Heat transfer between a fluid-bearing flexible tube and a heat-conducting surface is improved by fixing a flexible heat-conducting sheath to the flexible tube and by compressive fixing that distorts the tube and deforms the sheath and/or the surface. The tube can be made of cross-linked polythene (PEX). The sheath can be spirally wound high-purity aluminum wire. The sheath enables efficient heat transfer between the outer surface of the tube and the heat-conducting surface. Applications include radiant heating and cooling. Tube layout can be customized and variable tube spacing is possible, for example by using a castellated layer to support the tube.

A solar collector adapted to absorb thermal heating from the sun, wherein said solar collector comprises hollow sections adapted to house a medium. The solar collector is a self-supporting composite solar collector produced from a composite material constituted of at least a first and second material, wherein said first and second materials have equal or substantially equal coefficients of elasticity.

A solar thermal system is provided. The system comprises at least one solar thermal collector for heating a heat transfer fluid (HTF); and at least one conduit for transporting the HTF into and out of the at least one solar thermal collector; wherein said at least one conduit is of a foam or plastics material.

A solar thermal system is provided. The system comprises at least one solar thermal collector for heating a heat transfer fluid (HTF); and at least one conduit for transporting the HTF into and out of the at least one solar thermal collector; wherein said at least one conduit is of a foam or plastics material.

A solar collector housing that is opened and closed without tools includes structure for accommodating temperature-related expansion and contraction of a polymer absorber housed within the collector. The housing includes a transparent cover, a frame for holding the transparent cover, and a base. The cover, frame and base collectively define a hollow interior within which the polymer absorber is positioned. A plurality of latches is secured to an exterior of the frame. The frame and base are pivotally connected to one another when the latches are open so that the collector housing can be opened. The housing cannot be opened when the latches are closed. A pair of variable gate closure components are positioned in slots formed in a second end of the collector and enable the polymer absorber to expand and contract without placing stress on the absorber tubes.

A flat plate heating solar panel comprised of polymer materials that can withstand relatively high temperatures. The polymer materials utilized in the panel have similar thermal expansion characteristics so that different components can by connected to each other without excessive stresses and damage during temperature changes, and with major components capable of being fabricated by molding processes, including extrusion and injection molding. An expansion joint or slot is provided in the enclosure frame to allow relative movement between the header connector and the frame in order to minimize stresses when large temperature differences exist between the absorber/header and the frame, and the slot design also provides a vent to relieve excessive air pressures inside the panel at high temperatures. An electronic controller with wireless capability, powered by a small photovoltaic solar cell with energy storage by a supercapacitor or an ultracapacitor, is integrated with the panel to operate a pump to circulate a heat transfer fluid through the panel when heating capability exists and when heat is needed to increase the temperature of the substance to be heated by the panel.

The invention provides a panel comprising at least the following components: a) at least one hollow container; b) an inlet; c) an outlet; and wherein the inlet is connected to the end of the at least one hollow container; and the outlet is connected to an opposite end of the at least one hollow container; and wherein the at least one hollow container comprises at least one component formed from a composition comprising the following components: A) an ethylene-based polymer; B) a compound selected from Formula 1, as described herein; and C) a compound selected from Formula 2, as described herein; and wherein the weight ratio of Component C to Component B (C/B) is greater than, or equal to, 1.

A solar collector adapted to absorb thermal heating from the sun, wherein said solar collector comprises hollow sections adapted to house a medium. The solar collector is a self-supporting composite solar collector produced from a composite material constituted of at least a first and second material, wherein said first and second materials have equal or substantially equal coefficients of elasticity.

A heat exchange assembly for heating a pool includes a housing that defines an internal space. The housing has a top that is open. A lid, which is complementary to the top and substantially transparent, is sealably couplable to the housing to cover the top. A tube is loopedly positioned in the internal space. The tube has opposing endpoints that are positioned through the housing. Each of a pair of couplers is coupled singly to the endpoints of the tube. The lid is configured to allow sunlight to pass through the lid into the internal space, wherein the internal space is heated relative to the ambient environment. The tube is configured to transfer heat from the internal space to liquid passing through the tube. The couplers are configured to couple the tube to a reservoir of liquid, such as a pool.

Our invention consists of two separate and discrete families of polymers, e.g. thermosetting Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP) and thermoplastics. Both are used as the materials of construction to fabricate solar thermal collectors. These families have the same general configuration and are based upon the same principles. Both families are used in a form that some of the walls of the collector are translucent. Both families incorporate a passage through which the thermal fluid flows. Both families make use of dyes to absorb energy from the sun in the fluid and the collector walls. Each of the families makes use of improved collector configurations and designs and special operating approaches. Each family can serve different markets for different solar thermal collectors. In particular, FRP stands alone as an emerging new category of materials for a broad range of applications including everything from novel solar thermal collectors to exotic airplanes.