WO2018002797A1

WO2018002797A1 - Solar thermal collector

Info

Publication number: WO2018002797A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/053773
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joris WISMANS; Marcel Brounne; Erik STAM; Tom KONING
Original assignee: Sabic Global Technologies B.V.
Priority date: 2016-06-28
Filing date: 2017-06-23
Publication date: 2018-01-04

Abstract

Disclosed herein are processes, apparatuses, and systems for converting solar energy. One apparatus includes a housing formed from a polymer composition, the housing comprising: a wall disposed about a periphery of at least a portion of a recessed surface having an interior side and an exterior side; a first sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; and a second sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; and a plurality of absorbers disposed internal to the wall of the housing and slideably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, wherein each of the absorbers is configured to allow passage of a fluid therethrough to heat the fluid.

Description

SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTOR

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to solar thermal collectors. More specifically, the disclosure relates to solar thermal collectors including structural components formed from polymeric materials.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A thermal solar collector typically comprises an absorber configured to pass a heat- transfer fluid, such as glycolated water. The absorber may be disposed in a box or housing, generally made of steel, under a transparent cover, generally made of glass.

[0003] The absorber may include channels formed from aluminum or copper. First ends of the channels may be connected to a first hollow end piece forming an inlet volume for the heat-transfer fluid and second ends of the channels are connected to a second hollow end piece forming an output volume for the heat transfer fluid flowing in the channels.

[0004] In order to provide certain optical properties of the absorber, the absorber is provided on its upper surface, usually metallic, of a spectral selective coating, which limits the energy re-radiated by the radiation absorber.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,112,921 describes solar thermal collectors in which the use of glass and metal is almost totally eliminated, which in particular reduces the cost and weight of the sensor. The absorber consists of very low thermal conductivity materials such as plastics.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,048 describes solar thermal collectors in which the surface of the polyolefin resin constituting the absorber, receives treatment in two layers to achieve selective absorption of solar radiation. The first layer applied to the surface is mainly composed of a thermoplastic acrylic resin or an alkyd resin, a chlorinated polyolefin resin, an epoxy resin, and a metal powder.

[0007] U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2002/0002972 describes a solar sensor comprising several identical reflective elements arranged in rows that concentrate solar radiation incident on a coolant pipe. The reflecting surface is coated with a reflective layer such as an aluminum vacuum deposited layer.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,070 discloses the use of a polymeric material such as polypropylene or polyethylene, charged carbon black to manufacture a solar absorber.

[0009] WO2012013466 describes an absorber formed by a single extruded part of a solid nanocomposite material including a polymer matrix in which nano-objects e.g. carbon nanotubes and/or nano-structures e.g. filament core nanoparticles, are incorporated.

[0010] However, there is a need for a solar thermal collector absorber that can be prepared by a simple process, with a limited number of steps, reliable, reproducible, and duration and a reduced cost. It still is a need for an absorber that is still simple, reliable, low cost and with properties including the thermal and optical properties can be readily optimized.

[0011] These and other shortcomings are addressed by aspects of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0012] As described in more detail herein, the present disclosure provides processes, apparatuses, and systems for converting solar energy.

[0013] In an aspect, a system may comprise: a housing formed from a polymer composition, the housing comprising: a wall disposed about a periphery of at least a portion of a recessed surface having an interior side and an exterior side; a plurality of support nodes extending from the recessed surface; a protrusion formed in the interior side of the recessed surface thereby defining a cavity in the exterior side of the recessed surface; a first sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; and a second sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; a mounting frame disposed in the cavity defined in the exterior side of the recessed surface; and an absorber disposed internal to the wall of the housing and slideably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, wherein one or more of the plurality of support nodes is configured to selectively abut the absorber, and wherein the absorber is configured to allow passage of a fluid therethrough to heat the fluid. [0014] In another aspect, a system may comprise: a housing formed from a polymer composition, the housing comprising: a wall disposed about a periphery of at least a portion of a recessed surface having an interior side and an exterior side; a first sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; and a second sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; and a plurality of absorbers disposed internal to the wall of the housing and slideably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, wherein each of the absorbers is configured to allow passage of a fluid therethrough to heat the fluid.

