Method and device for collecting and exploiting solar radiation

Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric – Photoelectric – Panel or array

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Details

136246, 126424, 126438, 126440, 350258, 350264, H01L 3104, F24J 302

Patent

active

044967870

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known for using solar energy to employ fixed solar cells constituting thermal converters, also called "thermal function insolators" and hereinafter designated as "insolators". The latter generally comprise:
A transparent front covering through which solar radiation or incident light penetrates;
Absorbent receiving surfaces which convert the energy from the solar radiation into heat which is then transferred to heat transfer fluids, gases, or various liquids, in particular, air or water;
A rear thermal insulation covering.
The transparent covering which is mainly used for protection of the inside of the apparatus from bad weather is often designed and constructed so as to reduce thermal losses caused by transmission to the outside of the thermal flux generated in the apparatus, and also to oppose the passage of convective currents either from the inside of the apparatus or from the outside thereof.
Moreover, the interval also called "intermediate space" between such transparent covering and the absorbent receiving surfaces is generally of a small thickness so as to reduce the inner convective currents which may be responsible for significant thermal losses. This is why heretofore various devices were placed in such intermediate space for specifically combatting such convective currents and also the transmission of the infrared radiation coming from the heated surfaces, without however giving complete satisfaction as regards total utilization of incident energy


OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

However, the purpose which is to be achieved by this invention is to be able to utilize to the maximum the overall solar radiation and consequently to maximize the incident energy while minimizing thermal losses.
The invention is therefore directed to a method for reaching said purpose, and devices for carrying out such method.
An object of the invention is also an insolator using such method and such devices as well as an installation comprising several insolators according to the invention with a view to having an all-purpose thermal source available.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The method according to the invention is substantially characterized in that it consists, within the intermediate space included between the transparent covering and the absorbent receiving surfaces of an insolator, of collecting the almost parallel light radiations coming from the sun through a suitable optical means thermally insulated and orientatable so as to follow said light radiation, converging said radiation towards a point called the "focal point" whereat they form a beam, gathering through an opening having as small a diameter as possible the beam of light radiation surrounding the focal point and making it penetrate into a generally stationary thermally insulated enclosure, using the latter as a thermal focus containing fixed exchange surfaces, bringing such enclosure to a negative pressure to cause air or another gas to penetrate thereinto, receiving the solar radiation not picked up previously onto absorbent receiving surfaces of a known type, while also circulating the air or other gas in said intermediate space and disposing of all the incident energy transferred both inside and outside said thermal focus to the various heat transfer fluids circulating in the whole of said insolator. According to other characteristics:
Said opening of small diameter is located substantially at right angles to said focal point; and
The concurring points of the actual or virtual rotational axes serving for the orientation motion of said optical means is placed at said focal point. For carrying out the method:
The optical means converging the direct, almost parallel, light radiation coming from the sun towards the focal point is selected among optical devices of the catoptric or dioptric type to permit the beam of reflected radiation to propagate in the general direction of the incident light:
According to one advantageous form of embodiment, said optical means comprises a Fresnel lens and/or reflective surfaces, the

REFERENCES:
patent: 3085565 (1963-04-01), Macauley
patent: 3203167 (1965-08-01), Green, Jr.
patent: 3899672 (1975-08-01), Levi-Setti
patent: 4088121 (1978-05-01), Lapeyre
patent: 4289112 (1981-09-01), Roseen
patent: 4427838 (1984-01-01), Goldman
M. A. Duguay, "Solar Electricity: The Hybrid System Approach", American Scientist, vol. 65, pp. 422-427, (1977).

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