Patent ID: 9103564
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: F24S,H01L,H02S,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A solar energy converter for generating electric energy and heated fluid, comprising: a one piece multi-layer assembly formed by a metal extrusion process along an extension direction, the multi-layer assembly comprising N layers separated by a plurality of separator floors, each layer having a plurality of channels in the extension direction adapted to contain a fluid stream, and each layer having a first opening and a second opening; a photovoltaic panel having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the photovoltaic panel contacting the multi-layer assembly, the photovoltaic panel comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells, disposed on the top surface, for gathering solar energy and converting the incident solar energy into electric energy, whereby the heating of the multi-layer assembly and the photovoltaic panel rises temperature of the fluid streams within each layer of the multi-layer assembly; a manifold assembly, detachably engaged with the multi-layer assembly, comprising N passages for containing the fluid streams, the Kth passage adapted to distribute the fluid stream to be heated into each of the plurality of channels of the Kth layer through the corresponding first opening and collect the heated fluid stream from each of the plurality of channels of the Kth layer through the corresponding second opening, the manifold assembly comprising a connector having a finned, vaned or bent intake tube to create turbulent flow the fluid streams; and wherein N is a positive integer greater than 1, K is a positive integer less than or equal to N.