Solar energy collecting structure

Patent · Tue Apr 08 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5764450

Eldifrawi, A A; Mclorg, T W; Rain, L H

The structure disclosed includes an air supported transparent membrane which encloses a solar collector unit. The solar unit includes a solar collector element and two angled walls that support and position the element. The solar collector element receives and absorbs solar radiation and provides heat to a circulating fluid. The support walls extend forwardly and outwardly from the collector element and have reflecting facing surfaces to increase the amount of radiation falling on the element. The walls extend rearwardly of the element to define a chamber in which small rocks are stored to provide heat storage. The transparent membrane creates a greenhouse effect within the chamber defined by the membrane, increasing the operating temperature and thus the conversion efficiency of the solar collector element. Furthermore, the air supported membrane protects the solar collector unit from wind loading. Thus the unit can be lighter than otherwise might be the case and can be pivoted to have an optimum attitude as a function of the time of year. In addition, protection of the solar collector element from wind and rain means that a thin transparent plastic glazing can be and is used in the element.

• Assignee: Irvin Industries Inc
• Patent Number(s): US 4196720
• OSTI ID: 5764450
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
142000 -- Solar Energy-- Heat Storage-- (1980-)
CONVERSION
DESIGN
DYNAMIC LOADS
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENERGY STORAGE
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
GLAZING MATERIALS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
HEAT STORAGE
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
HEATING SYSTEMS
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLASTICS
ROCK BEDS
SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE
SOLAR ABSORBERS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
STORAGE
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
WIND LOADS