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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Inflatable solar collector

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5641564
A solar collector using air as its heat transfer medium having a top member containing a plurality of transparent sealed air pockets allowing passage of radiant energy but preventing conductive and convective heat losses generated inside the collector; a central black-coated absorbent plastic member divides the center of the collector into a plurality of interconnected inflatable upper and lower chambers connected to air pumps at one end and to a constriction valve outlet at the other. The lower end of the lower chambers consists of a cover containing a multiplicity of insulative sealed air channels. The collector can be mounted on a turntable frame having adjustable reflective panels mounted above and below the collector. The heated air after it has given up its calories to a storage unit is recirculated to the inflatable chambers.
Assignee:
EDB-82-094146
Patent Number(s):
US 4203425
OSTI ID:
5641564
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English