Method of cooling a solar concentrator

摘要

A method of cooling a solar concentrator includes absorbing heat from solar energy collectors into a chamber section. The chamber section is arranged below, in a heat exchange relationship, the solar energy collectors.

主权项

1. A method of cooling a solar concentrator, the method comprising:
absorbing heat from solar energy collectors into a chamber section defined between a base member and a support member spaced from the base member, the chamber section being arranged, in a heat exchange relationship, below the solar energy collectors; passing a portion of the heat solely through one or more nucleation membranes arranged in the chamber section in a direct heat exchange relationship with a plurality of conduits containing a heat exchange medium extending through the chamber section and directly contacting a surface of the base member; absorbing the portion of the heat into the plurality of conduits; absorbing another portion of the heat into a wicking material arranged in the chamber section, the wicking material abutting the base member and the support member; and transporting the heat exchange medium in a heat exchange relationship with a working fluid in the chamber section.