Abstract: A solar thermal system for transporting air is provided. The solar thermal system comprises a backpass collector having collector modules which transport air in parallel. Each collector module includes an intake channel, an air intake, a return channel, a connector connecting the intake channel to the return channel, and an absorber surface for absorbing energy. The solar thermal system also comprises a plenum for receiving air in parallel from each return channel. The plenum has a receiving face which includes a plurality of alternating openings and closures, where each opening is aligned with a respective return channel and each closure is aligned with a respective intake channel. For each collector module, the outside air is drawn into the intake channel, is conveyed out of the intake channel and into the return channel by the connector, and passes from the return channel into the plenum.

Abstract: A solar collector assembly comprises a plurality of heater collection tubes. A thermal enhancement manifold assembly is integrated into the solar collector assembly to enhance thermal efficiency. The enhancement manifold assembly includes a supply manifold subassembly which selectively distributes a refrigerant between at least two supply manifolds and a return manifold subassembly which distributes the refrigerant between at least two return manifolds. A thermal enhancing tube provides fluid communication between each supply manifold and respective return manifold. The thermal enhancing tubes are assembled within an interior volume of the solar heater collection tubes. Each manifold pairing is operatively governed by a respective fluid control valve. The manifold pairings alternate between an active state and an inactive state, optimizing thermal transfer between the collection tube and a refrigerant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thin wall header with a variable cross-section for solar absorption panels, manufactured in nickel-based superalloy and formed by a main thin wall body (18) and by a plurality of nozzles (16,21). The header (10) is connected to a series of junction nozzles (16) wherein respective solar absorption tubes (14) are connected, and at least one inlet or outlet nozzle (21) wherein at least a fed tube is connected. The body (18) can have a spindle shape or can be formed by two frustoconical sections joined by the larger base, and can further have a central cylindrical section at the height of the inlet or outlet nozzles (21). It is applicable in the collection of fluids at high temperature, especially in solar panels.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to non-linear solar receivers particularly optimized for high temperature thermodynamic cycles. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-linear solar receiver comprised of at least two heat exchangers with one first set of heat exchangers increasing the enthalpy in a relatively lower temperature to the one second set of heat exchangers increasing the enthalpy of either the thermodynamic cycle working fluid or a heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning system and method of superheating working fluid is provided. The solar air conditioning system superheats the working fluid using radiant energy from the sun, and then delivers the working fluid as a superheated and higher-pressured gas to a condenser within the solar air conditioning system. The solar air conditioning system includes a solar collector within which the working fluid is superheated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar receiver with natural circulation for generating saturated steam, which uses water/steam as a heat-transfer fluid and includes a combined circuit for fluid recirculation (forced circulation and natural circulation). The system comprises: water-walls which receive the radiation on the surface thereof and inside which the working fluid changes phase; riser pipes through which the water/steam mix exiting the pipes of the receiver rises towards the boiler; downpipes through which the recirculation water descends from the boiler to the receiver; and a support pump in order to increase the incident power in the receiver and start up the plant when necessary.

Abstract: The teachings generally relate to a system for converting solar energy into electrical energy and thermal energy using a self-contained system having a plurality of channels for the heat transfer using a respective plurality of fluids.

Abstract: A solar receiver includes at least two receiver panels having a common outer front surface for receiving incident solar radiation from a field of mirrors. The receiver panels include an array of side by side arranged heat exchange tubes which have a substantially straight main portion which extend in an upwards longitudinal direction and an inwards extending portion for a connection to an input or output header for respectively distributing or collecting fluid to or from the heat exchange tubes. The receiver panels are spaced apart in the upwards direction at a distance of Z cm. The header for the solar receiver is spaced behind the front surface at a distance of A cm, wherein the quotient of Z and A, Z/A, at the most equals the quotient of a vertical V and a horizontal H distance, V/H, from the header to a most far positioned mirror.

Abstract: A liquid-heating system has a solar energy collector exposed to solar radiation, a geothermal heat exchanger buried in the ground at a depth between 0.5 m and 5 m, a heater through which a liquid to be heated passes, and a heat pump having a sink side connected to the heater and a source side connected to the geothermal heat exchanger or to the solar energy collector. A first controller or valve setup connected to the heat collector can in one position connect the solar energy collector to the water heater such that heat collected by the solar energy collector is applied to the water heater. In another position it can connect the solar energy collector to the geothermal heat exchanger such that heat collected by the solar energy collector is applied to the ground surrounding the geothermal heat exchanger.

