Modular, self supporting exterior enclosure system with insulating, evacuated tubes having solar collector rods

A modular wall system having a plurality of evacuated air spaces to provide a thermal break, the system comprising:

• a plurality of thermally-broken interconnected units, each unit having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a convex exterior sidewall, an interior sidewall, and an interior void defined by the top end plate, the bottom end plate, the convex exterior sidewall, and the interior sidewall, each unit configured to form at least a portion of the thermal break,
• wherein the interior sidewalls are bonded together at interior linear joints therebetween via an adhesive, and
• wherein, each of the sidewalls extends between the top end plate and the bottom end plate, and
• each of the units is connected (i) horizontally via a horizontal connector and/or (ii) vertically via a vertical connector.

A method of erecting a modular wall system in a grid, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning a solar energy receiver within each interior void of a plurality of units, each unit having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, an exterior sidewall, and an interior sidewall, the interior void defined by the top end plate, the bottom end plate, the convex exterior sidewall, and the interior sidewall;
• wherein an outer surface of the exterior sidewall has a radius equal to or unequal to a radius of an outer surface of the interior sidewall such that, when the exterior sidewall and the interior sidewall are secured to each other, the exterior sidewall and the interior sidewall collectively form a tubular columnar member
• evacuating each of the interior voids of gases;
• and
• connecting the plurality of units to form the grid,
• wherein each of the solar energy receivers is positioned at a focal point defined by the exterior sidewall.