in said exchanger (E) in such a way as to cool the photovoltaic elements (1), said exchanger (E) comprising a heat exchange region (ZE) through which said fluid flows, arranged beneath said photovoltaic elements (1), said exchange region comprising elements (20) that enable the flow of the fluid to be disrupted in such a way as to stimulate the heat exchanges in the exchange region (ZE).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting and utilizing energy generated by the sun, comprising a layered construction provided with a substrate layer and a cover layer comprising a curable mortar, wherein there is arranged on the substrate layer a tube system through which a fluid can be transported in order to regulate the temperature in the tube system, this tube system being at least partially embedded in the mortar, and wherein the mortar of the cover layer comprises insulating granules, cement, water and additives. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a layered construction for a device for collecting and utilizing energy generated by the sun.

Abstract: A housing for a solar absorber module for a solar thermal power plant is described. The housing has a first tapered housing section with a first free end to accommodate a ceramic solar absorber element and a second end with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the first end. The housing also has a second housing section with a cross-section substantially constant over its length. The second housing section is linked to the second end of the first housing section. A wall with a plurality of openings and extending across the entire internal cross-section of the first housing section is arranged in the first tapered housing section. A method for producing such housing is also described, as well as a method for fastening the housing to a support structure.

Abstract: A solar air heating module is provided including an air entrance situated proximate to a bottom of the module and an air exit situated proximate to the top of the module; a back film, having a plurality of conical solar collectors extending perpendicularly therefrom; a front film in contact with the collectors to prevent air from escaping between the entrance and the exit; wherein air, when entering the entrance, passes by the collectors to mix with heated air before reaching the exit. Alternatively the collectors may be aligned wherein each collector is secured to adjacent collectors by plates or a strap to allow the module to be folded or rolled up for storage.

Abstract: A solar water heating system, including: (a) a solar heating collector, having: (i) an array of convex lenses; (ii) a panel disposed below the array of convex lenses, wherein the array of convex lenses focuses sunlight on the panel to heat areas of the panel; (iii) a fluid chamber disposed below the panel; and (iv) a plurality of members extending from the panel into the fluid chamber to transfer heat from the panel into fluid in the fluid chamber; (b) a fluid reservoir; (c) a fluid inlet line for moving fluid from the fluid reservoir into the fluid inlet of the solar heating collector; (d) fluid outlet line for moving fluid from the fluid chamber of the solar heating collector to the fluid reservoir; and (e) a pump for moving fluid cyclically through the fluid chamber of the solar collector and the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A solar power conversion receiver is described. In one aspect, the solar power conversion receiver includes a circular glass envelope and an absorber tube encapsulated within the circular glass envelope. An annulus, positioned between the circular glass envelope and the outer perimeter of the absorber tube, is bifurcated by first and second fins operatively coupled to the circular glass envelope and the absorber tube. These fins create first and second annulus compartments that are substantially sealed off, or independent, from one another. The first and second fins are ductile and responsive to expansion and contraction of components in the solar power conversion receiver due to temperature effects. In one aspect, gas in the lower annulus compartment stratifies with cooler gas interfacing with the encapsulating glass envelope, and hotter gas interfacing with the hotter absorber tube, resulting reduced natural convection heat loss as compared to conventional glass encapsulated receivers.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a solar-thermal receiver comprising: (a) a light-absorbing panel comprising: (i) a light-absorbing outer surface; and (ii) an inner volume configured to admit the flow of heat transfer fluid; (b) an inlet configured to receive heat transfer fluid; and (c) an outlet configured to output the heat transfer fluid from the volume under hydrostatic pressure. Embodiments may include vanes and/or other flow-directing and/or flow-impending structural elements.

Abstract: A solar collector comprises an evacuated glass tube (8), an absorbing section (9) comprising a radiation absorbing plate (10), an elongate tube (11, 15) for a working fluid in contact with the radiation absorbing plate (10) and a wire clip (25) for retaining the absorbing section (9) in position in the solar absorbing glass tube (8). The wire clip (25) consists of a single piece wire having a clamping portion (26) for clamping onto the outer surface of the working fluid tube (11, 15) and a pair of resilient side support sections (27) flanking the clamping portion (26). The side support sections (27) extend so that portions thereof engage against the inner surface of the solar absorbing tube (8).