Abstract: A solar collector apparatus with Dewar-type evacuated tubes results in the more efficient collection of solar radiation by, for example, maintaining the level of a volatile liquid flowing into the solar collector so that no more than 80% of the volume of an inner cylinder of a collection tube is filled with liquid and a corresponding manifold collects the vapor produced when heat is transferred from the surface of the inner glass cylinder that absorbs solar radiation to the volatile liquid. The aforementioned apparatus may likewise be used to heat a liquid within an absorber tube, the liquid having a volatile and a non-volatile component. As heat is transferred to the liquid, a fraction of the volatile component is converted to vapor, leaving the liquid more concentrated in the non-volatile component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for reclaiming solar energy in buildings, comprising a fluid inlet header pipe, a fluid outlet header pipe and a plurality of heat collector panels connected to the two pipes at ends thereof respectively. Fluid with a lower temperature from the fluid inlet header pipe enters into the heat collector panels, where it is heated to a higher temperature by the solar energy stored therein, and then discharges from the system via the fluid outlet header pipe for energy reuse. The heat collector panels are mounted on the inner surface of the cladding panels of the building, so that the outer appearance of the building will not be negatively influenced by the system.

Abstract: Heat transfer pipes uniformly heat a compressible working fluid passing there through with a simplified supporting structure and reduced manufacturing costs. A solar central receiver (3) on top of a tower on the ground includes heat transfer pipes (16) arranged in the south-north direction; and a casing (14) accommodating the pipes (16) and has a solar radiation inlet (15) through which sunlight reflected by heliostats on the ground is transmitted to the lower surface side of the pipes (16). The pipes (16) are at equal intervals on a solar radiation receiving surface (11) parallel to a heliostat field on which the collectors are, or inclined with respect to the heliostat field on which the collectors are, and the diameters of the pipes (16) are substantially inversely proportional to the shortest distance from the inlet (15) to the central axes of the respective pipes (16) in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Various embodiments for an improved solar collector are disclosed. For example, a heat absorber can be positioned inside an evacuated chamber formed by a frame and a transparent cover. Heat absorbed by the heat absorber within the evacuated chamber can be delivered to a heat transfer fluid inside a chamber of a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger chamber can also reside in the evacuated chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the heat absorber comprises a planar heat pipe. Also in a preferred embodiment, a reflector can be positioned to reflect energy radiated by the heat absorber back to the heat absorber.

Abstract: A modular panel for a solar boiler includes an inlet header, an outlet header, and a plurality of tubes fluidly connecting the inlet header to the outlet header. The tubes are substantially coplanar with one another forming a solar receiver surface and an opposed internal surface. The panel is modular in terms of height, width, number of tubes, and size of tubes, for improved handling of high heat flux and resultant thermally induced stresses.

Abstract: A device and method of its production for a micro-channel thermal absorber to be used as a solar thermal collector, heat collector, or heat dissipater, extruded or continuously cast in one piece or in modular segments from a metal, plastic, or glass and assembled into panels of different structures seamlessly integrated into the envelope of a building as covering layers or structural elements. The micro-channel thermal absorber comprises an active plate, a back plate adjacent to the active plate, and a plurality of micro-channel walls arranged substantially perpendicular to the active plate and the back plate to define a plurality of fluid transport micro-channels configured to allow fluid flow there-along, wherein the micro-channel walls constitute supporting elements between the active plate and the back plate to provide structure.

Abstract: A solar heating system for mounting under a roof includes a panel formed of a sheet material, the panel having substantially opposed first and second surfaces and adapted for attachment under the roof with the first surface substantially facing the roof. A plurality of tubing fasteners extend outward from the second surface of the panel, and at least one run of tubing is held against the second surface of the panel by the plurality of tubing fasteners. The plurality of tubing fasteners can be partially cut-out and bent portions of the sheet material. The system can also include a sidewall formed by folding a portion of the sheet material toward the second surface along a line of weakness and standoff tabs extending from the first surface formed as partially cut-out and bent portions of the sheet material.

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: 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: The solar energy converter for generating electric energy and heated fluid comprises a multi-layer assembly, a photovoltaic panel and a manifold assembly. The multi-layer assembly is a casing and comprises N layers separated by at least one separator floor, each layer has at least one channel adapted to contain a fluid stream, and each layer has a first opening and a second opening. The photovoltaic panel has a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the photovoltaic panel contacts the multi-layer assembly. The manifold assembly comprises N passages for containing the fluid streams, the Kth passage is adapted to distribute the fluid stream to be heated into the channel of the Kth layer through the corresponding first opening and collect the heated fluid stream from the channel of the Kth layer through the corresponding second opening, wherein N is a positive integer, K is a positive integer less than or equal to N.

