US4031880A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and device for collecting solar energy
Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et Aux Énergies Alternatives
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Filing: 1976-04-19
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Granted: 1977-06-28
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Expires: 1996-04-19
Abstract
Abstract In a system of stationary collectors which are connected together in series and differently oriented with respect to the sun, a heat-transporting fluid is circulated from the collector which is least exposed to solar radiation to the collector which is the most exposed to solar radiation. The direction of flow within the collectors is reversed at a moment of the day which is determined beforehand so as to control the quantity of energy delivered by the collectors.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernard Devin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 23:51
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S50/00; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for collecting solar energy by means of a system of stationary collectors differently oriented with respect to the sun, of the type in which a heat-transporting fluid is circulated; circulating the heat-transporting fluid through said system of collectors connected together in series from the collector which is least exposed to solar radiation to the collector which is the most exposed to solar radiation and reversing the direction of flow of the fluid within the collectors automatically at a moment of the day which is determined beforehand so as to control the quantity of energy delivered by the collectors by flow of the heat transporting fluid from the collector least exposed to solar radiation to the collector most exposed to solar radiation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for collecting solar energy by means of a system of stationary collectors differently oriented with respect to the sun, of the type in which a heat-transporting fluid is circulated; circulating the heat-transporting fluid through said system of collectors connected together in series from the collector which is least exposed to solar radiation to the collector which is the most exposed to solar radiation and reversing the direction of flow of the fluid within the collectors automatically at a moment of the day which is determined beforehand so as to control the quantity of energy delivered by the collectors by flow of the heat transporting fluid from the collector least exposed to solar radiation to the collector most exposed to solar radiation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the direction of flow of the heat-transporting fluid is reversed at midday so as to obtain a flat energy response during a large part of the day.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the direction of flow of the heat-transporting fluid is reversed at a time which is determined beforehand in order to obtain a heat peak at one particular moment of the day.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
68 words
A device for collecting solar energy comprising a system of stationary collectors differently oriented with respect to the sun, means circulating a heat transporting fluid through said collectors in series from the collector least exposed to solar radiation to the collector most exposed to solar radiation, means for reversing automatically the direction of flow of said fluid at a predetermined time, said reversing means including a four-way valve.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
68 words
A device for collecting solar energy comprising a system of stationary collectors differently oriented with respect to the sun, means circulating a heat transporting fluid through said collectors in series from the collector least exposed to solar radiation to the collector most exposed to solar radiation, means for reversing automatically the direction of flow of said fluid at a predetermined time, said reversing means including a four-way valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 4, wherein the four-way valve is controlled by means of an element which is sensitive to solar radiation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 5, wherein said element is a reservoir containing highly volatile liquid in relation with a manometric capsule or a piston chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 5, wherein said element is a bimetallic strip.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 5, wherein said element is a photoelectric cell.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 4, including a clockwork mechanism controlling said valve.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3822692A
Cited
US3981295A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-06-27 | 1980-12-27 | 1981-06-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-06-27 | 1984-12-27 | 1985-06-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-06-27 | 1988-12-27 | 1989-06-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |