An improved double skin facade system for buildings is disclosed. In one embodiment, the double skin facade system is a multi-functional device that can be used in a variety of ways to provide heat, produce and store solar and wind electricity, take advantage of natural and biological properties of plants, and provide cooling and natural ventilation. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of a mounting structure, and multiple columns of interconnected modules. Through the interconnected movable modules, the double skin facade system can easily switch functionalities between a heater, ventilator and cooling system. The device is easy and inexpensive to operate and its functionalities can be changed with simple touches of buttons.

A solar thermal cladding structure includes a frame, a membrane extending along the frame, the membrane having a first layer and a second layer, and an inflation blower connected to the membrane and in fluid communication with a space between the first layer and the second layer of the membrane. The frame includes a plurality of connectors and a plurality of beam struts. The plurality of connectors connect the plurality of beam struts together.

A curved surface absorber type solar fluid heater having radially spaced curved surfaces, preferably hemispherical and closed at bottom periphery, defining a closed chamber termed as collector which receives a fluid to be heated. The curved surface absorber type solar fluid heater encompasses two radially spaced transparent curved surfaces preferably hemispherical, closed at bottom periphery, placed over collector termed as a glazing, and an insulated hemispherical hot fluid tank, placed within the cavity of inner curved surface of the collector and bottom insulation. A plurality of plumbing connections is made between the collector and the hot fluid tank with arrangement of non-return valves to prevent backflow of fluid from hot fluid tank towards the collector. An air vent is located at the highest position of the collector. A drain plug is located at a lowest position on the collector.

Implementations of a system for collecting radiant energy with a non-imaging solar concentrator are provided. In some implementations, the system may be configured to focus radiant energy striking a plurality of concentric, conical ring-like reflective elements of the non-imaging concentrator onto a receiver positioned thereunder and to rotate and/or pivot the receiver so that at least a portion thereof is always kept within the focal point (or area) of the non-imaging concentrator. Wherein the center of the focal point (or area) is fixed with respect to the ground. In some implementations, the system for collecting radiant energy with a non-imaging solar concentrator may comprise a tracking apparatus configured to support the non-imaging concentrator and position it so that the sun is normal thereto, and a piping system that is configured to transfer concentrated solar energy from the receiver to an absorbing system where the energy is finally utilized.

A solar panel (302) for heating a target fluid using incident solar radiation is described, the solar panel (302) includes: three major edges (306) arranged so that the solar panel (302) can be inscribed in a triangle with each major edge (308) of the panel (302) lying along at least a portion of a side of the triangle; a cavity for retaining the target fluid; and an inlet and an outlet for the target fluid, for exchanging the target fluid with adjacent solar panels (302).

A system for collecting precipitation falling on a solar canopy structure. The solar panels arranged in rows. Each row is tilted increasing sun exposure for solar energy collection. The rows are arranged such that two rows face each other forming a V-shape. Pairs of rows tilted towards each other are arranged together. A gutter is installed at the bottom of each V formed by two rows. The gutters collect precipitation, such as rain, snow, and ice that runs off of the solar panels. The gutter system collects the precipitation from each gutter and delivers the precipitation to the ground system. Various means are used for preventing precipitation from falling between the upper meeting point of two rows that meet on the higher side, including gaskets and additional gutters.

Implementations of a system for collecting radiant energy with a non-imaging solar concentrator are provided. In some implementations, the system may be configured to focus radiant energy striking a plurality of concentric, conical ring-like reflective elements of the non-imaging concentrator onto a receiver positioned thereunder and to rotate and/or pivot the receiver so that at least a portion thereof is always kept within the focal point (or area) of the non-imaging concentrator. Wherein the center of the focal point (or area) is fixed with respect to the ground. In some implementations, the system for collecting radiant energy with a non-imaging solar concentrator may comprise a tracking apparatus configured to support the non-imaging concentrator and position it so that the sun is normal thereto, and a piping system that is configured to transfer concentrated solar energy from the receiver to an absorbing system where the energy is finally utilized.

A system and method for collecting solar energy wherein the system comprising a tower formed having a plurality of stories, the tower formed of a plurality of structural members extending between hub connectors to form a space frame providing a vertical airflow path therethrough and a plurality of solar panels secured to an outside periphery of the tower. The method comprises providing a tower formed having a plurality of stories, the tower formed of a plurality of structural members extending between hub connectors to form a space frame providing a vertical airflow path therethrough and securing a plurality of solar panels to and around an outside periphery of the tower.

A heating system comprising a non-tlai transparent housing comprising walls made of heat isolating material; a tank within the housing for receiving liquid; a platform laid on the ground; legs holding the tank on the platform; light-absorbent and heat conductive fins coupled to the tank, and a cold fluid inlet with a non-return valve therein, and a hot water fluid, the inlet and outlet extending from the tank to outside the housing; means to transfer heated air from inside the housing to outside the housing.

A prefabricated solar construction element is disclosed that comprises a building construction element ready to be integrated into an architectural building, a plurality of solar cells carriers, and a plurality of solar cells attached to the plurality of solar cells carriers, wherein the solar cells generate electric power in response to light. The prefabricated solar construction element is prefabricated by integrating the construction element, the plurality of solar cells carriers, and the plurality of solar cells, prior to integrating the prefabricated solar construction element into the architectural building.