Fluid optical switch for a solar collector
US4270517A · kind A · utility
14Cited by
12References
9Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 1979 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/40
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for optical switching which uses a fluid medium whose refractive index is matched to that of a highly dispersed optical scattering layer to provide optical transparency of said scatterer when immersed in the fluid media and optical reflection in the absence thereof. The fluid optical switch is embodied in a solar energy collector to provide overtemperature protection to collector components and further to provide a convenient means for turning off the collector during periods of nonuse.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.