Method and apparatus for collecting, intensifying and storing solar energy

Patent · Tue Jul 28 00:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:6382053

Nilsson, J E

A method and apparatus for collecting, intensifying and storing solar energy which includes a hollow spherical vessel having a polished reflective interior surface are described. A window 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. The collector includes a substantially black (Or a selective coating) heat absorbing surface carried by a spherical member which is centrally located within the spherical vessel. Heat absorbing media 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 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. 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 4280482
• OSTI ID: 6382053
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 16 Jul 1979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR COLLECTORS
DESIGN
HEAT TRANSFER
METALS
PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS
SOLAR ABSORBERS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SPHERICAL CONFIGURATION
CONFIGURATION
ELEMENTS
ENERGY TRANSFER
EQUIPMENT
MATERIALS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators
142000 - Solar Energy- Heat Storage- (1980-)