Abstract: A header system for fluid circulation in a boiler includes a header configured to conduct fluid therethrough for circulating fluids in a boiler. A plurality of suction lines are connected in fluid communication with the header. Each suction line is configured and adapted to connect a respective pump in fluid communication with the header. A plurality of downcomers are connected in fluid communication with the header. Each downcomer is configured and adapted to connect the header in fluid communication with a steam drum. The header, suction lines, and downcomers are configured and adapted to draw substantially equal amounts of fluid from each of the downcomers even when flow is uneven among the suction lines. A plurality of cascaded headers can fluidly connect the circulation header to a steam generator. The plurality of cascaded headers is configured and adapted to provide a substantially equal flow to panels of the steam generator.

Abstract: A modular thermal solar panel water heating system with a plurality of solar heating modules, each including a inlet manifolds and outlet manifolds and a thin tube array disposed between and in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet manifolds. Mounting and clamping apparatus attach the solar heating modules to a surface and providing secure clamping pressures on clamped elements even as clamped elements expand and contract. Fittings provide a watertight coupling between adjoining modules and bring each module into fluid communication with at least one adjoining module. In a panel array, one module includes a water inlet for connection to a source of water under pressure and another module includes a water outlet. A set of plugs are disposed on the manifolds in a configuration that ensures that water introduced into the water inlet flows across at least one thin tube array before exiting the water outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile heat accumulator consisting of a textile carrier material to which a plurality of thin capillaries for water transportation are attached and which is coated with an elastomeric compound comprising finely divided phase change materials such as salt hydrates or crystalline alkyl hydrocarbons. The textile heat accumulator arranged in a roofing structure of a building facilitates the control of the heat flux into the building and the utilization of the latent heat stored within phase change material for hot water generation.

Abstract: A solar energy power generation system generates AC electrical power from solar radiation through the use of parabolic troughs to capture the energy and a fluid turbine to convert the solar energy to mechanical energy. The turbine is directly coupled to a generator to produce AC electrical power.

Abstract: In one instance, a solar collector uses vacuum to maintain or help maintain its components in an assembled position and to insulate or help insulate a plurality of thermal conduits. Curved members, edge members, and end caps combine to form an interior space and to provide a system with substantially no bending forces. An absorption-and-tensioning member traverses the interior space and keeps the curved members from collapsing when placed under partial or complete vacuum and helps absorb thermal energy. The edge members have seats for receiving the curved members that help firmly press the curved members into the seats to form a desired seal. Other solar collector systems, features, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for solar water heating are provided herein. A modular pipe system for a solar water heater is provided in one embodiment. The system includes a plurality of first manifolds which are interchangeably connectable to any other first manifold. The system also includes a plurality of second manifolds which are interchangeably connectable to any other second manifold. The system further includes a plurality of pipe panels which are interchangeably connectable to any other panel, any first manifold, and any second manifold. Connecting the first manifolds and the second manifolds end to end expands the system along a first axis, and connecting a plurality of panels expands the system along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collector manifold is provided. The manifold is connected to solar collector tubes for collecting solar energy. A fluid is used to transfer the heat collected from the collector tubes. The manifold includes an inlet path for receiving the fluid, a fluid flow path for transferring the fluid to the solar collector tubes, and an outlet path for outputting the heated fluid. To facilitate the flow paths, the manifold includes a plate with depressions.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system includes a base, and a parabolic trough collector carried by the base for reflecting sunlight to a longitudinal focal line. The parabolic trough collector includes a center section horizontally positioned with respect to ground, and opposing end sections adjacent the center section. Each end section is angled towards the ground. A conduit is positioned along the longitudinal focal line to receive the reflected sunlight. The conduit circulates a heat transfer liquid therethrough to be heated by the reflected sunlight.

Abstract: A sunlight collecting heat receiver includes: a heat-exchange heat receiving tube which receives sunlight collected by heliostats and transfers the sunlight to a heat carrier, wherein the heat-exchange heat receiving tube includes an outward-flow heat receiving tube which is disposed on the upstream in a sunlight incident direction and an inward-flow heat receiving tube which is connected to the outward-flow heat receiving tube through a U tube and is disposed on the downstream in the sunlight incident direction, and wherein the outward-flow heat receiving tube and the inward-flow heat receiving tube are arranged so as to be deviated from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the height direction when seen in the sunlight incident direction.

