Solar energy collecting apparatus

Patent · Tue Jul 20 04:00:00 EDT 1982

OSTI ID:6656961

Hopper, T P

A solar energy collecting apparatus comprises an elongated, trough-like reflector for reflecting solar energy to an elongated focal region. The reflector, which partially defines an enclosed space, includes adjacent first and second portions that extend in mutually parallel relation, each portion including an inner reflective surface having a generally parabolic cross-sectional shape that comprises a vertex and opposing side walls diverging from the vertex. One of the side walls of the first portion intersects one of the side walls of the second portion and thereby defines a peak or cusp that projects inwardly of the enclosed space. An absorber is mounted in the focal region in spaced relation to the peak to receive solar energy directly incident thereon and reflected thereto by the reflector and comprises a tubular member for conducting a heat transferring medium therethrough. Two vanes are associated with the tubular member, each vane making an angle of less than 180* with the other. One vane projects to a position laterally adjacent and spaced from one side of the peak and the other projects to a position laterally adjacent and spaced from the other side of the peak so that no straight-line path is available for light between the peak and absorber. Accordingly the vanes block and absorb solar energy reflected from both the first and second portions of the reflector to the region between the peak and the absorber. A method of manufacturing this solar energy collecting apparatus is also disclosed.

• Assignee: EDB-83-015351
• Patent Number(s): US 4340034
• OSTI ID: 6656961
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
CONCENTRATING COLLECTORS
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
MANUFACTURING
SOLAR ABSORBERS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR REFLECTORS
VANES