Solar heat conversion panel - has collecting member formed of thermally insulating porous matrix and substance with high absorptivity for solar radiation

摘要

A solar energy collector panel comprises a thermally insulated and impervious base member and a superposed solar collecting member formed of a thermally-insulating porous matrix material contg. discrete elements having a high degree of absorptivity for solar radiation and low emissivity for long-wave radiation. A collection chamber is formed between the collecting member and a overlying flexible member transparent to incident solar radiation and opaque to radiation emitted by the porous matrix material. A similar flexible member overlies the collecting chamber and contains a low thermal conductivity fluid above the chamber. A working fluid is contained beneath the porous matrix material. The working fluid is heated by direct contact with the substance within the solar collecting member. Heat losses to the surroundi by conduction are minimised. The panels are compact and lightweight assemblies which are flexible and impact resistance.