[0015] In an aspect, a method of using the solar thermal collectors described herein may comprise: causing a fluid to pass through the absorbers; and allowing radiant solar energy to heat the fluid in the absorbers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a solar thermal collector in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a mounting frame in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a housing and mounting frame in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a solar thermal collector in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a solar thermal collector in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5B shows an elevational view of an absorber in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. [0023] FIG. 5B shows an elevational view of an absorber in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5C shows an elevational view of an absorber in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of absorbers and end cap assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7A shows a schematic representation of a system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7B shows a schematic representation of a system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a solar thermal collector in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a solar thermal collector in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0030] Additional advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the disclosure. The advantages of the disclosure will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Methods and apparatus for converting electromagnetic energy such as solar energy are described herein. In certain aspects, polymeric materials may be used as materials to make components of solar thermal collectors to realize cost and weight reduction. Since polymers show a higher degree of thermal expansion compared to incumbent materials (e.g., aluminum (Al), copper (Cu)) the absolute expansion may be increased. As such, improved component design may facilitate the management of such thermal expansion of materials. As an example, when a polymeric absorber of a solar thermal collector is clamped, thermo- mechanical stresses resulting from thermal expansion may result in early failure. These and other considerations are addressed by the present disclosure. [0032] In general, solar thermal collectors of the present disclosure may include multiple absorber plates to reduce the mechanical stresses near the mounting of the absorber to the header. A sliding surface may be included to allow the absorber to expand without physical fixture to a housing.

[0033] A cross-cavity in the housing of the collector may be configured to receive the cross structure of a mounting frame, thereby increasing the in-plane stiffness of the collector. Support structures may be formed in the housing to provide mechanical support to the absorber(s), for example, to manage sag due to increased temperatures in the absorber(s).

[0034] End caps may be configured to couple the absorbers may be formed from a plurality of separate pieces. As an example, a first part may join the absorbers at a specific position and a second part may close off channels formed in the absorbers and may include a conduit (e.g., tube) to connect to a thermal management system.

[0035] These and other components and features may be included in one or more solar thermal collector apparatuses or systems, as described in further detail below.

Systems

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an example solar thermal collector, referred to as a collector 100, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the collector 100 may include a mounting frame 102, a housing 104, one or more end caps 106a, 106b, one or more absorbers 108a, 108b, 108c, and a cover 110. Various configurations of the components may be provided. One or more of the components of the collector 100 may be formed, at least partially, from a polymeric material. Additional components such as thermal insulation, sealing elements, conduits, couplers/fasteners, and the like may be included.

[0037] As more clearly shown in FIG. 2, the mounting frame 102 may include a plurality of support structures 200 disposed in a generally parallel configuration relative to each other. Cross-members 202 may be interposed between the support structures 200 and configured to couple the support structures 200 to each other. As illustrated, a pair of the support structures 200 are coupled to each other via a generally "X" shaped configuration of cross-members 202. As shown, the support structures 200 are generally linear and have a rectangular cross- section. The cross-members 202 are generally linear and have a rectangular cross-section. However, other shapes and cross-section of the support structures 200 and cross-members 202 may be used. The cross-members 202 may be formed as a unitary piece or may be coupled together from disparate pieces. The frame 102 may be formed as a unitary piece or may be configured by coupling the disparate support structures 200 and cross-members 202.

[0038] A configuration of the cross-members 202 may have any shape (e.g., generally "X" shaped) and may be disposed relative to the support structures 200 in various positions. As an example, an "X" shaped configuration of the cross-members 202 may be disposed between a pair of the support structures 200 such that portions 200a, 200b of each of the respective support structures 200 extend beyond a juncture 204 of the cross-members 202 and the support structures 200. It is understood that the junctures 204 may be coupling points or may be integrated junctures 204, when the mounting frame 102 is a unitary piece. Other configurations and relative positioning may be used.

[0039] As more clearly shown in FIG. 3, housing 104 may include a wall 300 disposed about a periphery of at least a portion of recessed surface 302. The housing 104 may be thermoformed from a polymeric material. Other materials or methods of forming may be used. The wall 300 may include a plurality of reinforcing ribs 303. The ribs 303 may be disposed to extend radially inwardly toward an interior defined by the wall 300 and the recessed surface 302. The ribs 303 may have a generally rectangular cross-section or other configurations. The ribs 303 may have a generally rectangular or trapezoidal shape, or other configuration. The ribs 303 may alternate with recesses 304 along at least a portion of the wall 300. As shown, alternating ribs 303 and recesses 304 extend about an interior portion of the wall 300. However, other configurations and placement of the ribs 303 and/or recesses 304 may be used.

