Patent ID: 8069849
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: F24S,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A parabolic solar collector, comprising: a parabolic reflector having a focal line; a receiver positioned at the focal line of the reflector carrying a heat transfer fluid; a foam base in the shape of a parabolic trough determining the focal line and having a receiver positioned along the focal line parallel to a longitudinal axis of the parabolic trough attached to and supporting the reflector, a rigid cradle supporting the foam base and surrounding the receiver; wherein the receiver comprises a plurality of individual inflow conduits for transporting heat transfer fluid in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the solar collector, and an outflow conduit transporting heated heat transfer fluid in a second direction along the longitudinal axis of the solar collector, opposite the first direction; wherein said inflow conduits are positioned above and in contact with the outflow conduit to absorb heat conducted from the outflow conduit upward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the solar collector, and wherein the outflow conduit has a diameter larger than the diameter of the individual inflow conduits.