Solar energy collection system and apparatus for same utilizing latent

Abstract

A solar energy collection and utilization storage system is constructed by using a lenticulated transparent element closed at the back to form channels which are used to carry an energy storage fluid. The lenticulations are designed as light trapping surfaces so that virtually all of the energy from the sun at any time of day falling on the sheet is trapped by the lenticulations and transferred to an energy storage fluid which is in the passages formed by the lenticulations and the back cover panel. The rate of flow through the solar collector panel is controlled by a thermostatic valve element which opens the flow when the fluid reaches a predetermined temperature. The energy storage fluid is a dispersion of a crystalline polymer in a heat transfer fluid which has the capacity of storing heat by a latent heat of crystallization as well as by sensible heat. By use of a suitable polymer the energy storage fluid can store energy at a high enough temperature to produce a significant amount of shaft power utilizing a heat engine. The remainder of the system comprises a storage container, suitable fluid connecting lines, a heat exchanger to extract sensible heat, and means to circulate the fluid through the system. The combination of the flat panel collector and the efficient energy storage fluid combine to make an effective collector system which can be employed to drive a heat pump for heating and cooling or to generate electric power.