[0040] The recessed surface 302 may have an interior side 302a and an exterior side 302b (FIG. 8). A protrusion 306 may be disposed (e.g., integrally formed) adjacent the interior side 302a of the recessed surface 302 and may thereby define a cavity 307 in the exterior side 302b of the recessed surface 302. As an illustrative example, the protrusion 306 is shown formed in the interior side 302a of the recessed surface 302 and has a generally "X" shaped configuration. As such, at least a portion of the mounting frame 102 having a similar generally "X" shaped configuration may be sized to be received by the cavity 307 formed in the exterior side 302b (FIG. 8) of the recessed surface 302. Other configurations of the protrusion 306 and cavity 307 (as well as the mounting frame 102) may be used to facilitate interface of the mounting frame 102 and the housing 104. [0041] One or more support nodes 308 may be disposed adjacent the recessed surface 302 and configured to extend from the recessed surface 302. As an example, the support nodes 308 may be integrally formed in the interior side 302a of the recessed surface 302. Although the support nodes 308 may have any shape or size, as shown, each of the support nodes 308 has a generally frustoconical shape. Any number of support nodes having any shape may be used. As an example, three of the support nodes 308 may be linearly aligned in each of a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of the housing 103. As such, one or more of the support nodes 308 may be co-located with at least a portion of the protrusion 306.

[0042] A first sliding surface 310 may be disposed internal to the wall 300 and may extend from the interior side 302a of the recessed surface 302. As shown, the first sliding surface 310 may be disposed adjacent a first end 311 of the housing 104. Other positions may be used. The first sliding surface 310 may be configured as a protruding shelf or sill to support one or more absorbers 108 (with or without end caps), as described in further detail below. The first sliding surface 310 may be formed from a polymer and may be the same or different material as the housing 104. The first sliding surface 310 may be integrally formed with the housing 104. The first sliding surface 310 is shown having a generally rectangular cross- section, but other shapes may be used.

[0043] A second sliding surface 312 may be disposed internal to the wall 300 and may extend from the interior side 302a of the recessed surface 302. As shown, the second sliding surface 312 may be disposed adjacent a second end 313 of the housing 104, opposite the first end 311 along a longitudinal axis of the housing 104. Other positions may be used. The second sliding surface 312 may be configured as a protruding shelf or sill to support one or more absorbers 108 (with or without end caps 106), as described in further detail below. The second sliding surface 312 may be formed from a polymer and may be the same or different material as the housing 104. The second sliding surface 312 may be integrally formed with the housing 104. The second sliding surface 312 is shown having a generally rectangular cross-section, but other shapes may be used.

[0044] As an illustrative example, a stop feature 314 may extend from one or more of the first sliding surface 310 and the second sliding surface 312. As shown, the stop feature 314 is a protruding wall extending from the second sliding surface 312. However other

configurations may be used. As such, when the absorbers 108 are disposed on the second sliding surface 312, the stop feature 314 may be configured to limit a movement of the absorbers 108. As a particular example, the absorbers 108 may be coupled to end caps 106a, 106b, which may be disposed on the respective sliding surfaces 310, 312. As such, expansion of the absorbers 108 may cause movement of the end caps 106a, 106b and the stop feature 314 may limit a movement of an abutting one of the end caps 106a, 106b.

[0045] Although the term "sliding surface" is used herein to reference a surface that is capable of allowing one or more of the absorbers 108 to slide across the surface, such a term is not intended to denote a particular coefficient of friction between the abutting materials. Instead, "sliding surface" may include any surface that is not statically fixed such as by a coupler or clamp.

