Semi-transparent solar energy thermal storage device

Patent · Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:865483

McClelland, John F ^[1]

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1. Ames, IA

A visually transmitting solar energy absorbing thermal storage module includes a thermal storage liquid containment chamber defined by an interior solar absorber panel, an exterior transparent panel having a heat mirror surface substantially covering the exterior surface thereof and associated top, bottom and side walls, Evaporation of the thermal storage liquid is controlled by a low vapor pressure liquid layer that floats on and seals the top surface of the liquid. Porous filter plugs are placed in filler holes of the module. An algicide and a chelating compound are added to the liquid to control biological and chemical activity while retaining visual clarity. A plurality of modules may be supported in stacked relation by a support frame to form a thermal storage wall structure.

• Research Organization: Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames, IA; Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-82
• Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. (Ames, IA)
• Patent Number(s): US 4523577
• Application Number: 06/405,067
• OSTI ID: 865483
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

semi-transparent
solar
energy
thermal
storage
device
visually
transmitting
absorbing
module
liquid
containment
chamber
defined
interior
absorber
panel
exterior
transparent
heat
mirror
surface
substantially
covering
associated
top
bottom
walls
evaporation
controlled
vapor
pressure
layer
floats
seals
porous
filter
plugs
placed
filler
holes
algicide
chelating
compound
added
control
biological
chemical
activity
retaining
visual
clarity
plurality
modules
supported
stacked
relation
support
frame
form
wall
structure
liquid layer
storage module
stacked relation
storage liquid
support frame
top surface
storage device
solar energy
vapor pressure
wall structure
thermal storage
exterior surface
storage wall
porous filter
chamber defined
energy absorbing
pressure liquid
mirror surface
surface substantially
substantially cover
substantially covering
solar absorber
semi-transparent solar
chemical activity
liquid containment
visually transmitting
transparent panel
transmitting solar
heat mirror
interior solar
exterior transparent
energy thermal
absorbing thermal
absorber panel
containment chamber
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