Collection of solar energy
Apparatus for collecting solar energy comprises one or more solar energy collectors attached to a frame which floats on a pool of water, and means for orienting the frame relative to the azimuthal direction of the sun. The solar energy collectors are horizontal elongate parabolic reflectors which also float on the pool of water and which can be rotated about their longitudinal axes to orient them relative to the elevation of the sun. Solar rays reflected by such reflectors are absorbed by elongate absorption devices placed at the focal points of the parabolic reflectors. The absorption devices are preferably of a novel design which provides for removal of the energy of the absorbed rays by means of a working fluid which passes through the device. The parabolic reflectors preferably have body portions composed of a novel constructional material which comprises a plurality of hollow glass bodies which are connected together through randomly coalesced wall portions.
- Assignee:
- EDB-82-140221
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4315500
- OSTI ID:
- 5167905
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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