Thermal store for energy from solar radiation - is formed by parallel trenches in earth with common cover, with thin, impermeable plastic membrane over each trench

摘要

A thermal store for energy obtd. from solar radiation is formed by excavation in the earth. A series of parallel trenches is dug in the ground with a section of solid earth between each pair. Each trench is lined with an impermeable membrane of thin plastic and is then filled with water. The water is heated and in each trench the water and adjacent earth form a composite storage block. The temp. is highest in the centre block and decreases progressively outwards to the end trenches. The whole is closed by a thermally insulating cover which rests across the tops of all the trenches. An excavation in the earth is covered cheaply but effectively.