Inventors:
Chen De shen - Los Angeles CA
International Classification:
F24J 302
Abstract:
A solar collector has first and second windows and an absorber behind the second window. A layer of material is provided on the interior surface of the first window, to which a fluid is supplied for dispersal throughout the material, and from which the fluid is vaporized to the space between the windows. The vapor passes into the absorber where it is heated by the solar energy being absorbed, and is then supplied to a heat transfer element which carries away the heat while recondensing the vapor. The condensed fluid can be returned to the interior surface of the first window for recycling. The fluid vaporizing from the interior of the first window results in a relatively front cool surface of the collector, which accordingly can have a corresponding high efficiency, even though the interior of the collector is at a high temperature. The heat of vaporization can be supplied in significant part, depending on conditions, by conduction from the ambient atmosphere at the exterior surface of the first window, for instance during summer. Providing a further window with the material layer for the fluid vaporization has advantages for year-round operation.
