Solar energy collector assembly

Abstract

In a solar energy collector assembly comprising a tubular heat collector member and a reflector extending along a length of the tubular heat collector member, the reflector consists of a modified compound parabolic concentrator having a bottom part defined by a linear segment in cross section. Thus, the shape of the reflector is significantly simplified without substantially impairing the efficiency in the collection of heat.

1 . A solar energy collector assembly, comprising a tubular heat collector member defining an internal passage for fluid, and a reflector extending along a length of the tubular heat collector member, the reflector consisting of a modified compound parabolic concentrator having a bottom part defined by a linear segment in cross section.  
     
     
         2 . A solar energy collector assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the linear segment consists of a line joining a pair of compound parabolic concentrator segments in a bottom part of the reflector.  
     
     
         3 . A solar energy collector assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the linear segment consists of a pair of lines joining a pair of compound parabolic concentrator segments in a bottom part of the reflector so as to linearly approximate a complete compound parabolic concentrator segment.  
     
     
         4 . A solar energy collector assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the tubular heat collector member comprises a double-walled tubular member defining an annular internal passage.  
     
     
         5 . A solar energy collector assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the tubular heat collector member is provided with an irregular cross section which is deformed from a circular cross section.  
     
     
         6 . A solar energy collector assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising a fin which at least partly extends along the length of the tubular heat collector member to support the tubular heat collector member relative to the reflector.  
     
     
         7 . A solar energy collector assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein the fin is located at least partly in an area which is to be nominally occupied by the tubular heat collector member.  
     
     
         8 . A solar energy collector assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein the heat collector member comprises a pair of tubular members extending in a vertically spaced and mutually parallel relationship along the length of the reflector, the tubular members being retained to the reflector by using a fin which at least partly extends along the length of the tubular heat collector member.