Inflatable solar energy collector
An inflatable solar energy collector utilizes flexible materials and is adapted to be inflated by a flow of pressurized gas therethrough. Inflation positions a solar energy collecting panel at an appropriate predetermined angle for effectively collecting solar energy. The solar collector includes an enclosure defining a generally tubular configuration, and the energy collecting panel extends in a planar and chord-like manner through the interior of the enclosure. Wall portions of the enclosure comprise solar radiation transparent material to allow incident solar radiation to pass therethrough onto the energy collecting panel. A second panel of solar radiation transparent material is operatively sealed to the energy collecting panel in selected positions to define a gas conducting conduit extending over the energy collecting panel. A flow of pressurized gas is conducted into the gas conducting conduit and removes the solar radiation absorbed by the energy collecting panel in the form of heat. Means conducts pressurized gas from the gas conducting conduit into the interior of the enclosure for inflating the collector and positioning the energy collecting panel at the optimum angle for absorbing incident solar radiation. Attaching means are positioned at the exterior of the enclosure for selectively attaching the enclosure to a support surface in a desired manner whereby the energy collecting panel is optimally angled upon inflation of the collector.
- Assignee:
- EDB-82-094171
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4182307
- OSTI ID:
- 5641478
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 8 Mar 1978; Other Information: PAT-APPL-884418
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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