Showing papers on "Photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector published in 1976"

Interface design considerations for terrestrial solar cell modules

Abstract: The need for increased solar array electrical efficiency and reliability in the achievement of future large-scale system cost goals is discussed. The relative performance of various array module designs currently on the market is evaluated, and further design improvements are suggested. The subjects of module efficiency, temperature control, and series/parallel reliability are analyzed. Applications for various combinations of array characteristics are considered.

Solar cell electric and heating system

Abstract: A system for converting solar energy into electric energy at reduced cost makes use of an array of light sensitive, voltage producing solar cells of the flat disc silicon type. To increase power, while using fewer costly cells, each cell of the array has a truncated conical shell mounted on legs at a spaced distance thereover, the shell having a mirror-like reflective inner surface. Thus, sunlight is received in the large end and reflected through the small end to the cell. A sealed, weather-tight enclosure for the array, has fluid inlets and outlets for producing heat, the heat conductive shells absorbing and radiating heat.

Solar thermal electric power plant

Abstract: A solar thermal electric energy system utilizes a solar receptor having a double paned glass window with cooling liquid circulating therethrough. This serves as a window for a solar heat receptor cavity having a number of water or steam carrying tubes therein. A portion of the tubes operate at a temperature range suitable for heating boiler water and another portion of the tubes is at a higher temperature which serves as steam superheat. The liquid flowing through a pair of window panes is triethylene glycol and in addition to cooling the window has an index of refraction which matches the window to provide the most efficient conduction of solar energy to the heat recepting tubes behind the window. The power plant itself includes heat saving jackets around the steam headers to provide for boiler feed water preheat and has both high pressure and low pressure turbines to utilize most efficiently the water being heated by the solar receptors.

Application of thin films to solar energy utilization

Abstract: The principal areas of utilization of thin films and coatings in the harnessing of solar energy are (1) thermal control of structures, where reflecting or partially reflecting coatings and antireflection coatings are used to control incident solar radiation or to retain thermal energy; (2) photothermal conversion where solar energy is converted to low grade heat (<150 °C) using reflector films, antireflection coatings, and selective solar absorber coatings; (3) = p i a i )=hotothermal/electrical conversion where solar energy is concentrated and converted to high‐grade heat which is used to power a turbine; and (4) photovoltaic conversion where solar energy is converted directly into electrical energy using semiconductor films and junctions, transparent conductors, antireflection coatings, and metal electrode films. Films may be used in all of these areas for environmental protection. Several thin film systems have applications rather unique to solar energy. These include selective solar absorbers which ha...

Heat pump assisted solar powered absorption system

Abstract: An all-year heating and cooling system incorporates an absorption refrigeration machine using solar energy as a primary heat source and a compression cycle system for boosting the temperature of the heating medium supplied to the absorption machine generator. During the heating mode, the solar collector, may be replaced by the compression cycle system if insufficient solar energy is available to satisfy the demand for heating.

Solar radiation collection system

Abstract: High efficiency solar radiation collectors may employ a dual flow path relative to heat transfer surfaces of the collector panel. A major air flow is confined beneath the panel, but a subsidiary (bypass) air flow at an angle to the principal air flow is also employed to suppress natural (free) flow convection at an upper side of the panel. Advantageously, the subsidiary air flow can be established by perforations in the collector panel and by creation of a suction for the bypass air. High efficiency energy collection, particularly adapted to weak and intermittent radiation environments, is further enhanced by the usage of a collector panel having a low thermal mass and providing good thermal interchange with a relatively small air mass moving beneath and above the panel, while being arranged to limit thermal conduction along the panel in the direction of air flow. Thus, a thermal gradient is established along the length of the collector panel, with a low temperature differential with the heated air mass at every position, with a fast heating response time, and with reradiation losses being minimized. By recirculating the air in a low thermal mass heat exchange system with an energy storage system in such fashion that inlet fluid is at the lowest sustainable temperature, insolation incident upon the collector is more fully utilized. The thermal energy storage most advantageously comprises what may be termed a minimum entropy system, with thermal energy in the heated air mass being interchanged in counterflow relation with a storage fluid which may be fed to different temperature level storages, dependent upon the intensity of the solar radiation available to the collector.