Abstract: An improved solar concentrator, where because sunlight is focused into parallel or collimated beams the light can be reflected and controlled by a series of mirrors and collected to form increasingly powerful collimated beams targeted onto a reactor; where each array tracks the sun with a dual-axis solar tracker, an array has multiple units that have a collecting fresnel lens, a collimating lens and a mirror, an array has a centralizing mirror which gathers the fresnel unit light in middle of each array, the array beams are then reflected off of a series of mirrors that bounce the light beams form mirror to mirror and collect the beam energy from multiple arrays into one or more high power beams, which are bounced off mirrors until they hit the reactor.

Abstract: The invention, in some embodiments, relates to solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to liquid-air transpired solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to thermal energy transfer systems that comprise solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, methods of constructing solar energy collectors are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a solar fluid heating assembly that generally increases efficiency by reflecting the sun's energy onto heat generating surfaces that face away from the sun. It also provides an aesthetic structure that is readily installed in a variety of outdoor settings and can be used as a boundary fence in certain applications. In an illustrative embodiment, the solar heater comprises one or more conduits and a reflective mechanism, such that in use, heat energy falls onto a front surface of the conduit, thereby heating water or another fluid within the conduit, and heat energy is reflected by the reflective mechanism onto another surface of the conduit, thereby further heating the fluid within the conduit.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a first wall and a second wall facing one another, which between them delimit a housing, the first wall being transparent and intended to face in the direction of the solar radiation incident upon the collector, and an absorption device for absorbing the energy derived from the solar radiation and positioned in the housing, the absorption device including at least one pipe through which a heat-transfer fluid flows. In addition, the collector includes at least one transparent spacer arranged between the first wall and the absorption device in the region of the pipe.

Abstract: A solar receiver for a solar thermal power system includes a silicon carbide body having a passage therethrough. A coating on an outer surface of the silicon carbide body may increase absorption of solar radiation relative to the silicon carbide body. A plurality of silicon carbide fins may extend outwardly from the silicon carbide body, the fins oriented such that when the receiver is placed on a tower of a solar thermal power system having a plurality of heliostats, the fins are substantially perpendicularly to solar radiation received on the silicon carbide body from the plurality of heliostats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light absorbing device which comprises an transparent outer material layer, a space through which air is circulated and heated by light radiation passing through the outer the material layer, a radiation absorbing material layer, and an element which is adapted to divide the space in at least a first subspace, which comprises a first opening, and a second subspace, which comprises a second opening. The air is adapted to flow along a path having an extension from the first opening to the second opening. The path comprises flow resistance reducing means in at least one portion of the space which is adapted to reduce the flow resistance for the gaseous medium when it is guided through said portion of the space.

Abstract: Apparatus to collect solar radiation using a series of lenses or mirrors that concentrate the solar energy onto targets. A gaseous working fluid flowing through the targets is heated and optionally supplied to a heat store having an internal walled labyrinth of a suitable material to store heat energy. A heat exchanger, turbine and electricity generator are coupled to the collection and storage apparatus so as to provide a power plant for the conversion of solar energy to electricity.

Abstract: Vacuum solar thermal panel comprising a vacuum envelope (30) defining a sealed volume, able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated, at least one heat absorber (12) being disposed inside the vacuum envelope (30), a pipe (13) entering and exiting the envelope (30) and being in contact with the heat absorber (12), said vacuum envelope (30) comprising a first plate (1; 101) made of glass, a peripheral frame (3) disposed substantially at the periphery of the first plate (1; 101), a metallic peripheral belt (4, 5; 104) joining the peripheral frame (3) to the first plate (1; 101), said metallic peripheral belt (4; 104) being joined to the first plate (1; 101) by means of a vacuum tight bulk glass-metal seal (8; 108), comprising glass material (14; 114) and obtained by fusion and subsequent solidification of said glass material (14; 114).

Abstract: A solar collector comprises an evacuated glass tube (8), an absorbing section (9) comprising a radiation absorbing plate (10), an elongate tube (11, 15) for a working fluid in contact with the radiation absorbing plate (10) and a wire clip (25) for retaining the absorbing section (9) in position in the solar absorbing glass tube (8). The wire clip (25) consists of a single piece wire having a clamping portion (26) for clamping onto the outer surface of the working fluid tube (11, 15) and a pair of resilient side support sections (27) flanking the clamping portion (26). The side support sections (27) extend so that portions thereof engage against the inner surface of the solar absorbing tube (8).

