Solar energy system

Abstract

Disclosed are solar energy systems which provide for the distillation of liquids and/or the production of electricity using photovoltaic cells. Apparatus are disclosed which include an undulated system for conducting the liquid to be distilled, a linear lens disposed to concentrate solar energy on or below the undulated system, and a conduit transparent to visible light interposed between the undulated system and the linear lens. A cooling fluid is supplied to the conduit for assisting condensation of liquid evaporated from the undulated system on the lower wall of the conduit. The condensed liquid, the condensate and a concentrate of the liquid being distilled are collected. An array of photovoltaic cells may be disposed in the undulated system at a location of the concentration of solar energy to thereby provide for both distillation of the liquid and generation of electricity. Instead of an undulated system for conducting the liquid to be distilled, in one embodiment, a first transparent tube is disposed in a second transparent tube. The liquid to be distilled evaporates in the first transparent tube and is condensed on the upper wall thereof which has an outer surface in contact with the cooling fluid. If desired, photovoltaic cells may also be disposed in the first transparent tube. In another disclosed embodiment, a collector comprises tubes one disposed in the other with a fluid being circulated through each tube and insulation surrounding the lower portion of the tubes. Photovoltaic cells may be disposed in the innermost tube which is transparent.