Apparatus for collecting, intensifying and storing solar energy

Patent · Tue May 22 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6282450

Nilsson, Sr, J E

A method and apparatus for collecting, intensifying and storing solar energy which includes a hollow spherical vessel 10 having a polished reflective interior surface. A window 32 is provided in the wall of the vessel for allowing concentrated rays from the sun to enter into the interior of the vessel and be absorbed by a solar collector 20. The collector includes a substantially black (or a selective coating) heat absorbing surface carried by a spherical member 16 which is centrally located within the spherical vessel. Heat absorbing media 18 such as metal shots are carried within the spherical member and change from a solid state to a liquid state as it absorbs the solar energy. The heat absorbing media 18 cause radiant energy to be radiated radially in a symmetric beam pattern to the reflective vessel wall where the radiation is reflected back to the spherical member 16. The reflected radiant energy, in conjunction with the sun's rays, intensify the temperature of the heat absorbing media, producing a thermal power supply.

• Assignee: Seige Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 4449515
• OSTI ID: 6282450
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
BLACK COATINGS
COATINGS
CONTAINERS
DESIGN
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
HEAT EXCHANGERS
METALS
OPENINGS
RADIATIONS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR RADIATION
SPECTRALLY SELECTIVE SURFACES
STELLAR RADIATION
SURFACES
THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
WINDOWS