SOLAR COLLECTOR WITH EXPANDABLE FLUID MASS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A solar energy conversion system comprising:
- a working fluid circuit for receiving and directing flow a working fluid within the working fluid circuit;
at least one solar collector in the working fluid circuit;
at least one fluid accumulator in the working fluid circuit;
a pump for moving working fluid in the working fluid circuit to the solar collector and to the fluid accumulator;
the working fluid circuit also extending between the solar collector and the fluid accumulator, and from the fluid accumulator to the pump.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Solar energy conversion systems and methods use solar collectors and working fluid management systems to provide both efficient and safe operation under a wide range of operating conditions. In one embodiment, a solar collector and at least one fluid accumulator preferably with an integral heat exchanger, and at least two mass flow regulator valves enable working fluid flow into and out of the fluid accumulator.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A solar energy conversion system comprising:
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a working fluid circuit for receiving and directing flow a working fluid within the working fluid circuit; at least one solar collector in the working fluid circuit; at least one fluid accumulator in the working fluid circuit; a pump for moving working fluid in the working fluid circuit to the solar collector and to the fluid accumulator; the working fluid circuit also extending between the solar collector and the fluid accumulator, and from the fluid accumulator to the pump. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of converting solar energy acquired from a solar collector and transferred to a working fluid in a working fluid circuit of a solar energy conversion system having at least one solar collector in the working fluid circuit, at least one fluid accumulator in the working fluid circuit, a pump for moving working fluid in the working fluid circuit to the solar collector and to the fluid accumulator, the working fluid circuit also extending between the solar collector and the fluid accumulator, and from the fluid accumulator to the pump, the method comprising the steps of:
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controlling the pump to move working fluid through the working fluid circuit to the solar collector and to the fluid accumulator; thermally controlling the fluid accumulator to cool the working fluid in the fluid accumulator; removing working fluid from the fluid accumulator by controlling a valve between the solar collector and the fluid accumulator to an open position when the working fluid has reached a target set point temperature, and controlling a discharge valve between the fluid accumulator and the pump to an open position. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A solar energy conversion system comprising:
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a working fluid circuit for receiving and directing flow of a working fluid within the working fluid circuit; at least one working fluid solar collector in the working fluid circuit; at least one fluid accumulator in the working fluid circuit and located above the solar collector, an inlet an inlet valve in the working fluid circuit connected to an intake of the fluid accumulator, and a discharge valve in the working fluid circuit between the fluid accumulator and the solar collector, and a heat source for controlling a temperature of the fluid accumulator. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of converting solar energy acquired from a solar collector and transferred to a working fluid in a working fluid circuit of a solar energy conversion system having at least one working fluid solar collector in the working fluid circuit, at least one working fluid accumulator in the working fluid circuit and means for controlling a temperature of the fluid accumulator, and wherein the solar collector is located below the fluid accumulator whereby the working fluid solar collector operates as a thermosiphon, the method comprising the steps of:
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controlling introduction of the working fluid into the fluid accumulator by operation of an inlet valve in an inlet in the working fluid circuit to the fluid accumulator; cooling the working fluid in the fluid accumulator; discharging working fluid from the fluid accumulator to the working fluid solar collector according to a desired mass flow rate of the working fluid in the working fluid circuit. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification