Temperature responsive optical switch
US4261331A · kind A · utility
14Cited by
9References
9Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 1979 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/40
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An optical switching device for reflecting incident light at or above a predetermined temperature comprises a layer of a metal sulfate salt solution in thermal contact with a source of heat. The solution is characterized as having decreasing salt solubility with increasing temperature. When the heat source exceeds a predetermined temperature, the solution precipitates a light scattering layer, substantially reflecting incident light. Embodied in a solar panel, the present invention provides automatic over-temperature control, reflecting light from the energy converter whenever panel temperature exceeds a predetermined limit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.