Abstract: A solar receiver for exposing heat absorbing particles to concentrated solar radiation. The solar receiver includes a chamber having an aperture through which concentrated solar radiation can be received within the chamber. An inlet means provides for introducing an inflow including solar absorbing particles into the chamber. An outlet means provides for discharge of an outflow from the chamber. The inlet means communicates with the chamber for introduction of the inflow into a first section of the chamber in opposed relation the aperture. The outlet means communicates with a second section of the chamber disposed between the first section and the aperture, wherein fluid flow from the inlet means to the outlet means is exposed to concentrated solar radiation received within the chamber. The first section diverges in a direction towards the aperture, and the inlet means is configured to introduce the inflow tangentially into the divergent first section.

Abstract: Photovoltaic mounting systems that form chemical flashings are provided herein. Such mounting systems can include a mounting plate adapted to interface with an off-the-shelf mounting puck so as to allow mounting of the puck on the roof surface without use of traditional roof flashing and/or modification of shingles of the roof surface. Such mounting plates can include a top surface adapted to interface with the puck and a bottom surface that defines a cavity between the mounting plate and the puck in which to form the chemical flashing by injecting a flowable sealant into the cavity via an inlet of the mounting plate that remains accessible from outside the puck during mounting. Such mounting plates can further include features for orienting the plate, directing runoff away from any sealed roof penetrations and filling of the cavity with flowable sealant.

Abstract: A stretchable interconnect includes a plurality of electrically conductive traces formed as a complex pattern on an elastic substrate. The form of the electrically conductive traces is such that when the elastic substrate is in a relaxed, or non-stretched, state each of the electrically conductive traces forms a tortuous path, such as a waveform, along the elastic substrate. The tortuous path of the electrically conductive traces provides slack such that as the elastic substrate is stretched the slack is taken up. Once released, the elastic substrate moves from the stretched position to the relaxed, non-stretched position, and slack is reintroduced into the electrically conductive traces in the form of the original tortuous path.

Abstract: A device for using solar energy to heat air. The device can include a hot air panel having a box. The box can include a glazing, a collection plate, and a base layer. The collection plate can be disposed between the glazing and the base layer so as to define a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber can be an insulation chamber that can hold air within the box. The second chamber can be a flow chamber that allows air to flow through the box. The box can be further associated with a temperature detection device and a fan.

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 solar thermal collector including a carrier, channels and a solar selective coating is provided. The channels are embedded in the carrier for a heat transfer fluid flowing therein. The solar selective coating is deposited on an outer surface of the carrier. The solar selective coating includes a damping layer, an absorbing layer and an anti-reflecting layer. The damping layer is deposited on the outer surface of the carrier. The absorbing layer is deposited on the damping layer, wherein the absorbing layer has a transition region including plural sub-layers and located adjacent to the damping layer. The anti-reflecting layer is deposited on the absorbing layer, wherein a light beam is adapted to enter the absorbing layer through the anti-reflecting layer, and irradiation energy of the light beam is transformed by the collector into thermal energy, which is then transmitted to the heat transfer fluid in the channels.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of solar heating systems, including solar collection panels used in the solar heating systems, and methods for manufacturing solar collection panels suitable for use in the solar collection panels. The solar heating system is a closed direct connected solar heating system that need not include heat exchangers or drain back systems. The solar collection panels include a series of interconnected pockets between two sheets of material and inlet and outlet fittings for providing fluid into and out of the solar collection panel. The system described herein is capable of operating under pressures of 160 psi or higher and can also tolerate extreme temperature conditions, such as freezing temperature conditions.

Abstract: Two sheets of polymer are sealed (S) and produce some dams (Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . ) behind which water is trapped. These dams (Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . ) trap some water around 3-5 liter water per 1 square meter of collector. Water remains behind these dams (Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, . . . ) till its temperature raises. Hot water goes out and cold water is replaced. The temperature of water is controlled by a thermostat (W) which its sensor (T) is located under the collector (FIG. 2) exactly under the dams { Ch (n?1) } where the water is trapped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector (18) including an outer casing (20) having at least one aperture (22) disposed therein and an absorber (24) disposed within the outer casing (20). The aperture (22) is arranged to receive a beam (16) of solar radiation therethrough so that the beam (16) is incident on the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged in use to absorb the energy of the beam of solar radiation and to thereby convert solar radiation to heat energy to heat a fluid communicated through the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged to be moved by a moving means to promote even heating of the absorber (24).

