Earth based solar collector

a solar collector and earth-based technology, applied in the field of earth-based solar collectors, can solve the problems of reducing the efficiency of the collector by an order of magnitude or more, so as to maximize the light collection ability of the collector, maximize the transmission of sunlight, and maximize the effect of the ability to absorb sunligh

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-08-13
HAWLEY JAMES
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  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Prior art shows how to create flat-plate or concentrating collectors however, because solar energy is a diffused energy source such devices are of limited practical value for large scale power generating systems as the complexity of such systems when scaled to a large size results in a system cost that exceeds the value of the electricity that can be generated over the useful life of the system.
This innovation in collector design will result in lower system efficiency which is at first counterintuitive, however because of the diffused nature of sunlight it will be apparent that reducing the collector cost by an order of magnitude or more will far outweigh any reduction of efficiency.

Method used

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  • Earth based solar collector

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Embodiment Construction

[0023]FIG. 1 shows an earth based solar collector where the earth 20 has been formed into a solar collector and has been formed at angles to maximize the absorption of sunlight. An insulation material 10 is used under the heat absorbing mass 80 to limit heat loss into the ground below the collector. This mass which can be water retains the collected heat above the insulation acting as a thermal buffer. The collector is covered with one or more clear membranes 40 and 50 such as glass or plastic or both. This membrane may be treated with an infrared retention coating 60 internally or externally. The sides of the collector maybe formed from the earth or insulating side panels 70 may be used.

[0024]FIG. 2 shows a large scale earth based solar collector. To extract the heated air or water 75 which is circulated with a fan or a pump 110. This heated air or water then passes over the heat exchanger 90 heating a working fluid such as Freon for use in the Orgainc Rankine Cycle system 120.

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Abstract

This invention relates to the collection of sunlight for heat which is used for heating and for the conversion of heat to electricity. Where a large area of land is prepared then covered with a solar collecting film of plastic or glass. The air or water under the film being heated is then circulated around the inside of the collector over a heat exchanger. The solar collector is insulated from the ground it is constructed on and uses stone or water to retain the heat. The retained heat can extended the working time of the collector beyond the time when the sun sets. This heat exchanger carries a working fluid such as Freon that is used to perform work such as spinning an electric generator.

Description

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0001]This invention relates to the collection of sunlight for heat which is used for heating and for the conversion of heat to electricity with a steam or an Organic Rankine Cycle ORC system. Where a large area of land is prepared then covered with a solar collecting film of plastic or glass. The air or water under the film will heat up and is then circulated around the collector over a heat exchanger. This heat exchanger carries a working fluid such as Freon which has been heated to perform work in the ORC system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]The invention relates an earth based solar collector. Prior art shows how to create flat-plate or concentrating collectors however, because solar energy is a diffused energy source such devices are of limited practical value for large scale power generating systems as the complexity of such systems when scaled to a large size results in a system cost that exceeds the value of the electricity that can be ge...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F24J2/34
CPCF03G6/003F24J2/0438F24J2/30Y02E10/46F24J2/506Y02B10/20Y02E10/44F24J2/34F24S10/30F24S20/64F24S60/00F24S60/30F24S80/525F24S80/56
Inventor HAWLEY, JAMES
Owner HAWLEY JAMES
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