Solar collector system employing particulate energy collecting media

摘要

A solar collector system including a particulate energy collecting medium for receiving solar energy. The medium cooperates with a solar collector which is adapted to expose the particulate energy collecting medium to solar energy. A heat exchanger permits transfer of the heat from the particulate energy collecting medium to another medium and transport means deliver the particulate energy collecting medium from the solar collector to the heat exchanger and subsequently returns it to the solar collector. An energy storage reservoir may be provided. In one embodiment a conveyor system transports the particulate energy collecting medium within a passageway system. The conveyor may be an endless cable having a plurality of conveyor elements having recesses for receipt of the particulate energy collecting medium.