Abstract: A solar power tower solar receiver absorber including: an enclosure; at least one panel configured to be illuminated by solar flux; a core made of at least one material with heat conductivity at least partially encompassed by the enclosure; and a plurality of tubes passing through the core and extending substantially in a parallel direction with respect to the panel configured to be illuminated. The tube is configured for circulation of a fluid to be heated, for example a gas for operating a gas turbine.

Abstract: A solar heat exchange panel that includes a lower plate and an upper plate that together define an interior volume containing a flowing heat transfer fluid. The upper plate includes a plurality of upward extensions and downward extensions that cover the top surface of the solar heat transfer panel and are configured to capture solar radiant energy. The lower plate plate includes a plurality of upwardly extending hollow lower plate extensions. The lower plate extensions are aligned with the bottom portions of each upward extension of the upper plate and almost touching. Each of the downward extensions form the upper plate extend down and are joined to the base of the lower plate. In operation, a heat transfer fluid introduced into an inlet on one end of the solar heat transfer panel passes through the defined interior volume and is intimately contacted with the solar heated surfaces extending down into the solar heat transfer panel from the upper plate.

Abstract: The application relates to a method (100) for producing a direct flow aluminium absorber of a solar thermal collector, the absorber including an absorber plate having at least one tube for a heat transport fluid, and at least one end tube for a heat transport fluid, the at least one end tube being connected to the absorber plate. The method comprises laser welding (130) the at least one end tube to the absorber plate for producing the complete absorber to be coated by at least one layer configured to absorb light.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorber (40) for a solar panel, provided for containing a heat transfer fluid (42), including first (44) and second (46) plates arranged opposite each other and attached to each other via a plurality of connection points (58, 60), first and second matrices having protruding geometrical shapes (50, 52) formed on the outer surfaces of the first and second plates, respectively, the matrices being offset relative to each other so as to provide a flow path for the heat transfer fluid in the absorber, an inlet (54) and an outlet (56) for the heat transfer fluid arranged at both ends of the heat transfer fluid flow path, respectively, characterized in that at least some of the geometrical shapes have a generally protruding shape with a recess at the center thereof so as to form a cavity (64, 66), and in that at least some of said non-through connection points are provided in at least some of said recesses.

Abstract: Solar heat collector with a pipe in which flows an energetic fluid and a structure consisting of a frame of plastic material with metallic profiles encapsulated during the injection of said plastic material, which allows establishing orifices therein, providing a robust and lightweight collector with few components and dimensionally stable.

Abstract: A solar boiler 300 includes first and second primary receiver panels 500, 600 spaced apart by a gap 700. Each panel 500, 600 include a plurality of primary boiler tubes 510, 610 for receiving solar flux. The boiler 300 includes at least one secondary receiver arrangement 800 disposed across the gap 700 for receiving solar flux incident thereacross. The arrangement 800 includes at least one secondary boiler tube 810, and at least one support member 820 supported thereto. The arrangement 800 is configured relative to the primary panels 500, 600 such that endmost primary boiler tubes 510a, 610a are supported over the support member 820 in spaced relation ‘S’ to the secondary boiler tube 810 for enabling transverse and lateral thermal expansion of the tubes 510, 610, 810 without bending out. Further, a panel joining attachment 900 is provided for attaching the panels 500, 600 and the arrangement 800.

Abstract: A solar absorber for a concentrated solar power (CSP) system includes a cylindrically shaped blackbody cavity receiver fused to a cylindrically shaped heat exchanger shell covering the receiver to form a monolithic cavity receiver and heat exchanger. An exterior surface of the cavity receiver has grooves embedded to create a duct spiraling about the exterior of the cavity receiver so that the duct forms tubes of a tube-style heat exchanger when covered by the heat exchanger shell. An interior diameter of the cavity receiver is greater than or equal to a diameter of an aperture of the cavity receiver, and a longitudinal interior depth of the cavity is greater than or equal to twice the interior diameter of the cavity receiver. The monolithic solar absorber is preferably composed of a ceramic material such as silicon carbide having emissivity greater than 0.9.

