Showing papers on "Photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector published in 1970"

System for detecting and utilizing the maximum available power from solar cells

Abstract: In a power solar cell array consisting of many solar cells connected to deliver useful electrical power, there is imbedded a smaller reference solar array consisting of solar cells connected in series with a Zener diode and load resistor so devised that the voltage that appears across the load resistor is equal to or a constant fraction of the voltage at which the power array, operating at the same temperature and solar exposure as the reference array, delivers maximum electrical power. The voltage difference between the large solar array or the given fraction thereof and the reference solar array is used directly as means to constrain the large array to operate at the voltage of maximum power, typically any excess power being used to charge a storage battery.

Solar energy powered heliotrope

Abstract: This invention relates to a solar energy powered heliotrope which functions in a passive, stored energy manner to orient a solar array towards the sun. A bimetallic motor element is activated by solar energy to generate a work output. A constant torque spring assembly coupled to the motor element stores useful energy as a function of the work output. A bimetallic sensing element detects misorientation between the solar array and the sun. An escapement mechanism is actuated by the sensing element whenever misorientation between the solar array and the sun is detected; the escapement mechanism automatically and incrementally releases the stored energy to rotate the solar array in discrete increments until it is oriented towards the sun.

Apparatus for converting solar energy to low cost power

Abstract: Solar energy is converted to useful energy by dividing a reflected solar beam into a plurality of concentrated cones of solar radiation. Each cone passes into a black box to heat air therein. The heated air is then converted to mechanical energy by suitable apparatus and the mechanical motion may in turn be converted to electrical energy. In simpler, but less efficient embodiments, said cones may be converted by thermoelectric means directly into electric currents.

Performance of a Solar Heating System with Photovoltaic Thermal Hybrid Collectors and Heat Pump

Abstract: The energy consumption in buildings accounts for a large part of the World’s CO2 emissions. Much energy is used for appliances, domestic hot water preparation and space heating. In solar heating systems, heat is captured by solar collectors when the sun is shining and used for heating purposes. When the solar collectors are unable to supply the heat demand an auxiliary heat source is used. Heat pumps can generate this heat. Liquid/water heat pumps have better performance than air/water heat pumps in cold climates but requires installation of a tubing system for the cold side of the heat pump. The tubes are typically placed in the ground, requires a significant land area and increase the installation cost. A new system design of a solar heating system with two storage tanks and a liquid/water heat pump is presented. The system consists of PVT collectors that generate both heat and electricity. Heat from the collectors is transferred to a domestic hot water storage tank or to a cold storage tank, which is used as the source for the heat pump. When the heat pump charges the warm storage tank, heat is extracted from the cold storage tank, which then can be reheated by the PVT collectors. In this system, it is possible to have the high performance of the liquid/water heat pump but without the need to install tubes in the ground. The performance of the system with automated energy discharge over several months is evaluated.

The direct conversion of solar light energy into electricity

Abstract: Solar radiation provides a readily available source of energy which can be used to generate electricity. It can be used as a source of heat for conventional electrical power generation of more directly for the conversion of heat into electricity by the techniques of thermoelectric or thermionic conversion. A review of principles, materials, devices and applications is given.