Solar energy augmented water heating system

Abstract: Solar energy is utilized to augment the heater of a water heating system, such as a domestic hot water system, having a water storage and heating tank by conducting water to the tank through a solar energy storage tank and circulating a heat transport liquid through a solar collector and selectively through the solar tank and water tank in response to the collector temperature, the solar tank temperature, and the water tank temperature, in a manner such that heat transport liquid flow occurs in a normal solar energy storage mode through the collector and the solar tank under a first set of temperature conditions, and cascade fashion through the collector, the water tank, and then the solar tank in a cascade solar energy storage mode under a second set of temperature conditions and in a maximum solar energy storage mode under a third set of temperature conditions. Heat transport liquid flow may occur through the solar collector and solar tank in response to a preset low collector temperature to prevent freezing of liquid in the collector, and the water tank heater may be shut off in response to a high collector and water temperature condition to conserve energy. The invention also provides novel solar collector and tank heat exchanger structures for the heating system.

Solar liquid heating apparatus

Abstract: A solar apparatus is provided for heating liquids such as water, to a high temperature by utilizing a movable parabolic heat collector to concentrate the sun's rays associated with a special piping arrangement to obtain progressive liquid pre-heating; a collector tracking device including photocells and a collimating system for controlling the movement of the collector to maintain alignment with the sun; a device for modulating the flow of the heat transfer liquid between the collector and the storage to maintain optimum heat replenishment therebetween; and also a vacuum insulated heat exchanger to isolate the heat transfer liquid from the water being heated.

Process of and apparatus for solar heating and the like

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with the collection and concentration of solar ray energy and the like through optimal use of prismatic and reflective concentration thereof.

Stable solar power source for portable electrical devices

Abstract: The stable solar power source consists of solar cells for converting sunlight into electrical energy and a large capacitor for providing a current reserve to satisfy peak current demands and offset the effects of sunlight variations. The solar cells are mounted beneath a light transmitting thermal shield to minimize thermal induced cell output variations.

Solar energy collection panels and energy recovery systems

Abstract: Solar energy collection panels and energy recovery systems for recovering solar energy to reduce the power consumption in water heaters, air-conditioning systems and the like. The solar panels comprise decorative roofing panels having a second formed panel thereunder so as to define an air flow passage therebetween. The panels absorb solar energy, thereby heating the air within, which is circulated through a recovery system for utilization of the heat. Compression of the air heated by the solar panel may be used to further increase the temperature thereof for more efficient operation of the recovered energy utilization system. Details of a recovered energy utilization means are disclosed.

Solar collector and drive circuitry control means

Abstract: A control that will, when attached to a Solar Collector in a proper manner, allow said Solar Collector to track the sun as to azimuth and elevation automatically, without manual assistance, through the diurnal cycle without regard as to whether the sun is visible or not. Also controlling said Collector at sunset to return to an Easterly setting to await the following diurnal cycle.

Design considerations for parabolic-cylindrical solar collectors

Abstract: This report presents in some detail the various significant factors which influence the design of parabolic-cylindrical solar collectors.

Solar power system, with high concentration, linear reflective solar panels

Abstract: The solar power system with high concentration linear reflective solar panels of the linear parabolic type is intended to increase the electrical power output from conventional silicon solar cells, and heat water for steam power. Circular parabolic reflectors have been used for this purpose but there are not as flexible in application as the linear parabolic reflectors (L. P. R.'s). The solar power system may be arranged as an all electric type using continuous lines of silicon solar cells located at the apex or focal zone of the parabola, or may be designed as a dual solar conversion system with both solar photoelectric means and a water heating steam means, as an indirect or secondary power source. The key feature of the system is the geometric configuration of the linear parabolic reflectors (L. P. R.'s), with an unusually high reflective concentration ratio of 10:1 minimum, plus boosters, and the connection of these pivoted linear panels to a common oscillating linkage and timing unit for full sun following capability to maintain optimum direct solar exposure each day.

Heat collecting and transferring apparatus and systems adapted for use with solar energy

Abstract: Heat energy as from solar rays is collected by units including transparent plates covering a completely liquid filled chamber which has a heat absorbing layer as the internal surface of the chamber. The liquid is transparent and capable of absorbing, storing and/or transporting the heat energy. In one embodiment, the heat is removed to a storage tank from many such collector units by pumping. The system can allow draining of the collector when heat collection conditions do not prevail. In another embodiment of collector, the heat is transferred through the heat absorbing walls and the liquid medium acts mainly as a heat receiver and storing facility. A compartmentalized tank can be employed to enhance heat collection efficiency.