Abstract: A solar energy collecting assembly useful for transferring solar heat to a heat utilizing system via heat transfer fluid flow, comprising anisotropic graphite sheets coupled to a pipe containing heat transfer fluid, and various configurations and embodiments. Methods useful for extracting collected solar heat and transferring said heat to a heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A solar receiver is provided. The solar receiver may include a receiver housing with front and rear ends. The solar receiver may also include a window configured to allow radiation to pass therethrough. The window may be mounted at the front end and project within the housing. The solar receiver may also include a receiver chamber defined between the housing and the window. The receiver chamber may include a working fluid inlet for ingress of working fluid to be heated therewithin, and a working fluid outlet for egress therethrough of the heated working fluid. The solar receiver may also include a solar radiation absorber configured for absorbing the radiation and heating the working fluid thereby. The absorber may be located within the receiver chamber and may surround at least a portion of the window. The solar radiation absorber may be formed with projections.

Abstract: A solar receiver for conversion of solar radiation to thermal energy includes an enclosure defining a cavity and having an aperture for receiving an influx of concentrated solar radiation. A heat exchanger is received within the cavity for transferring heat out of the solar receiver. The heat exchanger comprises a plurality of heat exchange cells arranged in polygonal array within the cavity. Each heat exchange cell comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a heat exchange matrix interposed within a first volume defined between a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from the first plate. The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the first volume and the first plate, second plate, and heat exchange matrix are monolithically bonded as a unit. The first plate receives concentrated solar radiation and the heat exchange media defines a pathway for a fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet between the first and second plates.

Abstract: Evacuated solar panel (1) comprises a frame (2) carrying spacers (3,4) crossing one another and one or two transparent walls (10, 10a) connected to said frame (2) and defining with said frame (2) an evacuated closed chamber (11). The chamber (11) contains the longitudinal and transverse spacers (3,4) and an absorber (14) comprising a plurality of absorbing panels (14a, 14b) each connected to a cooling pipe (15) welded to the frame (2) at both extremities. The longitudinal spacers (3) are in contact with the transparent wall (10) to support it against the ambient pressure, while the transverse spacers (4) support the longitudinal sides of the frame (2) against the ambient pressure and are not in contact with the transparent wall (10), so allowing the absorbers (14a, 14b) to cover the whole length of the panel (1) without interruptions.

Abstract: Embodiments for methods and apparatuses for solar heating are disclosed. One solar heating apparatus includes an insulating layer adjacent to an exterior of a structure. A heat transfer plate is adjacent to the insulating layer. A fluid conduit is adjacent to the heat transfer plate. The heat transfer plate is thermally connected to the fluid conduit for transferring heat from the heat transfer plate to fluid within the fluid conduit. A weather exposed layer is thermally connected to the heat transfer plate.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning apparatus includes an inlet assembly (20), an outlet assembly (30), a solar collector assembly (10), connecting assemblies (50) and joining members (40). The solar collector assembly includes a plurality of parallel connected solar collectors (11) disposed between inlet units (22) of the inlet assembly and outlet units (32) of the outlet assembly. The solar collector includes a plurality of series connected solar collecting units (12). The solar collecting unit has a bottom plate (12d), a heat-absorbing plate (12f), a brace plate (12g) and a transparent panel (12a). The bottom plate and the heat-absorbing plate respectively have first and second fastening structures (123, 124) and first and second clasping structures (121, 122) for joining the solar collecting units together. The connecting assemblies series connecting the solar collecting units, the inlet and the outlet assemblies. The joining members parallel connecting the inlet units and the outlet units.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a solar receiver has a base plate having a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of solar cells positioned over and supported by the first surface of the base plate, and a multiplicity of fins extending outwardly from the second surface of the base plate. Each of the multiplicity of fins has a fin height axis extending generally perpendicular relative to the base plate, a fin length axis extending generally in parallel with the base plate, and a bottom end attached to the second surface of the base plate, wherein each of the multiplicity of fins are formed from a single, continuous sheet of metal arranged in a serpentine configuration, and wherein each of the multiplicity of fins have a plurality of undulations along the length axis of the fin.

