A solar receiver configuration (receiver) adapted to include a plurality of receiver heat transfer passes. Each pass includes a plurality of panels. Further, each panel includes a plurality of tubes, tangentially arranged, vertically extending between horizontally placed lower and upper headers. The headers, which are pipe assemblies with closed ends, of adjacent panels are horizontally and vertically offset one to another to form a substantially continuous tube surface. Such continuous tube surface enables solar heating of the fluid flow therefrom in at least a parallel flow arrangement and a serpentine flow arrangement.

A solar radiation panel that has inlet and outlet collectors and a series of conduits that run from the inlet collector to the outlet collector. A working fluid that is heated by solar radiation flows inside the conduits. The panel is a single piece and includes an upper layer, at least one intermediate layer, and a lower layer. The upper layer receives the solar radiation. The at least one intermediate layer is located under the upper layer, and contains the conduits through which the working fluid flows. The lower layer is located under the intermediate layer, and the working fluid inlet and outlet collectors are coupled in said lower layer. The working fluid that is heated in the panel subsequently proceeds to a combustion engine that produces electricity by means of an alternator.

A solar thermal collector and an accessory structure of a building are provided. The solar thermal collector includes at least one heat absorbing plate and at least one heat insulating plate. Each of the heat absorbing plate includes at least one first slab and first engaging parts connected with the first slab. Each of the heat insulating plate includes at least one second slab and second engaging parts connected with the second slab. The first engaging parts are respectively engaged with the second engaging parts, and a gap is maintained between the first slab and the second slab to define a heat collecting channel, through which a heat transfer fluid flows between the heat absorbing plate and the heat insulating plate. A heat conductivity of the heat absorbing plate is at least 30 times greater than a heat conductivity of the heat insulating plate.

A solar receiver, designed to use a heat transfer medium, includes a plurality of panels. Each panel is arranged and configured to enable the heat transfer medium to flow in at least one flow direction, one flow direction defining a pass, to obtain unique mass flux in each pass to optimize the heat flux capability of the pass while minimizing pressure drop across the selected passes of the heat transfer surface. A method thereof is also provided.

A solar collector is provided. The collector comprises a monolithic flow control component to direct a flow of the heat transfer fluid between an inlet and outlet; and a solar absorber supported by the monolithic flow control component. The monolithic flow control component is able to support the solar absorber without any additional structural components to lend mechanical strength to the monolithic flow control component.

A solar collector is provided. The collector comprises a monolithic flow control component to direct a flow of the heat transfer fluid between an inlet and outlet; and a solar absorber supported by the monolithic flow control component. The monolithic flow control component is able to support the solar absorber without any additional structural components to lend mechanical strength to the monolithic flow control component.

A hardened solar thermal energy collector (STEC) system that is adapted to withstand a nuclear detonation or other powerful explosion in the vicinity. The STEC system comprises a plurality of collector tubes arranged side by side in an array that carry and circulate a working fluid, each of the plurality of collecting tubes having an upper radiation collection surface having a diffractive optical structure and a bottom surface, a supporting tray upon which each of the collector tubes is securely mounted, an insulated housing set beneath a ground surface level enclosing the plurality of collector rubes and supporting trays, and a secured underground geothermal storage unit fluidly coupled to the array of collector tubes. The housing, the plurality of collector tubes, and the tray are positioned such that topmost portions thereof are at the ground surface level or below.

A solar heat exchanger for heating water which includes an array of tubes, an injection molded manifold there being connections between each tube in the array and the manifold which are over molded to seal the tubes to the manifold.

A solar heat exchanger for heating water which includes an array of tubes, an injection molded manifold there being connections between each tube in the array and the manifold which are over molded to seal the tubes to the manifold.

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.