Abstract: A solar absorber module is described. The module has a housing with a longitudinal axis with a first tapered housing section with a first, free end, and a second end with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the first end, and with a second housing section adjoining the second end of the first housing section with a substantially constant cross-section over its length. The module also has a ceramic solar absorber element accommodated in the first end of the first housing section with a first surface that can be oriented toward the solar radiation with an axis of symmetry, and a second surface lying across from the first surface, wherein the solar absorber element has a large number of substantially straight channels connecting the first surface to the second surface. The solar absorber module is accommodated in the first end of the first housing section such that the axis of symmetry of the first surface is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: Solar energy receivers and methods of using the same are provided. The receiver includes a plurality of absorber members configured to absorb concentrated solar radiation. The plurality of absorber members define at least one fluid transport channel. The solar receiver also includes a plurality of structural plates, wherein each of the plurality of structural plates is positioned between adjacent absorber members to define an inner fluid transport passage and a plurality of outer fluid transport passages. The inner fluid transport passage is in flow communication with the plurality of outer fluid transport passages. The plurality of outer fluid transport passages are in thermal communication with the plurality of absorber members.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a solar thermal receiver comprising: (a) a first containing member transparent to sunlight; (b) a second containing member comprising an inner surface reflective of sunlight; (c) an inlet proximate to the first containing member that is configured to receive injected heat transfer fluid; and (d) an outlet distal from the first containing member, where the first containing member and the second containing member together form a vessel configured to conduct injected heat transfer fluid from the inlet to the outlet under hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: In a solar heat collector, a bottom plate and a side plate of a case which is opened in an upper surface are formed of a vacuum thermal insulation material in which a core material is enveloped by a skin and a vacuum is created in an interior of the skin, the skin is formed by welding together circumferential edges of two metal panels which are disposed to face each other with the core material sandwiched therebetween, a plurality of line grooves are formed in the metal panels, and the two metal panels are disposed so that sides thereof from which bottoms of the line grooves protrude are oriented inwards with the core material sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation collection apparatus includes an exterior including a bottom portion and first and second walls extending from the bottom portion, the exterior defining a cavity in the bottom portion, the cavity being configured to receive a thermally absorbing material; and a radiation collector. The radiation collector includes a first surface on an interior of the first wall, the first surface being at least partially reflective and positioned to reflect radiation that is incident on the first surface into the cavity; and a second surface on an interior of the second wall, the second surface being at least partially reflective and positioned to reflect radiation that is incident on the second surface into the cavity, where the first and second surfaces face each other to at least partially define an interior region of the radiation collector, and the cavity defines an opening to the interior of the radiation collector.

Abstract: A heat collector of a dish-type solar thermal power generation system and the solar thermal power generation system having the heat collector. The heat collector of the dish-type solar thermal power generation system comprises a heat collecting cavity and at least one layer of heat absorbing coil. The heat collecting cavity is provided with an opening. The heat absorbing coil forms a cavity structure. The cavity structure is provided with a hole. The cavity structure is arranged within the heat collecting cavity. The hole and the opening are aligned. A low temperature inlet of the heat absorbing coil is arranged on the cavity structure at a location where incident light energy distribution density is at maximum. The heat collector is capable of preventing ablation of the heat absorbing coil due to localized overheating and burning of the heat collector due to abrupt drop in convective heat transfer coefficient caused by phase transition of working fluid.

Abstract: A solar energy gathering device includes a heat storage unit, a number of heat gathering units and a number of Fresnel lenses. Each of the heat gathering units includes a transparent glass block having a vacuum receiving space, and a heat pipe received in the vacuum receiving space and in thermally contact with the heat storage unit. The Fresnel lenses are attached on each of the glass blocks, and configured for converging solar light to the heat pipes through the glass bocks.

Abstract: The radiation-selective absorber coating for absorber tubes of parabolic trough collectors includes two or more barrier layers (24a, 24b); an infrared reflective layer (21) on the barrier layers (24a, 24b); at least one cermet absorption layer (22) above the infrared reflective layer (21) and an antireflection layer (23) above the at least one cermet absorption layer (22). The two or more barrier layers (24a, 24b) include a first barrier layer (24a) of thermally produced oxide and a second barrier layer (24b) arranged above it. The second barrier layer (24b) is a cermet material including at least one oxide compound and at least one metal. The oxide compound is aluminium oxide, silicon oxide, nickel oxide and/or chromium oxide. The metal is molybdenum, nickel, tungsten and/or vanadium. The invention also includes an absorber tube with the absorber coating on it.

