Disclosed herein is a solar thermal collector system that is particularly configured for dual use as a radiant cooling system. In accordance with aspects of a particular embodiment of the invention, the solar thermal collector system includes a solar thermal module having a glazing sheet at a top, exterior surface, and an absorber sheet within the module positioned below and spaced apart from the glazing sheet. The absorber sheet and the glazing sheet are fluidly connected to a fluid handling system, and are configured to carry a working fluid that may be heated in the absorber sheet by the sun to transfer such heat to equipment within the facility in which the system is installed, and to carry the working fluid through the glazing sheet to transfer heat collected from the facility to space. The solar thermal collector module is preferably provided a thermally actuated valve that allows the working fluid to also flow through the glazing sheet, which results in self-regulation of the temperature of the module below a critical design temperature.

A closed loop fluid thermosiphon that uses solar energy to progressively boost the air temperature passing through it and comprises a heat sink segment capable of absorbing energy from the sun and a heat exchange segment that transfers energy to the air passing through the heat exchange and progressively boosts the air's temperature that is capable of being either used independently with other passive solar elements, as part of a solar energy system, or in combination with active solar elements, as part of a hybrid solar energy system.

The present invention cools fluid by thermosyphon to prevent overheating at a flowing-fluid-heating device, such as a solar collector, when forced circulation stops. The introduction of the fluidic diode in the present invention affords more overheat protection system design options, higher reliability, and the opportunity to manufacture solar collectors of less expensive alternative materials.

Disclosed is a solar water-heating-and-cooling system (20) that included a collector array panel (32, 36) having thermosyphon coaxial heating/cooling tubes (52). The disclosed system (20) avoids damaging the collector array panel (32, 36) by filling the tubes (52): 1. only when environmental conditions ensure that damage won't occur,and/or 2. using a filling method that ensures that damage won't occur. Thermosyphon coaxial heating/cooling tubes (52) disclosed herein may be open both at their upper and lower ends. Tubes (52) that are open at their, lower end enables capturing radiative cooling of liquid present within the tubes (52). A cold water storage tank (46) and cold radiator array (48) included in the water-heating-and-cooling system (20) permits preserving and using the radiative 'cooling. Also disclosed are coaxial tubes (104, 106) that enable simpler and easier installation of the system (20), and also provide a less architecturally intrusive system (20).

An evacuated tube boiler comprised of one or more evacuated tubes and a header, operatively connected to form a common internal volume. The internal volume further containing a first heating fluid. A conduit system conducting a second heating fluid through the header and first heating fluid. One or more artificial light sources in proximity to the evacuated tubes. In operation, the artificial light sources radiate light and/or thermal energy to the evacuated tubes whereby the first heating fluid is efficiently heated. The conduit system conducts the second heating fluid through the header and first heating fluid, whereby heat from the first heating fluid is transferred to the second heating fluid. The conduit system conducts the second heating fluid to the point of use. The apparatus may be used in a hydronic boiler heating system for heating a dwelling.

An automatic over-temperature control system for a solar collection is provided in which a light sensor in combination with an electronic solenoid valve is used to prevent entry of cold water into a thermosiphon solar collector during daylight intervals. By delaying entry of water until dusk (low light), the solar tubes have cooled sufficiently so water can be safely introduced into an empty or depleted solar collector without damaging the collector tubes.

A solar concentrator assembly includes a tripod, a base, a reflective dish, a receptacle, and a thermoelectric module or a heat transfer module. The tripod includes legs and a top tripod connector coupled to top portions thereof. The base includes a rod coupled to the tripod; a bottom support structure coupled to the rod; a top support structure coupled to the bottom support structure; an extension coupled to the bottom support structure and the top support structure; and a cap with recesses mounted to the top support structure. The reflective dish includes support rods received within the recesses; a pliable material forms panels, wherein the support rods are inserted into seams between the panels; and a reflective material disposed on the pliable material. The receptacle is connected to the base and disposed within the reflective dish. The thermoelectric module or the heat transfer module is partially disposed within the receptacle.

A heat driven liquid close-loop automatic circulating system is provided. This system circulates the liquid in a close-loop by the collected heat in the loop. The system may operate without external power for the pump. The heat driven liquid close-loop automatic circulating system may employ a modified self-powered pump for heated liquid. The pump includes an airtight container for containing the heated liquid, a inlet and a outlet of the heated liquid, further more the modified self-powered pump has a breathing channel with a liquid vapor condensing and reflux structure. The heat driven liquid close-loop automatic circulating system may be a solar heated liquid close-loop automatic circulating system with a solar heat collector.

In one aspect, the present disclosure includes a solar fluid preheating system having a storage heater tank configured to store fluid which is in the process of being heated. The storage heater tank is encased by a cover, thereby creating an aperture extending therebetween. In another aspect, the solar fluid preheating system includes a nanoimprint lithographic layer having a plurality of nanolenses configured to concentrate and accelerate solar radiation rays. In a further aspect, the solar fluid preheating system includes a fluid vacuum system in fluidic commutation with the storage heater tank.