Solar energy absorber
AssigneeHercules Incorporated
InventorAlbert Henry Peterson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A solar energy absorber is provided in which the absorber surface is comprised of a multiplicity of free ends of carbon or metallic fibers. The fibers forming the absorber surface are straight and are aligned in a parallel and side-by-side relationship. The small diameters of the fibers and the very close spacing of adjacent fibers of from 1 to about 10 micrometers provides a trap for solar energy. A solar energy absorbing device is also provided.
Claims3
A solar energy absorber comprising a multiplicity of carbon fibers, said carbon fibers having diameters of from about 4 micrometers to about 12 micrometers, said fibers being substantially straight and aligned in parallel and side-by-side relationship, substantially all of said fibers having at least one free end, the free ends of said fibers comprising the solar energy absorbing surface, said fibers being spaced apart such that the distance between adjacent fibers is from about 1 micrometer to about 20 micrometers.
A solar energy absorber device comprising
- a. a solar energy absorber comprising a multiplicity of carbon fibers, said carbon fibers having diameters of from about 4 micrometers to about 12 micrometers, said fibers being substantially straight and aligned in parallel and side-by-side relationship, substantially all of said fibers having at least one free end, said fibers being spaced apart such that the average distance between adjacent fibers is from about 1 micrometer to about 20 micrometers, and
- b. a heat conducting means in communication with said solar energy absorber for conducting heat therefrom to perform work.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.