Abstract: A solar receiver (100), for capturing solar radiation, comprising a radiation capturing element (3) and a channel (8) around that element, through which channel (8) a pressurised working fluid is passed to absorb thermal energy from the radiation capturing element.

Abstract: A solar receiver (100) having a radiation capturing element (3) about which is formed a channel (8) through which a working fluid flows such that thermal energy of the radiation capturing element (8) is absorbed by the working fluid, the channel (8) being shaped to provide a uniform cross sectional area along a length thereof between an inlet thereto and an outlet therefrom.

Abstract: A solar absorber for a concentrated solar power (CSP) dish system includes a cylindrically shaped blackbody cavity receiver fused to a cylindrically shaped heat exchanger shell covering the receiver to form a monolithic cavity receiver and heat exchanger. An exterior surface of the cavity receiver has grooves embedded to create a duct spiraling about the exterior of the cavity receiver so that the duct forms tubes of a tube-style heat exchanger when covered by the heat exchanger shell. An interior diameter of the cavity receiver is greater than or equal to a diameter of an aperture of the cavity receiver, and a longitudinal interior depth of the cavity is greater than or equal to twice the interior diameter of the cavity receiver. The monolithic solar absorber is preferably composed of a ceramic material such as silicon carbide having emissivity greater than 0.9.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of solar heating systems, including solar collection panels used in the solar heating systems, and methods for manufacturing solar collection panels suitable for use in the solar collection panels. The solar heating system is a closed direct connected solar heating system that need not include heat exchangers or drain back systems. The solar collection panels include a series of interconnected pockets between two sheets of material and inlet and outlet fittings for providing fluid into and out of the solar collection panel. The system described herein is capable of operating under pressures of 160 psi or higher and can also tolerate extreme temperature conditions, such as freezing temperature conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a solar collector board formed as a layered construction. The board comprises at least a first and a second platelike body being congruent or close to congruent, and arranged mutually parallel or close to parallel with a mutual distance, the first platelike body being, at its surface facing the second platelike body, provided with absorbing properties, and the second platelike body being transparent or opaque and made of at least one low emission material, and wherein a seal is arranged in between the first and the second platelike body at their respective side edges to assure said mutual distance and at the same time to provide a fluid tight space between the first and the second platelike body, the space between the first and the second platelike body being adapted for circulation of a fluid, and the layered construction being further provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the circulating fluid.

Abstract: A tubular heat-absorbing element partly enclosed in an insulating layer or jacket, has absorbing surface that is accessible to solar radiation. The thermal insulation is designed to provide entry to solar radiation by way of a cavity. The absorbing surface can be substantially planar.

Abstract: A solar power tower solar receiver absorber including: an enclosure; at least one panel configured to be illuminated by solar flux; a core made of at least one material with heat conductivity at least partially encompassed by the enclosure; and a plurality of tubes passing through the core and extending substantially in a parallel direction with respect to the panel configured to be illuminated. The tube is configured for circulation of a fluid to be heated, for example a gas for operating a gas turbine.

Abstract: An absorber for a solar receiver with a casing of lengthways axis including at a first lengthways end, a collector to supply a heat transfer fluid; and at a second lengthways end, a collector for evacuating the heat transfer fluid. The casing includes a first wall having a face intended to be subjected to a luminous flux, a second wall facing the first wall, and side walls connecting said the first and second walls. The casing is formed by at least one rib extending lengthways, and attached to the first and to the second wall. The at least one rib includes windows, and deflectors associated with the windows. The deflectors cause a portion of the heat transfer fluid to flow through the windows, causing reblending of the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: An array of solar collectors includes dual axis reflectors for directing solar radiation to receivers at focal points of the reflectors. Solar radiation is used to heat a thermal energy storage material, which may be used to generate steam for use in power generation with the aid of a turbine. The dual axis reflectors may pivot about independent axes of rotation, thereby enabling use of the reflectors throughout the year.

