System for extracting thermal energy

A system for extracting thermal energy having a plurality of thermal modules, each module having a housing comprising:

• a radiation absorber;
• at least one flow channel for a heat extraction medium, wherein the at least one flow channel is arranged adjacent to the radiation absorber;
• a flow adjustment actuator for transporting and/or controlling the flow of the heat extraction medium through the at least one flow channel;
• and
• a receiver connected to the flow adjustment actuator for receiving an output signal of at least one controller, the at least one controller for controlling the flow adjustment actuators in the plurality of thermal modules;
• and
• wherein the at least one controller is adapted to individually regulate the flow adjustment actuators of the plurality of modules depending on data stored in a memory unit connected to the controller.

A method for operating a system for extracting thermal energy comprising the steps of:

• a) heating a heat extraction medium in a plurality of flow channels disposed within a plurality of thermal modules, wherein the flow channels are arranged adjacent to radiation absorbers of the modules;
• b) adjusting the flow of the heat extraction medium in the flow channels of the modules by means of at least one flow adjustment actuator per module;
• c) measuring a parameter selected from the group of temperature, pressure, flow rate and light;
• d) controlling the at least one flow adjustment actuator per module with at least one controller based on the parameter;
• and
• e) removing heat by collecting the heat extraction medium, and/or by collecting a heat removal fluid which has been in thermic exchange with the heat extraction medium, from the individual modules.