Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) apparatus 10 combines a photovoltaic panel (PV) panel 24 and solar air heater (SAH). The SAH includes body 12 with hollow interior 14 defining ducts 16a, 18a for air inlet 16 and air return 18. Jets 22 provide air to convey heat from the PV panel underside. Spaces between the jets provide drains 26 for warmed air to flow away. Flow modifiers/deflectors 124 can guide the airflow. A fan 42 pushes ambient air into the inlet 16 via air handling unit (AHU) 50. Return warm air flows via the AHU to escape via the ambient exhaust 40. A combined thermal transfer and storage unit 52 determines whether air from the PVT panel(s) diverts to the interior space. For cooler ambient conditions, the PVT apparatus can radiate heat to return cooled air into the space. The PVT apparatus can harvest condensation, heat/cool pools and industrial processes.

The present invention relates to a close-contacting module capable of bringing a solar photovoltaic panel and a thermal collector of a solar photovoltaic-thermal panel into close contact without creating an interface. The close-contacting module comprises: a plurality of elastic members (36) which provide an elastic force that presses the thermal collector (20) toward the solar photovoltaic panel (10) from the backside of the thermal collector (20); a support member (35) for supporting the elastic members (36); and a pair of clips (31, 32, 33) provided at both ends of the support member (35) to fix the support member (35) to the edges of the solar photovoltaic-thermal panel (1).

The invention provides in some aspects a thermal energy collection system comprising a first solar collector through which a first heat transfer fluid flows to absorb energy from sunlight as it passes through the first solar collector, and a second solar collector that collects energy from sunlight that has passed through the first solar collector. The first heat transfer fluid of the thermal energy collection system according to these aspects of the invention is in thermal coupling with the first solar collector, but not with the second solar collector. In other aspects, the invention provides a radiator system, comprising a multi-wall panel, an interior of which is in fluid coupling with, and that forms part of, a fluid circuit through which a first heat transfer fluid flows. A reflective surface is disposed in a vicinity of a second face of the multi-wall panel. Still other aspects of the invention provide a reflective film solar energy collector and a solar energy absorber.

The present invention relates to a close-contacting module capable of bringing a solar photovoltaic panel and a thermal collector of a solar photovoltaic-thermal panel into close contact without creating an interface. The close-contacting module comprises: a plurality of elastic members (36) which provide an elastic force that presses the thermal collector (20) toward the solar photovoltaic panel (10) from the backside of the thermal collector (20); a support member (35) for supporting the elastic members (36); and a pair of clips (31, 32, 33) provided at both ends of the support member (35) to fix the support member (35) to the edges of the solar photovoltaic-thermal panel (1).

Articles, systems, and methods in which electromagnetic energy is converted to heat (e.g., for the purpose of inducing or inhibiting phase change of a material disposed over a surface) are generally described.

The invention relates to an asymmetric solar receiver suitable for its installation in heliostat tower solar power plants, wherein said receiver is adapted to cover at least an angular region of around a tower, and wherein the effective surface density of the receiver for receiving radiation varies depending on its orientation over the covered angular region thereof. The effective surface of said receiver is preferably made of one or more panels and, more preferably, the receiver comprises at least two panels, wherein at least one of the panels comprises a smaller height than the other panels. The invention also relates to a solar tower comprising said receiver, a solar field comprising said tower, a solar power plant comprising said solar field, and a process for installing a solar field.

An apparatus (10) and method for the co-production of high temperature thermal energy and electrical energy from solar irradiance includes a photovoltaic cell (30) laminated to a metal extrusion device (40) and a transparent channel (20) in front of the photovoltaic cell (30). The transparent channel (20) contains a heat transfer fluid that is seeded with metallic, semiconducting, and/or non-metallic nanoparticles and absorbs wavelengths of solar energy that are not utilized or underutilized by the photovoltaic cell (30).

Disclosed is a building envelope, in particular a building wall, floor, or roof, having at least two spaced-apart shells that enclose an intermediate space there between, the intermediate space being essentially empty except for weight-bearing and/or construction engineering elements or being filled in at least some sections with porous, open-cell material and being sealed from the exterior and interior of the building. A plurality of heat pipes which are connected to a heat collector on the shell facing the exterior and which end in the intermediate space is arranged in the intermediate space.

A solar energy capture, conversion and storage system for use on a roof of a building for capturing and converting incident solar radiation to heat and electricity. The invention provides an optimized solar energy capture and conversion system that monitors immediately available incident radiation comprising a mounting structure which supports a matrix in which is embedded a conduit containing a working fluid. The fluid or fluid mixture includes at least one hydro-fluoro-ether (HFE). Valves are arranged to open/close ports which connect the solar energy capture system to either a combined heat/electrical generating system or an energy storage system that incorporates a phase change material to store heat energy. Control of the valves is supervised by an energy management system.

A modular, solar energy system comprising one or more modular solar panels. The solar panels include a pair of general planar, plates that are secured together to form a narrow channel therebetween for the circulation of a liquid. The solar panels have header assemblies affixed to opposite edges thereof and which control the entry of liquid into the channel and the exit therefrom. The inlet header assembly has a plurality of nozzles that are adjustable in size to control flow therethrough while the outlet header assembly has elongated nozzles to receive flow or liquid from the channel. The plates are preferably constructed of aluminum and one plate has a photovoltaic cell affixed thereto to face the sun and the other plate has a plurality of indentations that enhance the heat transfer characteristics with respect to the liquid flowing though the channel between the plates.