Patent ID: 6244062
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: F24S,F25B,Y02A,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
A solar collector system for converting solar radiation to thermal energy and electricity, comprising:an upper cover having a material that is transparent to solar radiation;a solar energy absorbing structure disposed under said upper cover and having a heat conducting material;a first heat transfer system disposed in contact with said solar energy absorbing structure and having a material that transfers heat from said solar energy absorbing structure to a first substance flowing within said first heat transfer system;cells that absorb solar radiation, said cells being configured and disposed on at least a portion of said upper cover, said cells converting said solar radiation into electricity;wherein said upper cover is a dome and said cells are arranged in a horizontal band around said dome, said dome further including a bottom and a top, and wherein said band further has a vertical width that is generally 3/10 the height of said upper cover, and said band further includes a lower periphery positioned generally 2/5 of the height of said upper cover from said bottom of said upper cover.