[0046] As more clearly shown in FIG. 4, one or more of the end caps 106a, 106b may be disposed adjacent respective ones of the sliding surfaces 310, 312. The end caps 106a, 106b may be formed from the same or similar material as the sliding surfaces 310, 312. The end caps 106a, 106b, may be configured to freely slide along at least a portion of the sliding surfaces 310, 312. The end caps 106a, 106b may each be formed as a unitary piece or as coupled component parts (FIGS. 7A, 7B).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5 A, the end caps 106a, 106b may be configured to receive one or more absorbers 108. The absorbers 108 may have a generally planar shape and may be configured to allow a fluid to pass therethrough. As an example, one or more of the absorbers 108 may be formed from a polymer material. As a further example, one or more of the absorbers 108 may be formed using an extrusion method and/or other production methods. The one or more of the absorbers 108 may be configured to be resilient to facilitate expansion and contraction under thermal conditions and changes.

[0048] As an illustrative example, each of the absorbers 108a, 108b, 108c may be fluidly coupled to the end caps 106a, 106b to allow fluid to flow through the absorbers 108a, 108b, 108c and between the end caps 106a, 106b. A first conduit 500a may be in fluid

communication with one or more of the end caps 106a, 106b. The first conduit 500a may be disposed through a portion of the housing 104 such as through the wall 300 to facilitate fluid connection to a component or system external to the housing 104. A second conduit 500b may be in fluid communication with one or more of the end caps 106a, 106b. The second conduit 500b may be disposed through a portion of the housing 104 such as through the wall 300 to facilitate fluid connection to a component or system external to the housing 104. As shown, the first conduit 500a is coupled to the end cap 106a at the first end 311 of the housing 104 and the second conduit 500b is coupled to the end cap 106b at the second end 313 of the housing 104. Such a configuration may facilitate the directional fluid flow from one of the conduits 500 to the other, such as an inlet to an outlet.

[0049] One or more of the absorbers 108a, 108b, 108c may be configured to facilities the passable of fluid therethrough. For example, FIGS. 5B-5C illustrate configurations of absorbers 510, 520 that may be used as one or more of the absorbers 108a, 108b, 108c. As shown in FIG. 5B, the absorber 510 may include a housing 512 defining one or more channels 514. The housing 512 and the channels 514 may be formed from an integral part or multiple component parts. The housing 512 may have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. However other shapes may be used. The channels 514 may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. However, other shapes may be used for one or more of the channels 514. As shown in FIG. 5C, the absorber 520 may include a housing 522 defining one or more channels 524. The housing 522 and the channels 524 may be formed from an integral part or multiple component parts. The housing 522 may have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. However other shapes may be used. The channels 524 may have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, other shapes may be used for one or more of the channels 524.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, one or more of the end caps 106 may be formed from disparate components including a cap piece 600 and a second cap piece 602. The first and second cap pieces 600, 602 may be configured to be coupled together using a coupler or bonding agent (e.g., silicone). One or more of the first and second cap pieces 600, 602 may be injection molded from a polymeric material.

[0051] The first cap piece 600 may include a cavity or channel 604 formed therein and configured to receive one or more absorbers 108. The first cap piece 600 may include a protrusion 606 formed opposite the channel 604. The first cap piece 600 may be configured to allow passage of a fluid therethough such as via orifices formed through the protrusion 606 and in fluid communication the channel 604.

[0052] The second cap piece 602 may include a cavity or channel 608 formed therein and configured to receive at least the protrusion 606 of the first cap piece 600. The second cap piece 602 may be configured to direct the fluid flowing through the first cap piece 600 through a conduit 610 disposed through a portion of the second cap piece 602. As described herein, the conduit 610 may be the same or similar to the conduits 500. As such, the first end cap piece 600 may be coupled to the absorbers 108 and the second cap piece 602 may be coupled to the first cap piece 600 to place the absorbers 108 in fluid communication with the conduit 610.

[0053] The conduits 500, 610 may include or be in communication with flexible conduits 700 such as resilient hoses. The flexible conduits 700 may be coupled to one or more of the end caps 106 in various configurations. As an example, one or more flexible conduits 700 may be coupled at a longitudinal end (FIG. 7A) or transverse end (FIG. 7B) of respective end caps 106. The flexible conduits 700 may be in fluid communication with the end caps 106 and thereby the absorbers 108. The flexible conduits 700 may be configured to manage a position and/or movement of the end caps 106 and/or absorbers 108 by providing resistive forces to ends of the end caps 106. Other configurations may be used.