Abstract: A solar heater has a light collector which collects light incident on the light collector into a beam that extends along a beam axis. A plurality of thermally conductive plates is arranged along the beam axis, each of the plates having an aperture on the beam axis. For each plate, the aperture of the plate is smaller than apertures of all plates disposed between each plate and the light collector along said beam axis. A fluid pathway is associated with one or more of the plates for transferring heat to a fluid in the fluid pathway. In a related method of heating a fluid, light rays are collected into a beam and passed through progressively smaller apertures in a plurality of serially arranged plates such that a portion of the beam is incident on each one of said plates. The fluid is thermally contacted with the plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector (18) including an outer casing (20) having at least one aperture (22) disposed therein and an absorber (24) disposed within the outer casing (20). The aperture (22) is arranged to receive a beam (16) of solar radiation therethrough so that the beam (16) is incident on the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged in use to absorb the energy of the beam of solar radiation and to thereby convert solar radiation to heat energy to heat a fluid communicated through the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged to be moved by a moving means to promote even heating of the absorber (24).

Abstract: A solar absorber module is described. The module has a housing with a longitudinal axis with a first tapered housing section with a first, free end, and a second end with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the first end, and with a second housing section adjoining the second end of the first housing section with a substantially constant cross-section over its length. The module also has a ceramic solar absorber element accommodated in the first end of the first housing section with a first surface that can be oriented toward the solar radiation with an axis of symmetry, and a second surface lying across from the first surface, wherein the solar absorber element has a large number of substantially straight channels connecting the first surface to the second surface. The solar absorber module is accommodated in the first end of the first housing section such that the axis of symmetry of the first surface is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting device of the flat panel type, a process for its manufacture and parts thereof, made of extruded profiles in particular of aluminium or aluminium alloys. The device comprises a casing accommodating a heat collector assembly comprising a plurality of elongate extruded heat collector bodies, side by side, each having a tube co-axial with its axis of extrusion, flanked on each of its opposite sides integrally by an extruded web and further comprising a manifold at each end to which the respective tube ends are sealingly and communicatingly brazed. The edges of the adjoining webs of adjoining elongate bodies overlap slightly but are movable free of mechanical constraint or mutual attachment in relation to one another. Together the elongate bodies present the incoming solar radiation with a substantially plane uninterrupted area for absorption.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar collection apparatus and a steam generator including the same. The solar collection apparatus includes a housing having an open upper surface; a dual glass plate coupled with the upper surface of the housing and formed therein with a storage space for receiving and storing water, in which solar light is transmitted through the dual glass plate; a first mirror fixed to a lower surface of the housing to collect and reflect the solar light transmitted through the dual glass plate; a second mirror fixed in the housing to reflect the solar light reflected from the first mirror; and an optical fiber having a first end located in the housing to receive the solar light reflected from the second mirror and a second end connected to a place of use to transmit the solar light to the place of use.

Abstract: A heat collector comprises a transparent glazing exposed to the ambient. The transparent glazing is spaced from a back surface to define a plenum therewith. A plurality of perforations is defined through the transparent glazing for allowing outside air to flow through the transparent glazing into the plenum and substantially maintain the transparent glazing at the ambient temperature, thereby providing for higher thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A continuous moving bed solar steam generation and storage system is provided to generate steam for production processes after loss or reduction of received solar energy. The system includes a receiver 10 that receives a flowing stream of particulate material 30 that absorbs solar radiant energy 15 as it passes through beams of the energy 15 received from collectors 14. The heated stream of material 30 passes into a first chamber 40 to heat a tube bundle 42 therein. Heat from the particulate material 30 is transferred to the bundle 42, evaporating the water to generate, reheat (RH) and/or superheat (SH) steam 46. The cooled material 30 passes to a second chamber 60. The material 30 is drained from the second chamber 60 and carried to a cyclone 80 in the receiver 10. The material 30 drains from the cyclone 80 to complete the flow cycle.

Abstract: A panel (105) is provided for utilizing solar energy, especially in the form of panels designed as roof tiles (101), wherein the heat is transferred from panel to fluid or vice versa. On this panel one or more solar cell panels (107) can be provided so that it is cooled effectively during operation, while heat energy simultaneously may be utilized. Panels, for example designed as roof tiles, individually or assembled, are mounted on roofing battens (110) suitable for the purpose, and connected to electrical connection points and bushings for fluid transport. The roofing battens (110) are mounted on furring ring strips (112) in the usual way. Some furring strips are used for connection of electrical conductors in the flooring battens (112) and any fluid circuits in the flooring battens (110). The construction facilitates installing and maintenance.

