Solar heat collector system

Patent · Tue Nov 23 00:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:6610756

Sharpe, T E

This invention discloses a solar heat collector and system in which radiant heat energy is absorbed by an absorber plate and the heat is transferred by conduction to a circulating fluid. During normal operation, heat loss from the solar panel is reduced by covering the upper side of the absorber plate with an inflatable transparent cover, and also covering the rear side of the panel with an insulating material which can be an inflatable insulating bladder. The invention pertains more particularly to a solar heat collector which can be inactivated to avoid it attaining excessive temperatures by deflating the flexible transparent cover and allowing it to settle close to the absorber plate, thereby establishing increased heat transfer by conductive and convective processes from the absorber plate to the environment. The deflated cover permits sufficient heat rejection to prevent the plate from attaining excessive temperatures during its inactive or stagnant operating mode. If desired, a second transparent inflatable cover can be provided spaced above the absorber plate and operated similarly to improve thermal performance of the collector in its active operating mode.

• Assignee: EDB-83-032690
• Patent Number(s): US 4360005
• OSTI ID: 6610756
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 30 Jan 1981; Other Information: PAT-APPL-230307
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
INFLATABLE COLLECTORS
DESIGN
COVERINGS
FLEXIBILITY
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
PLASTICS
SOLAR ABSORBERS
THERMAL INSULATION
TUBES
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
TENSILE PROPERTIES
141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators