Solar energy system

Abstract

The invention is a solar energy apparatus based on the concept of large area solar radiation reception, comprising a plurality of individual solar receptors, each solar radiation receptor being a flat plate collector adapted to hold relatively shallow layer of water extending over the upper surface thereof. The individual receptors are each comprised of an upper radiation receiving surface adapted to absorb solar radiation. These receptor surfaces are adapted so that the solar heat absorbed is immediately transferred by convection and other means upwardly to the water layer reposed above this receptor surface. The supporting member for each receptor is a rigid member of horizontal disposition surrounded by a vertically extending perimeter which serves as a wall to contain the water upon the upper receptor surface. The water heated on each receptor surface is thence drained at appropriate intervals to a common receptacle and thereupon transferred to a superheating unit where it is further heated to create steam for ultimate conversion to mechanical energy and then electrical energy. In order to facilitate the drainage of warmed water from each of the receptors, one end of each receiving plate member is equipped with an exit funnel that communicates directly with the common receptacle. On the opposite end of each of the receptors are receiving means to add unwarmed water onto the receptor surface of the subsequent solar warming process.