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 solar collector with external reflector. A solar collector includes a glass housing having a heat pipe disposed within the housing and a light reflector disposed external to the housing.

Abstract: A high concentration central receiver system and method provides improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under a compressive stress.

Abstract: This invention provides buildings with a modular air conditioning system that utilizes solar energy for heating air. This invention contains a solar collector assembly, an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly. The solar collector assembly further comprises a transparent panel, a heat-absorbing set and a support base, and forms paths for heating the air, wherein the heat-absorbing set is made of several simple, light-weight modular heat-absorbing units to form several heat-absorbing channels. Such a design not only can fully utilize the heat-absorbing space on the roof and save the cost for being displayed in marketing channels, but also can be constructed by the users in accordance with their own needs, so as to save cost in modularization. The inlet and outlet assemblies communicate to the heat-absorbing channels in the solar collector assembly and are respectively connected to the pipes and paths leading into and out of the buildings.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting apparatus comprises a casing body, a lid for the casing body, a plurality of pillars, and a shield member. The lid for the casing body allows sunlight to pass through the lid and forms a vacuum space in collaboration with the casing body. A plurality of the pillars support the lid. The heat collecting panel is disposed so as to be apart from a side wall of the casing body in the vacuum space, and penetrated by a plurality of the pillars. The shield member blocks at least a part of clearance gaps from the heat collecting panel to the side wall and a plurality of the pillars.

Abstract: This invention provides buildings with a modular air conditioning system that utilizes solar energy for heating air. This invention contains a solar collector assembly, an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly. The solar collector assembly further comprises a transparent panel, a heat-absorbing set and a support base, and forms paths for heating the air, wherein the heat-absorbing set is made of several simple, light-weight modular heat-absorbing units to form several heat-absorbing channels. Such a design not only can fully utilize the heat-absorbing space on the roof and save the cost for being displayed in marketing channels, but also can be constructed by the users in accordance with their own needs, so as to save cost in modularization. The inlet and outlet assemblies communicate to the heat-absorbing channels in the solar collector assembly and are respectively connected to the pipes and paths leading into and out of the buildings.

Abstract: A high concentration central receiver system and method provides improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under a compressive stress.

Abstract: A high concentration central receiver system and method provides improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under a compressive stress.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting solar energy to thermal and electrical energy including a photovoltaic grid for converting the concentrated solar energy into electrical energy mounted on a copper plate that provides even temperature dispersion across the plate and acts as a thermal radiator when the apparatus is used in the radiant cooling mode; and a plurality of interconnected heat transfer tubes located within the enclosure and disposed on the plane below the copper plate but conductively coupled to the copper plate for converting the solar energy to thermal energy in a fluid disposed within the heat transfer tubes. Fresnel lenses are affixed to the apparatus on mountings for concentrating the solar energy on to the photovoltiac grid and functioning as a passive solar tracker.

Abstract: An improved solar collector pipe that directly conveys fluid to be heated and collects and transfers solar energy efficiently and directly to the internal fluid, thereby maximizing both the amount of energy transmitted to the internal fluid and the peak temperature attainable by that fluid. The solar collector pipe includes a transparent portion for admitting solar energy into the solar collector pipe. Internal to the solar collector pipe is an absorbing portion for absorbing solar energy. A conduit portion is also included and comprises a reflecting surface thereon for reflecting solar energy received through the transparent portion onto the absorbing portion. In embodiments of the invention, the transparent portion, the conduit portion, and the absorbing portion together define at least one fluid passageway for conveying the fluid. In other embodiments of the invention, an internal conduit defines a fluid passageway for conveying the fluid.

Abstract: An improved solar collector pipe that directly conveys fluid to be heated and collects and transfers solar energy efficiently and directly to the internal fluid, thereby maximizing both the amount of energy transmitted to the internal fluid and the peak temperature attainable by that fluid. The solar collector pipe includes a transparent portion for admitting solar energy into the solar collector pipe. Internal to the solar collector pipe is an absorbing portion for absorbing solar energy. A conduit portion is also included and comprises a reflecting surface thereon for reflecting solar energy received through the transparent portion onto the absorbing portion. The transparent portion, the conduit portion, and the absorbing portion together define at least one fluid passageway for conveying the fluid.

