Tubular solar energy collection system utilizing air media

Patent · Tue Apr 12 04:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:6880944

Moan, K L

An air system is described for the collection and utilization of solar energy. Tubular solar collectors are made with a transparent glass tube having a cylindrical outer wall, spaced and sealed at one end to a cylindrical absorber tube that has a solar energy absorbing surface. The sealed space between the glass tube and absorber tube is evacuated. Several of the collectors are connected into a manifold split into separate chambers by a dividing wall. A divider strip is fastened as a continuation of the dividing wall of the manifold by a novel detachable fastener means. The divider strip fits snugly inside the absorber tube of each collector dividing it in half and spanning nearly the entire length thereof. Pressurized air is supplied into the one high pressure chamber of the manifold and is connected into the one half section of the absorber of each collector at the open end connection, guided by the dividing strip the length of the absorber tube into the other half of the absorber tube and back into the other compartment of the manifold which is at lower pressure. The reverse flow of air the length of the absorber tube exchanges solar heat absorbed on the solar energy absorbing surface. Heated air in the lower pressure chamber is conveyed to a heat exchange storage element and/or load device operable for heating or cooling purposes.

• Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 4016860
• OSTI ID: 6880944
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
CONFIGURATION
CYLINDRICAL CONFIGURATION
DESIGN
EVACUATED COLLECTORS
EVACUATED TUBE COLLECTORS
SOLAR ABSORBERS
SOLAR AIR HEATERS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
TUBES