Abstract: The solar collector-reflector system includes at least one modular solar panel having a solar collector-reflector assembly, a driver for selective collection or reflection of solar energy, attachment assembly, mounting assembly, ducting and a controller for controlling the solar energy collection and reflection configuration based on the sensed temperature. The solar collector-reflector assembly has surfaces that either collect or reflect solar energy, and the solar collector-reflector system utilizes air-to-air heat transfer to provide additional heating or cooling to an existing system in a dwelling and thereby reduce energy consumption and costs.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collector manifold is provided. The manifold is connected to solar collector tubes for collecting solar energy. A fluid is used to transfer the heat collected from the collector tubes. The manifold includes an inlet path for receiving the fluid, a fluid flow path for transferring the fluid to the solar collector tubes, and an outlet path for outputting the heated fluid. To facilitate the flow paths, the manifold includes a plate with depressions.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting system and method suitable for hot water generation using solar energy. The system includes multiport tubes between inlet and outlet manifolds. The tubes are formed of a metallic material, each tube has oppositely-disposed first and second flat surfaces between lateral edges thereof, longitudinally-opposed first and second ends, and multiple fluid channels between the first and second ends that are in fluidic parallel to each other. The inlet and outlet manifolds are coupled to the first and second ends of the tubes so that chambers within the inlet and outlet manifolds are fluidically connected to the fluid channels of the multiport tubes. During operation of the system, a fluid flowing through the fluid channels of the tubes is heated by direct solar radiation impinging the first flat surfaces of the tubes and optionally by reflected solar radiation impinging the second flat surfaces of the tubes.

Abstract: A solar collecting apparatus for collecting solar energy in a heat transfer fluid includes an upper header member, a lower header member, and a plurality of collector tubes, each collector tube connected at an upper end thereof to the upper header member and connected at a lower end thereof to the lower header member. The collector tubes are arranged such that axes of the collector tubes form an array wherein no three adjacent axes are on the same plane, typically in a cylindrical or like array.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to solar heating systems, storage tanks with heat exchanger that may be used in a solar heating system, methods of constructing solar collection panels, methods of installing solar collection panels, methods of manufacturing and selling solar heat exchange systems, and methods of distributing solar heat exchange system manufacturing facilities. The solar collection panels and heat exchangers may comprise envelope-type configurations wherein one or more dimples are formed in an exterior surface of the solar collection panels or the heat exchangers. The solar collection panels and heat exchangers may have a variety of different shapes and sizes, and may be colored, such as by painting the solar collection panels or heat exchangers.

Abstract: A solar collector comprises a solar absorbing tube 3 containing elongate tube 11 that extends out of one end of the solar absorbing tube 3 and into an end fitting 15 wherein an annular outer passageway 13 of the elongate tube 11 communicates with a cold fluid inlet conduit 16 within the end fitting 15 and the inner passageway 14 of the elongate tube 11 communicates with a hot water outlet conduit 17 within the end fitting 15. Each end fitting 15 is provided-with a receiving portion 22 extending orthogonally to the tubular passage 18 for receiving an end of the concentric elongated tube 11. The end fittings 15 are interconnected to provide fluid flow paths without the need for a manifold. Any number of solar collector tubes can be interconnected in this way. The invention also applies solar collectors of the heat pipe type.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar hot water heating system including one or more solar energy absorbers (102) having at least a first fluid circulation path wherein, an over temperature path (119) is provided, the over temperature path including a pressure vessel (120) which is normally closed to atmosphere, the over temperature path being connected to the first fluid circulation path (108) so that, in the event that fluid in the solar energy absorber vaporizes, the fluid is forced out of the solar energy absorber and into the pressure vessel. The present invention also provides a temperature sensitive valve leaving a flow path and a valve member operated by a thermal element having thermal expansion characteristic the valve including a support member against which the thermal element expands to force the valve element to close the flow path.

Abstract: A solar collector including a plurality of hollow tubes, each tube directly joined, or indirectly joined by a web, to an adjacent tube; a first manifold connected to a first end of each tube; a second manifold connected to a second end of each tube; where at least two adjacent tubes are separated along a portion of their length so as to form a first section in which adjacent tubes are separated from one another and a second segment in which adjacent tubes are joined to one another. Also disclosed is a method for preventing damage to a tube mat solar collector which includes maintaining the hollow tubes of a solar collector in a substantially coplanar relationship in the absence of high wind conditions; permitting individual tubes to move about their longitudinal axis in response to high wind conditions; and returning the tubes to their longitudinal axis as the high wind conditions subside, the high wind conditions being wind of at least 15 miles per hour.

Abstract: A solar panel (10) has tubing (12) through which water from a swimming pool is recirculated. The tubing (12) is adapted to be exposed to the sun for heating the water to a temperature whereby the pool is heated. The solar panel (10) has a housing (14) for the tubing (12), and the housing (14) has a transparent screen (16) covering the tubing (12). In use, the housing (14) retains heat therewithin for increasing the temperature of the tubing (12) above that outside of the housing.

Abstract: A roof-mounted solar air-heating system containing a solar absorber with at least one air manifold integrated structurally with the solar absorber to effect improved heat transfer efficiency and airspeed. The improved airspeed in combination with integrated air entrance and exit tubes improves solar-heated air displacement and temperature de-stratification in buildings without need for tie-in to other ventilation equipment.

Abstract: Described herein are solar energy collector systems, components for solar energy collector systems, and methods for installing solar energy collector systems. The components for solar energy collector systems include but are not limited to solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, and various support structures. The solar energy collection systems, solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, support structures, and/or methods may be used, for example, in LFR solar arrays. Improved solar radiation absorbers, receivers and related methods are described here.

Abstract: This invention provides novel devices and methods for the heating of air with solar radiant energy. The devices of the present invention feature a housing partitioned into essentially isolated sections wherein the sections are in fluid communication with each other through a plurality of channels located within the partitions. The two unique features of the invention, essentially isolated sections and partitions comprising a plurality of channels, increase the temperature achieved by the solar heater by 1) creating multiple, sequential sections that function independently of each other providing a higher starting temperature in each section and, therefore, a higher final temperature, 2) providing second means of heating the air within the channels located within the partitions and, 3) by virtually eliminating the mixing of incoming cold air with the heated air of the solar air heater.

Abstract: A solar collecting apparatus for collecting solar energy in a heat transfer fluid includes an upper header member, a lower header member, and a plurality of collector tubes, each collector tube connected at an upper end thereof to the upper header member and connected at a lower end thereof to the lower header member. The collector tubes are arranged such that axes of the collector tubes form an array wherein no three adjacent axes are on the same plane, typically in a cylindrical or like array.

Abstract: A solar energy heat collector includes two water transport ducts, a plurality of branch water ducts and heat collection plates. The water transport ducts are located on two sides of the heat collector having two opposing sides with a plurality of fastening holes formed thereon to be coupled with two ends of the branch water ducts by soldering. Each of the heat collection plates has an upper side with a downward concaved holding portion formed thereon and fastening portions on two sides. One fastening portion on one side is bent upwards and another on another side is bent downwards. The holding portion is bonded to a lower side of the branch water duct, and the connection juncture of the branch water duct and the heat collection plate is fastened by soldering. The fastening portions are bonded and overlapped in series in an up and down manner and fastened by soldering.

Abstract: An arrangement to increase the thermal fatigue resistance of glass tubes having fluid flowing therethrough and being pressure-loaded. This arrangement comprises a glass tube, into which an interior component is inserted. The interior component can be designed as thin-walled tube or tubular component. In accordance with a first example the cavity enclosed by the interior component is hydraulically connected with the interior of the glass tube. The wall thickness of the interior component is smaller than the wall thickness of the glass tube and the interior component is partially free from a direct heat connection with the glass tube. In accordance with a second example the interior component increases the wall thickness of the glass tube. In this case the interior component is touching the interior circumference of the glass tube.

Abstract: A collector module (1) is described with a collector manifold (20) having two chambers. This collector module (1) has at least one collector tube (2), which has an absorber tube (4) and a tubular jacket (3). A connector (40) for each collector tube is provided which embraces the collector manifold (20) and receives the end of its tubular jacket (3). The connector (40) has a cup-shaped receiving part (41) glued on its collector tube and a U-shaped connecting part (45) formed on the cup-shaped receiving part (41), which engages the collector manifold (20). A sealing device (60) is arranged on the U-shaped connecting part (45). A torsion-stiff, self-supporting device is provided accordingly by this structure, in which each collector tube is not loaded with external forces, during to thermal expansion, transport, mounting or the like.

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 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: 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. The transparent portion, the conduit portion, and the absorbing portion together define at least one fluid passageway for conveying the fluid.

Abstract: A radiant energy collection unit that can be used in a solar panel heating system is described. The energy collection unit comprises an absorbing panel secured to a base panel and forming a channel there between. The channel is in fluid communication with an inlet feeder and an outlet conduit. The design of the collection unit allows for its use on a house, garage or similar building.

Abstract: A solar-powered water heating system provides heated water to a pool in an aesthetically-pleasing, leak-resistant manner. The invention provides a heat gathering unit disposed in a tray that fits within the deck boards of a typical roof. Shingles are disposed over the heat gathering unit and any leaks that occur within the heat gathering unit flow out over the top of the shingles. A drain conduit is provided below supply and return pipes so that any leaks flowing out of the supply and return pipes and their connections with the heat gathering unit will be directed out of the building structure to a location where the leak may be readily detected.