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: A nonimaging solar collector. A method and article of manufacture of a solar collector includes an outer housing transparent to light, a reflector element positioned asymmetrically within the outer housing, an absorber disposed within the outer housing, and a heat conduction fin coupled to the absorber and having a wedge shape which tapers to a smaller thickness as a function of increasing radial separation from the absorber. The heat conductor fin can be positioned at a variety of angular positions.

Abstract: A nonimaging solar collector. A method and article of manufacture of a solar collector includes an outer housing transparent to light, a reflector element position asymmetrically within the outer housing, an absorber disposed within the outer housing, and a heat conduction fin coupled to the absorber and having a wedge shape which tapers to a smaller thickness as a function of increasing radial separation from the absorber. The heat conductor fin can be positioned at a variety of angular positions.

Abstract: A nonimaging solar collector. A method and article of manufacture of a solar collector includes an outer housing transparent to light, a reflector element positioned asymmetrically within the outer housing, an absorber disposed within the outer housing, and a heat conduction fin coupled to the absorber and having a wedge shape which tapers to a smaller thickness as a function of increasing radial separation from the absorber. The heat conductor fin can be positioned at a variety of angular positions.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a copper plate and copper tubes for the collection and harnessing of solar energy. The copper tubes are thermally coupled to the copper plate by a copper alloy fillet. The copper tubes, the copper plate and the copper alloy fillet preferably are brazed in a controlled atmospheric furnace at a temperature in the range from approximately 1700 to about 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The solar collector includes a housing for the plate and the tubes having two side walls, two end walls, a rear wall and a removable cover closing an open front side of the housing. One of the end walls and each of the side walls have a slot defined therein generally parallel to a plane of the rear wall for releasably receiving the cover which is formed of a glazing material. A solar collector according to this invention provides enhanced thermal conductivities, increased durability and the concomitant advantages associated with improved manufacturing economies.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting panel having three stacked compartments enclosed within a frame. A pair of similar spaced apart parallel clear plastic sheets form the top and bottom of the uppermost compartment. The middle compartment is formed by the bottom sheet of the uppermost compartment and a similar parallel spaced apart sheet. A metallic heat absorption sheet lies parallel to the bottom sheet of the uppermost compartment and is spaced between the top and bottom sheets of the middle compartment. The upper side of the metallic sheet is covered with a black coating. The lowermost compartment is formed by the bottom sheet of the middle compartment and a similar parallel spaced apart sheet lying beneath the bottom sheet of the middle compartment. The five sheets of the solar heat collecting panel may be either flat or contour-profiled.

Abstract: A solar energy system having a component comprising a heat absorber which has a tubular conduit. The heat absorber also has a fin for supporting the conduit. The conduit and fin are fabricated of a dark color for collecting solar energy. A housing surrounds the conduit. The housing includes an axially disposed interior member with a cross section greater than the cross section of the conduit. The housing also includes a plurality of axially disposed exterior members. The interior member and the exterior members are fabricated of a transparent material. The invention further includes at least one end cap which is coupled with respect to one end of the interior tube which has at least one aperture in the end cap.

Abstract: A nonimaging solar collector. A method and article of manufacture of a solar collector includes an outer housing transparent to light, a reflector element positioned within the outer housing, an absorber concentrically disposed relative to the outer housing, and a heat conduction fin coupled to the absorber and having a wedge shape which tapers to a smaller thickness as a function of increasing radial separation from the absorber.

Abstract: A device for absorbing heat energy, in particular a solar panel, includes a housing in the form of a frame-shaped rack. The housing has a cover which allows the radiant energy to enter. Several collector tubes are disposed below the cover and between a distributor tube and a gathering tube. The collector tubes are provided with wing-shaped collector elements. The collector tubes are rotatably mounted such that the collector elements can follow the position of the radiation source, such as the sun. The collector elements are thereby disposed at a mutual spacing such that a shading from the adjacent collector element is prevented, even at the lowermost position of the sun. The collector elements are further provided with a heat absorbing coating on both sides, and reflectors are provided below the collector elements as seen in the direction of the incoming heat radiation.