Solar water heater

Abstract: A closed water/glycol solar heating system for preheating a fluid so as to reduce energy requirements in bringing said fluid up to a desired temperature and holding same, said system including a solar collector having a flexible dome.

Solar collector automatic freeze protection system

Abstract: An automatic freeze protection system for solar energy collector apparatus. The apparatus includes a solar collector for circulating water or another fluid to be heated by the sun. Sensor means are provided within the collector to monitor the temperature of the water, and whenever it approaches the freezing point, the sensor will automatically actuate a valve means to rapidly drain the water from the collector. When the temperature within the collector thereafter rises to a predetermined safe level, the sensor means will again automatically actuate the valve means to refill the collector with fresh water to be heated. The system provided thus avoids the need for anti-freeze or other freeze protection materials suggested by the prior art as well as isolated water loops, heat exchangers and other expensive safety equipment necessitated thereby.

Solar energy collectors

Abstract: This invention utilizes a solar radiation absorbing fluid (i.e., a black fluid) for direct solar energy to thermal energy transfer. The unique structure of the several disclosed embodiments of this invention provides for a selected distribution and a selected depth of the absorbing fluid in the solar energy exposed area. The disclosed apparatus converts solar radiation energy into thermal energy with higher conversion efficiency, lower material and manufacturing costs and considerable weight reduction compared to conventional solar collectors.

Solar water heater of natural circulation type

Abstract: A solar water heater of natural circulation type provided with a reflector for improving the heat collecting efficiency of a heat collector especially in the winter season The reflector is disposed to satisfy two essential conditions The first essential condition provides that solar radiation reflected from the reflecting surface of the reflector be substantially entirely directed toward the heat collecting surface of the heat collector at the southing time of the winter solstice, while the second essential condition provides that solar radiation incident upon the heat collecting surface of the heat collector be not excessively interrupted by the reflector at the southing time of the summer solstice

Solar powered absorption refrigeration system

Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system utilizes a solar collector in the heat input circuit and includes means within the collector housing for condensing water vapor released from the absorbent solution. Ambient air abstracts heat from the vapor and causes condensation thereof.

Solar collector for heating a fluid

Abstract: A solar collector for heating a fluid, e.g., air or water, is provided with at least one glass plate and an infrared reflector plate mounted about a solar and infrared energy absorber to provide fluid heating compartments. Facilities are provided for moving the fluid through the heating compartments to efficiently utilize the solar and infrared energy to heat the fluid. Other embodiments of solar collectors are taught for efficiently heating the fluid by increasing the fluid path to optimize the use of solar and infrared energy.

Solar heat collector

Abstract: A solar heat collector designed to obtain maximum heat from sunlight rays when operational and minimum heat from sunlight rays when non-operational. The solar heat collector contains two sheets of solid material spaced and confronting each other between which a heat transfer liquid flows through baffle arrangement so as to increase the efficiency for obtaining higher temperatures of the heat transfer liquid.

Tandem photovoltaic solar cells and increased solar energy conversion efficiency

Abstract: Tandem photovoltaic cells, as proposed by Jackson (1955) to increase the efficiency of solar energy conversion, involve the construction of a system of stacked p/n homojunction photovoltaic cells composed of different semiconductors. It had been pointed out by critics, however, that the total power which could be extracted from the cells in the stack placed side by side was substantially greater than the power obtained from the stacked cells. A reexamination of the tandem cell concept in view of the development of the past few years is conducted. It is concluded that the use of tandem cell systems in flat plate collectors, as originally envisioned by Jackson, may yet become feasible as a result of the development of economically acceptable solar cells for large scale terrestrial power generation.

Solar heating and insulating apparatus

Abstract: A combined solar heating and insulating apparatus for use on existing buildings or in new construction. The apparatus is inexpensive to manufacture and provides for auxiliary solar heating during the day and insulation during the night, both of which result in a savings in fuel and increased efficiency of the standard heating system of the building. The apparatus takes the form of panels which can be affixed to existing vertical southern walls with little or no modification, thus allowing for the use of solar energy without expensive physical modifications to the building.