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

Black liquid absorbing solar collector

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5778405
A Theolar energy collector is disclosed wherein the absorber means comprises a black liquid absorber for converting solar energy to thermal energy and absorbing the thermal energy. The solar energy collector includes an upper cover having a plurality of raised chamber modules each having surfaces angularly disposed to the cover surface for collecting and transmitting solar energy to the black liquid absorber. Center plate means are provided for exposing the black liquid absorber to solar radiation and comprise a floating member having an upper and lower surface means transparent to solar energy and defining a plurality of upper and lower elongated channel means for circulating the black liquid absorber there within to provide a flow-return flow of the black liquid absorber thereby providing additional exposure to solar radiation. Inlet conduit means are provided for introducing the black liquid absorber to the upper channel means and outlet conduit means are provided in the lower channel means for conveying away the black liquid absorber and absorbed thermal energy after circulation through the upper and lower channel means. The inlet and outlet conduit means are each located at the lower end of the collector. A lower cover means is provided having a plurality of raised chamber modules each having surfaces angularly disposed to the cover surface, transparent to solar radiation, and corresponding to the upper means. The upper and lower cover means are disposed in abutting relationship, respectively, along their perimeters whereby the center means is held in floating relationship there-between. In the preferred embodiment, upper and lower wall means are removable and are disposed within the upper and lower cover means and elongated channel center means.
Assignee:
Solarspan Inc
Patent Number(s):
US 4287882
OSTI ID:
5778405
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English