Abstract: A solar absorber module is described. The module has a housing with a longitudinal axis with a first tapered housing section with a first, free end, and a second end with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the first end, and with a second housing section adjoining the second end of the first housing section with a substantially constant cross-section over its length. The module also has a ceramic solar absorber element accommodated in the first end of the first housing section with a first surface that can be oriented toward the solar radiation with an axis of symmetry, and a second surface lying across from the first surface, wherein the solar absorber element has a large number of substantially straight channels connecting the first surface to the second surface. The solar absorber module is accommodated in the first end of the first housing section such that the axis of symmetry of the first surface is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A solar collecting system is incorporated into a natural rock mass having an upright face with a substantially direct exposure to the sun, for example a south facing granite cliff. A solar passage is formed in the rock mass to extend between an opening in the upright face of the rock mass and an internal collection area within the rock mass. One or more converging elements, for example solar converging lenses, are aligned with the solar passage and arranged to focus solar rays from the sun onto a target within the collection area. The target is in communication with a surrounding portion of the rock mass so as to be arranged to transfer heat from the target to the surrounding portion of the rock mass. A heat transfer fluid conduit may further be arranged to communicate a heat transfer fluid between the rock mass and an auxiliary device.

Abstract: A solar collector is provided having an absorber (100), which has a front side (102) facing toward the solar radiation during use and a back side (103) facing away from the solar radiation during use, a transparent cover (200) arranged essentially plane-parallel opposite the front side (102) of the absorber (100), and a back wall (300) arranged opposite the back side (103) of the absorber (100). The solar collector distinguishes itself in that the back wall (300) is constructed as a transparent pane, in particular a glass pane or plastic pane, and contains, at least in some regions, a medium which reflects infrared radiation and is reflective in the direction of the back side (103) of the absorber (100). Further, a composite pane is provided, in particular a composite glass pane (1), an absorber (100), and a use of such an absorber (100) in solar collectors and composite panes. This absorber can also have a coating for the reduction of heat emission (low-e).

Abstract: A solar collector, includes a glass sheet provided with a fired metal frit; a metal frame or another glass sheet provided with a fired metal frit and a metal frame; a brazed seal between the metal frit or frits and the metal frame; an absorber and pipes in which a heat-transfer fluid circulates, the pipes being in contact with the absorber, and the absorber and the pipes being placed between the glass sheet and the metal frame or between the two glass sheets. The invention provides a solar collector which is compact and simple and improves solar radiation transmission.

Abstract: The present application relates to a vacuum solar thermal panel with pipe housing (1) for a solar absorber pipe (10) of the type comprising at least a base portion (2) and a retention element (3) for the pipe (10). Advantageously according to the invention, the retention element (3) is in the form of a fork and has an elastic behaviour when forced by the pipe (10). The vacuum solar thermal panel with pipe housing (1) according to the invention avoids the risk of a vertical movement of the pipe and then of the solar absorber being associated to the pipe while allowing an easy insertion or mounting of the pipe itself during the assembly or manufacturing of the vacuum solar thermal panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar energy absorber unit for a solar energy device, and methods of producing the same. The unit includes a collector plate having a front surface adapted to absorb solar energy and a rear surface. A rear panel has an inner surface attached to areas of the rear surface of the collector plate via a fluid-tight bond but leaving a fluid-conveying channel between the areas of the rear surface of the plate where the panel is attached. The collector plate and preferably the rear panel are each made of a core layer of an aluminum alloy provided with a cladding layer formed on a side of the core layer that confronts the fluid-conveying channel, the cladding layer being made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a total content of alloying elements and impurities, if any, of no more than 0.5 wt. %.

Abstract: The concentrating heat receiver (10) is provided with a casing (41) which has an opening portion (15) into which sunrays are made incident, a heat receiving portion (42) which is accommodated inside the casing (41) so that a working fluid flows therethrough and receive heat from sunrays made incident from the opening portion, thereby raising the temperature of the working fluid, and hanging members (61, 62) in which the upper end sides thereof are coupled to an upper angle (14) and the other end sides thereof are loosely inserted into through holes (44a, 44b) of the casing (41), thereby supporting in a hanging manner the heat receiving portion (42) inside the casing (41).

Abstract: Problem to be Solved The present invention is made in view of the above-described circumstances. An object of the present invention is to provide a sunlight collecting system achieving suppression of power generation cost with the receiver which enables suppressing the manufacturing, transportation and construction costs, facilitating recovery work in the case of occurrence of a failure, and promptly recovering a heating medium circulating inside the receiver in an emergency.

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.