[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates the cover 110 disposed to enclose the components disposed within the wall 300 of the housing 104. As an example, the cover 110 may be transparent or translucent and to allow radiant solar energy to pass therethrough to heat the fluid passing through the absorbers 108. The cover 800 may be formed from a polymer composition and may be extruded. Other materials and methods of making may be used. As a further example, the cover 800 may be coupled to the housing 104. The cover 800 may be thermally insulating, for example, to prevent heat from to move from the absorbers 108a, 108b, 108c through the cover 800. The cover 800 may be formed from or may include a multiwall sheet or any double walled solution (e.g., honeycombs) with an air layer to provide improved thermal insulation as compared to single sheet or glass. The cover 800 may be ultra violet (UV) stabilized to withstand solar exposure (e.g., outside use for >20 years). As an example, a UV stabilized layer may be coextruded on top of the cover 800 or a UV coating (e.g., silicon hardcoat) may be applied to the cover 800. Other configurations, layers, coatings, and the like may be used.

Method

[0055] Various process may make use of the collectors described herein. As an example, a method of using the collector 100 is described in reference to FIG. 9 and by reference to components previously discussed in FIGS. 1-8. As shown in FIG. 9, the solar thermal collector 100 may include the cover 110 disposed adjacent the housing 104 to at least partially enclose the absorbers 108. A plurality of the support nodes 308 may be integrally formed in the interior side 302a of the recessed surface 302 of the housing 104. The support nodes 308 may abut at least a portion of the absorbers 108, for example, when temperature is elevated and the absorbers sag toward the support nodes 308.

[0056] The first sliding surface 310 may be disposed adjacent the first end 311 of the housing 104. The first sliding surface 310 may be configured as a protruding shelf or sill to support one or more absorbers 108 (with or without end caps), as described in further detail below. The second sliding surface 312 may be disposed adjacent the second end 313 of the housing 104, opposite the first end 311 along a longitudinal axis of the housing 104. Other positions may be used. The second sliding surface 312 may be configured as a protruding shelf or sill to support one or more absorbers 108 (with or without end caps 106). As shown, the stop feature 314 is a protruding wall extending from the second sliding surface 312. As such, when the absorbers 108 are disposed on the second sliding surface 312, the stop feature 314 may be configured to limit a movement of the absorbers 108. As a particular example, the absorbers 108 may be coupled to end caps 106a, 106b, which may be disposed on the respective sliding surfaces 310, 312. As such, expansion of the absorbers 108 may cause movement of the end caps 106a, 106b and the stop feature 314 may limit a movement of an abutting one of the end caps 106a, 106b.

[0057] The first conduit 500a may be in fluid communication with one or more of the end caps 106a, 106b. The first conduit 500a may be disposed through a portion of the housing 104 such as through the wall 300 to facilitate fluid connection to a component or system external to the housing 104. The second conduit 500b may be in fluid communication with one or more of the end caps 106a, 106b. The second conduit 500b may be disposed through a portion of the housing 104 such as through the wall 300 to facilitate fluid connection to a component or system external to the housing 104. As shown, the first conduit 500a is coupled to the end cap 106a at the first end 311 of the housing 104 and the second conduit 500b is coupled to the end cap 106b at the second end 313 of the housing 104. Such a configuration may facilitate the directional fluid flow from one of the conduits 500 to the other, via the absorbers 108, such as an inlet to an outlet.

[0058] As an illustrative example, a source of fluid (not shown) may be configured to provide fluid to the conduit 500b. The fluid may then pass through the end cap 106b and into the absorbers 108. As the fluid passes through the absorbers 108 radiant energy may pass through the cover 110 from an energy source 900 (e.g., the sun). The radiant energy may heat the fluid in the absorbers 108. The heated fluid may pass through the end cap 106a and through the conduit 500a to exit the collector 100. The heated fluid may pass to an external system. As the absorbers 108 heat, they may expand, causing the end cap 106b to press against the stop feature 314 and causing the end cap 106a to slide along the first sliding surface 310. As described herein, the conduits 500a, 500b may be or include resilient material to allow the end caps 106 and absorbers 108 to expand and contract under changing thermal conditions.

[0059] While aspects of the present disclosure can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present disclosure can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

EXAMPLES

[0060] The disclosed systems and methods include at least the following examples.

