Process and apparatus for collecting solar energy
US4116222A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1977 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/44
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process and apparatus for collecting solar energy involving exposing a mixture of a fluid carrier and heat absorbing particles to the rays of the sun in a container having a transparent cover facing the rays of the sun, and circulating the mixture to a thermal accumulator or sink. The fluid may be a liquid or gas, or a mixture of liquid and gas; and the particles preferably have a specific gravity different from that of the carrier so they naturally separate if circulation of the mixture stops. The container is dimensioned so that, upon separation of the particles, they no longer are exposed through the transparent surface of the container. Mixture flow control means are provided within the container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.