Owens-illinois, Inc.

Kenneth L Moan

Yu K Pei

A solar collector of modular configuration includes a plurality of evacuated collector elements disposed on opposite faces of a manifold in a staggered array. The manifold includes a central baffle which divides it into two parallel passageways through which the heat transfer medium, typically art, may be supplied to and removed from the collector elements. Each of the collector elements comprises an elongate double wall glass tube with one open end, the annulus between the walls being evacuated to a high vacuum. A thin wall metal distributor tube having a diameter marginally smaller than the inside diameter of the collector element and a length marginally longer seats within the collector element. The annulus defined by the distributor tube and inner collector element wall communicates with the proximate passageway and the distributor tube communicates with the distant passageway.

Solar collector module

An air system for the collection and utilization of solar energy. Tubular solar collectors are made with a transparent glass tube having a cylindrical outer wall, spaced and sealed at one end to a cylindrical absorber tube that has a solar energy absorbing surface. The sealed space between the glass tube and absorber tube is evacuated. Several of the collectors are connected into a manifold split into separate chambers by a dividing wall. A divider strip is fastened as a continuation of the dividing wall of the manifold by a novel detachable fastener means. The divider strip fits snugly inside the absorber tube of each collector dividing it in half and spanning nearly the entire length thereof. Pressurized air is supplied into the one high pressure chamber of the manifold and is connected into the one half section of the absorber of each collector at the open end connection, guided by the dividing strip the length of the absorber tube into the other half of the absorber tube and back into the other compartment of the manifold which is at lower pressure. The reverse flow of air the length of the absorber tube exchanges solar heat absorbed on the solar energy absorbing surface. Heated air in the lower pressure chamber is conveyed to a heat exchange storage element and/or load device operable for heating or cooling purposes.

Tubular solar energy collection system utilizing air media

A system for the collection and utilization of solar energy. A manifold is mounted on the roof of a building with a major portion of the manifold being contained within the building. A plurality of double-walled, glass solar energy collector tubes are inserted into that part of the manifold which extends above the roof of the building. A gas, such as air, completely fills the manifold and collector tubes. The gas is circulated from the manifold to the ends of the collector tubes from whence it returns, having been heated during the movement. A heat exchanger mounted in the manifold has a working fluid, such as water, passing through it. The heated gas impinges on the heat exchanger, giving up much of its energy to the fluid passing through the heat exchanger. The working fluid is then used for space heating or cooling functions within the building.

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Toledo, OH, United States of America

Kenneth L Moan