[0061] Example 1 : A solar thermal collector comprising: a housing formed from a polymer composition, the housing comprising: a wall disposed about a periphery of at least a portion of a recessed surface having an interior side and an exterior side; a plurality of support nodes extending from the recessed surface; a protrusion formed in the interior side of the recessed surface thereby defining a cavity in the exterior side of the recessed surface; a first sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; and a second sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; a mounting frame disposed in the cavity defined in the exterior side of the recessed surface; and an absorber disposed internal to the wall of the housing and slideably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, wherein one or more of the plurality of support nodes is configured to selectively abut the absorber, and wherein the absorber is configured to allow passage of a fluid therethrough to heat the fluid.

[0062] Example 2: The solar thermal collector of example 1, wherein the polymer composition comprises polyolefins, polyphenylene ether, polyphenylene oxide, acrylic- styrene-acrylonitrile, polyvinylchloride, reinforced thermoplastic, or a combination thereof

[0063] Example 3: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 1-2, wherein the wall is formed from a multi-walled sheet of the polymer composition.

[0064] Example 4: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 1-3, wherein the wall comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs formed therein.

[0065] Example 5: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 1-4, wherein one or more of the plurality of support nodes has a generally frustoconical shape.

[0066] Example 6: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 1-5, wherein the protrusion formed in the interior side of the recessed surface has a generally "X" shaped configuration, and wherein at least a portion of the mounting frame has a generally "X" shaped configuration sized to be received by the cavity in the exterior side of the recessed portion.

[0067] Example 7: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 1-6, wherein one or more of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is integral with the recessed surface.

[0068] Example 8: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 1-7, wherein one or more of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface comprises a stop feature extending therefrom and configured to limit a movement of the absorber.

[0069] Example 9: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 1-8, wherein the absorber comprises a plurality of discriminant absorber plates, each absorber plate disposed internal to the wall of the housing and slideably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, wherein one or more of the plurality of support nodes is configured to selectively abut each of the absorber plates, and wherein each of the absorber plates is configured to allow passage of a fluid therethrough to heat the fluid.

[0070] Example 10: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 1-9, further comprising a conduit extending through a portion of the housing and fluidly coupled to the absorber.

[0071] Example 11: The solar thermal collector of example 10, wherein the conduit is flexible and is configured to limit a movement of the absorber.

[0072] Example 12: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 1-11, wherein the absorber is formed from a polymer composition.

[0073] Example 13: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 1-12, further comprising an end cap coupled to the absorber, wherein the absorber is slidably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface via the end cap.

[0074] Example 14: A solar thermal collector comprising: a housing formed from a polymer composition, the housing comprising: a wall disposed about a periphery of at least a portion of a recessed surface having an interior side and an exterior side; a first sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; and a second sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; and a plurality of absorbers disposed internal to the wall of the housing and slideably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, wherein each of the absorbers is configured to allow passage of a fluid therethrough to heat the fluid.

[0075] Example 15: The solar thermal collector of example 14, wherein the polymer composition comprises polycarbonate.

[0076] Example 16: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 14-15, wherein the wall is formed from a multi-walled sheet of the polymer composition.

[0077] Example 17: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 14-16, wherein the wall comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs formed therein. [0078] Example 18 The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 14-17, wherein one or more of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is integral with the recessed surface.

[0079] Example 19: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 14-18, wherein one or more of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface comprises a stop feature extending therefrom and configured to limit a movement of the absorbers.

[0080] Example 20: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 14-19, further comprising a conduit extending through a portion of the housing and fluidly coupled to the absorbers.

[0081] Example 21: The solar thermal collector of example 20, wherein the conduit is flexible and is configured to limit a movement of the absorbers.

[0082] Example 22: The solar thermal collector of any one of examples 14-21, further comprising an end cap coupled to the absorbers, wherein the absorbers are slidably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface via the end cap.

[0083] Example 23: The solar thermal collector of example 22, wherein the end cap is in fluid communication with the absorbers.

[0084] Example 24: The solar thermal collector of example 22, wherein the end cap comprises a plurality of component parts coupled together.

[0085] Example 25: A method of converting solar energy using the solar thermal collector of any one of examples 14-24, the method comprising: causing a fluid to pass through the absorbers; and allowing radiant solar energy to heat the fluid in the absorbers.

