Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a mirror structure is provided having a first face sheet having a mirror surface and a side opposite the mirror surface and a three-dimensional ordered cellular microtruss connected with the side opposite the mirror surface of the first face sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar collector of a fixed and concentrating flat panel type in which V-band type absorption plates each configured to have coating layers formed on both surfaces thereof and configured to maintain regular intervals are formed within the solar collector having a flat panel type and a reflection plate configured to reflect solar energy toward the absorption plates and to have an elliptical symmetry structure are disposed under the absorption plates. Accordingly, a solar energy absorption ratio can be maximized, and concentration efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: A solar collector has an opaque cover heated by solar energy. Heat flows from the opaque cover by conduction, convection, and infrared emittance across a gap within an at least substantially airtight enclosure to an absorber containing a working fluid. The exterior surface of the opaque cover has high solar energy absorptance and the interior surface has high infrared emittance. The exterior surface preferably has low infrared emittance. In one embodiment, fully wetted surface geometry permits direct and reflected infrared absorption by the absorber. The opaque cover eliminates the weight, cost and other shortcomings of glass. A hollow continuous side wall with rounded corners provides an embodiment that is robust yet economical, that is easy to manufacture and seal, that permits a reduced thickness of the opaque cover and mitigates the destructive potential of severe winds, and that can withstand the compressive forces experienced by an evacuated solar collector.

Abstract: Insulated solar panels provide that provide a solar thermal collector with means for limiting stagnation temperatures and preventing damage include: temperature limiting is provided by the insulated solar panel, isolating internal components from the environment, using passive closed systems within the sealed solar thermal collector, while also allowing alternative implementations as active systems and/or portions of the temperature limiting system outside the sealed solar thermal collector. A heat pipe can be used as a passive thermal switch, where the temperature induced action at a predetermined temperature causes an abrupt transition from a state of thermal isolation to a state of strong thermal coupling. Additionally, a set of siphon circulation pipes provides a passive closed system for temperature limiting.

Abstract: This invention relates to solar engineering. The solar collector, which comprises a closed enclosure and an absorber 5 with channels for a liquid heat carrier, is designed in the form of a cylindrical portion having radius R1 and an axis coinciding with the axis of the central cylindrical portion 1 of the enclosure. The absorber 5 consists of thin-walled, interconnected modules. The modules are provided with bulges on the rear side thereof, in which channels with slots are made for arranging pipes forming heat-carrier flowing channels. In addition, the absorber can be designed in the form of a storage tank. The shape of the collector is optimized in such a way that the axes of the two lateral cylindrical portions 2 thereof are remote at distance L and the central cylindrical portion 1 is as remote as possible from a plane 3 tangential to the lateral cylindrical portions 2 at a distance H having the defined ratio of geometric parameters.

Abstract: A volumetric absorption solar collector in combination with a conventional flat panel collector. Addition of the volumetric absorption solar collector to the conventional flat panel collector allows the overall solar collection system to reach higher collection temperatures, increase collection efficiency, and reduce ecological footprint.

Abstract: A solar heater for space heating is formed by a frame that provides structural support for a plate that absorbs sunlight. In one aspect, the plate is directly molded into the frame. In another aspect, the plate is incorporated into an assembly which is then sealed to the frame. The solar heater is configured such that multiple similarly configured solar heaters may be coupled together in a series and/or parallel arrangement.

Abstract: A thermal receiver includes a heat absorption body and a support body. The heat absorption body is made of at least one honeycomb unit having a plurality of flow paths arranged for circulation of a heat medium. The support body supports the heat absorption body and allows circulation of the heat medium. The heat absorption body includes silicon carbide and is supported at a position away from an inner surface of the support body by a predetermined distance.

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 boiler for a solar receiver includes a first boiler panel having a plurality of tubes fluidly connecting an inlet header of the first boiler panel to an outlet header of the first boiler panel. The tubes of the first boiler panel form a first solar receiver surface. A second boiler panel has a plurality of tubes fluidly connecting an inlet header of the second boiler panel to an outlet header of the second boiler panel. The tubes of the second boiler panel form a second solar receiver surface. The first and second boiler panels are adjacent to one another with a portion of the first boiler panel and an end of the first solar receiver surface overlapping an end of the second boiler panel to reduce solar radiation passing between the first and second solar receiver surfaces.

Abstract: An energy transmitting solar panel (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62) intended for invisible incorporation into a building, a part or component thereof, behind and in thermal contact with a climate shield (12, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) on said building, a part or component thereof, is made of a heat-conducting material and has a substantial heat transmitting surface area and at least one through-going fluid impervious channel or duct (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65) embedded in or integrally connected with said panel for the flow of an energy carrying-capable fluid therein. The solar panel is mounted below and close up to a climate shield of a building so that good thermal contact is established there between providing excellent transmission of converted sun radiation to an energy carrying-capable fluid in the fluid impervious channel or duct.

Abstract: A passive solar heating unit is disclosed, including a portable heater version of the invention that includes an insulated shell structure, an inclined, vertically shaped window formed within the structure, an insulated door to the structure, a handle, and two operating positions, one for summer and one for winter. The heating unit has a dark exterior to absorb heat and a reflective interior to trap sunlight entering through the window. When used to generate heat sufficient to heat food and other items, the ratio of the interior volume of the unit to the size of the sunlight window is approximately 16:1. Other configurations, for providing heat in other applications, utilize different volume to window size ratios and different shaped windows.

Abstract: It is provided a solar energy module for converting solar radiation to thermal energy. The module includes a thermally insulating element transmissive to solar radiation and having low transmissivity to thermal infra-red radiation, an absorbing element, a sealed enclosure, and a variable portion in the envelope of the sealed enclosure. This portion is adapted for varying the volume available to gas enclosed in the enclosure in accordance with changing temperature of the enclosed gas. Also, it is provided a solar energy module which includes a thermally insulating element, an absorbing surface and liquid pipes for absorbing the solar radiation, and an air duct thermally coupled thereof. The heated liquid and the heated air are usable for a variety of thermal applications. A heat storage may be thermally coupled to the absorbing surface and to the liquid pipes. The air duct has several air valves, and is associated with a controller for regulating air flow through the air duct.

Abstract: A protective cover for a solar panel is disclosed. The cover provides protection for the solar panel from the elements of the weather such as snow, hail, sleet, and windblown debris, and also against overheating of the solar panel during periods of long and intense solar radiation, when the demand for hot water is insufficient to dissipate heat build-up. The cover is constructed of material having heat-insulative properties and provides a barrier layer over the top of the solar panel to reduce the amount of heat transferred to the water tubes.

Abstract: A passive solar heating unit is disclosed, including a portable heater version of the invention that includes an insulated shell structure, an inclined, vertically shaped window formed within the structure, an insulated door to the structure, a handle, and two operating positions, one for summer and one for winter. The heating unit has a dark exterior to absorb heat and a reflective interior to trap sunlight entering through the window. When used to generate heat sufficient to heat food and other items, the ratio of the interior volume of the unit to the size of the sunlight window is approximately 16:1. Other configurations, for providing heat in other applications, utilize different volume to window size ratios and different shaped windows.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for improved efficiency in the collection of solar energy, in which an energy conversion device is provided that includes a first zone for converting received solar energy into thermal energy, the first zone having a Fresnel lens, and a heat absorption layer with heat collectors embedded therein. The energy conversion device also includes a second zone positioned at a lower level of first energy zone for converting received solar energy into electrical energy utilizing a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A solar collector plate (2) has a solar radiation receiving front absorber plane (3) that is wiped at its rear side by a cooling liquid (4) flowing in channels (5). Cavities (7), preferably behind the channels (5) and integrated in the solar collector plate (2), and that can be closed off by the very liquid flow (4), provide a closed air volume that gives a dampening effect regarding kickbacks and pressure transients in the liquid (4).

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: A solar water heater is provided. The heater features heat control so that a maximum temperature is automatically controlled. The heater is insulated to maintain a water temperature of water stored therein for long periods of time. The heater includes an insulated lens which transmits most solar radiation incident on its top surface through the lens. An air trap is located below the lens. A heat control valve opens the air trap to surrounding air when a maximum temperature for air within the air trap is exceeded. A heat absorption plate is located below the air trap. The plate is in contact with a heat transfer liquid within a liquid space below the plate. A heat exchanger is positioned within the space and routes water in heat transfer contact with the liquid within the space, while keeping the water isolated from the liquid within the space.

Abstract: An outer wall element for buildings wherein, between the inner wall shell and a solar-radiation permeable outer wall shell, a solar-radiation permeable and heat-insulating layer is arranged, the latter being separated from an inner heat-insulating layer of the inner wall shell by an interface that absorbs the solar radiation from the outer heat-insulating layer. At least the inner wall shell is provided with marginal lining elements, which can be parts of a frame, panels or the like, extending at least up to the interface and conveying heat to the inner wall side. In order to protect the lining elements from the high temperatures reached in the outer heat-insulating layer because of the use of solar energy, the outer heat-insulating layer and the lining elements are separated from each other by insulating elements with poor heat conductivity, which starting from the lining elements cover the inner heat-insulating layer along a marginal strip in the interface.

Abstract: A solar collector and a method of manufacture is disclosed. The solar collector frame has internally oriented projections for positioning a light transmissive cover, absorber plate, insulation and base to form an enclosure. To provide for maximum active or passive collection efficiency, by increasing resistance to heat flow, an easily maintained evacuated cover is disclosed. The solar collector can be economically manufactured and can be on-site fabricated, and adapted for single or multiple installation in original or retrofit applications in a building with minimal structural modification.

Abstract: A solar collector venting system comprising a lower frame member with vents which allow the entrance of cooling air when high collector stagnation temperatures occur communicating with the natural downward thermal bowing of a two walled plastic glazing caused by differences in coefficients of expansion between the cooler upper layer and the hotter inner layer of plastic glazing communicating with an upper frame member with stationary fulcrum points communicating with vents in between the fulcrums points which, upon bowing of the glazing cause the upper end of the glazing sheet to lift up off the top frame member allowing an open path for the flow of cooling air to pass up thru the collector between the absorber and the plastic glazing whose path may be kept clear by communicating with flow path spacers on the absorber.

Abstract: A solar boiler of improved energy efficiency that includes a solar panel for receiving solar energy and converting a liquid to steam and a highly accurate tracking system to maintain the panel substantially perpendicular to the sun. The panel includes a plurality of heat transfer liquid carrying tubes having a highly absorptive coating over areas receiving solar energy and high efficiency insulating material over remaining surface areas. An extruded compound concentrating cylindrical lens is positioned over each tube to concentrate received solar energy along a narrow linear energy receiving area. Each panel is mounted for rotation and tilting on a simple, sturdy base. Each panel is substantially closed but includes openings designed so that some air flow through the panel is permitted to prevent excessive heat within the panel while preventing entry of moisture.