[0086] Detailed aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limits, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure. The specific examples below will enable the disclosure to be better understood. However, they are given merely by way of guidance and do not imply any limitation. [0087] Before the present compounds, compositions, articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific synthetic methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular reagents unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, example methods and materials are now described.

[0088] Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0089] Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided herein may be different from the actual publication dates, which can require independent confirmation.

[0090] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, example methods and materials are now described. [0091] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an injector" may include one or more injectors.

[0092] Ranges can be expressed herein as from one value (first value) to another value (second value). When such a range is expressed, the range includes in some aspects one or both of the first value and the second value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent 'about,' it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as "about" that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0093] Each of the materials disclosed herein are either commercially available and/or the methods for the production thereof are known to those of skill in the art.

[0094] It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have certain functions.

Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

[0095] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A solar thermal collector comprising: a housing formed from a polymer composition, the housing comprising:

a wall disposed about a periphery of at least a portion of a recessed surface having an interior side and an exterior side;

a plurality of support nodes extending from the recessed surface; a protrusion formed in the interior side of the recessed surface thereby

defining a cavity in the exterior side of the recessed surface;

a first sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; and

a second sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface;

a mounting frame disposed in the cavity defined in the exterior side of the recessed surface; and

an absorber disposed internal to the wall of the housing and slideably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, wherein one or more of the plurality of support nodes is configured to selectively abut the absorber, and wherein the absorber is configured to allow passage of a fluid therethrough to heat the fluid.

2. The solar thermal collector of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition comprises polyolefins, polyphenylene ether, polyphenylene oxide, acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile, polyvinylchloride, reinforced thermoplastic, or a combination thereof

3. The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the wall is formed from a multi-walled sheet of the polymer composition.

4. The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the wall comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs formed therein.

5. The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 1-4, wherein one or more of the plurality of support nodes has a generally frustoconical shape.

6. The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the protrusion formed in the interior side of the recessed surface has a generally "X" shaped configuration, and wherein at least a portion of the mounting frame has a generally "X" shaped configuration sized to be received by the cavity in the exterior side of the recessed portion.

7. The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 1-6, wherein one or more of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is integral with the recessed surface.

8. The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 1-7, wherein one or more of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface comprises a stop feature extending therefrom and configured to limit a movement of the absorber.

9. The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the absorber comprises a plurality of discriminant absorber plates, each absorber plate disposed internal to the wall of the housing and slideably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, wherein one or more of the plurality of support nodes is configured to selectively abut each of the absorber plates, and wherein each of the absorber plates is configured to allow passage of a fluid therethrough to heat the fluid.

10. The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a conduit extending through a portion of the housing and fluidly coupled to the absorber.

11. The solar thermal collector of claim 10, wherein the conduit is flexible and is

configured to limit a movement of the absorber.

12. The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the absorber is formed from a polymer composition.

13. The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 1-12, further comprising an end cap coupled to the absorber, wherein the absorber is slidably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface via the end cap.

14. A solar thermal collector comprising: a housing formed from a polymer composition, the housing comprising: a wall disposed about a periphery of at least a portion of a recessed surface having an interior side and an exterior side;

a second sliding surface disposed internal to the wall and extending from the interior side of the recessed surface; and

a plurality of absorbers disposed internal to the wall of the housing and slideably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, wherein each of the absorbers is configured to allow passage of a fluid therethrough to heat the fluid.

The solar thermal collector of claim 14, wherein the polymer composition comprises polycarbonate.

The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 14-15, wherein one or more of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface comprises a stop feature extending therefrom and configured to limit a movement of the absorbers.

The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 14-16, further comprising a conduit extending through a portion of the housing and fluidly coupled to the absorbers.

The solar thermal collector of claim 17, wherein the conduit is flexible and is configured to limit a movement of the absorbers.

The solar thermal collector of any one of claims 14-18, further comprising an end cap coupled to the absorbers, wherein the absorbers are slidably disposed on at least one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface via the end cap.

A method of converting solar energy using the solar thermal collector of any one of claims 14-19, the method comprising: causing a fluid to pass through the absorbers; and allowing radiant solar energy to heat the fluid in the absorbers.