Solar-energy extraction structure

Abstract

Solar-energy utility structure including (a) an elongate solar receptor and energy extractor (receptor) exposed to a time-change-defined reception arc of sunlight which is characterized by a changing angle of light incidence, and (b) light-flow modifying structure operatively interposed the receptor and such an arc, operable, relative to the receptor, to minimize the apparent angle-of-sunlight incidence changes which are experienced by the receptor. In one of its forms, the invention is characterized as modular building structure which includes integrated, modular, layered, extruded-component panels featuring, in plural, elongate, side-by-side channel structures, staged, convergence/divergence performance which is characterized by (a) sunlight convergence produced by the light-flow modifying structure, and (b) downstream sunlight divergence-reflectance, relative to opposite sides of the mentioned receptor, produced by channel-containing reflectors. Captured solar energy is coupled in different selectable forms into the building structure and/or elsewhere, as desired.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in a multi-faceted way, to solar-energy extraction structure. In particular, and in relation to several key facets of the invention, the same focuses attention (a) on features, in several different embodiments, that are present in a unique solar-energy-extraction channel structure, on (b) a panel structure which includes a side-by-side plurality of such channel structures, and on (c) a modular building structure, such as a residence, incorporating these channel and panel structures.

There is today a large interest focused on capturing and utilizing solar energy in various, different, useable energy forms, such as electrical form, and heated-fluid (liquid and gas) form. In this context, there is also considerable interest in developing such technology which is easily, handily, economically and pleasingly integratable into various kinds of utility structures, such as personal residence structures.

The present invention focuses squarely on these, and other, several important interests regarding the capture and use of solar-energy. In this setting, it proposes a unique, sunlight-concentrating, solar-energy capture chamber characterized with an elongate form which may be deployed in a plural-chamber, side-by-side manner distributed in a planar, or even selectively curved, panel structure of a nature which may become an integrated, component part of a building structure, such as a modular residence structure.

In one preferred and best-mode embodiment of the invention, not only does it feature the concentrated directing of solar energy onto and along an elongate receptor, or receptor structure, such as a photovoltaic (PV) device, or a conduit carrying heatable fluid, but also it features a special, two-sided, or staged, channel/stacked-chamber organization, including two-sided-operational reflector structure, wherein sunlight which is not “concentrated” directly onto the mentioned receptor structure is allowed, in a downstream manner, to bypass that receptor laterally from one side so as to be reflected, in a reverse direction and diverging manner, toward the opposite operational side of the same reflector structure.

As has already been mentioned, and as will become more clearly apparent, one embodiment of the present invention takes the form generally of a modular building structure, also referred to herein as a person-occupancy building structure. Within such a structure, apart from the solar-energy utility aspects thereof, it should be understood that specific details therein of modularity, such as those relating to the shapes of, and interfacial connections between interconnecting modular units, form no part of the present invention, and accordingly, are not described herein. Rather, and with respect to such modularity details, references are now here made to certain informative background materials which are useful in illustrating modularity concepts that are compatible, and useable, with the specific solar-energy capture features of the invention.

Accordingly, and for the purpose of the present patent application, the entire disclosure contents of the following, several, prior-published, modularity-structure-disclosing materials are hereby incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0009963 A1 (Jan. 16, 2003) of James H. Crowell for “Building System, Structure and Method”; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0096232 A1 (May 11, 2006) of James H. Crowell for “Modular Building System and Componentry”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,464 B1 (Jul. 17, 2007), covering an invention of James H. Crowell for “Modular Building System”; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0193144 A1 (Aug. 23, 2007) of James H. Crowell for “Building System, Structure and Method”.

The various important features and advantages which are offered by the present invention, in the several different ones of its facets which are disclosed herein, will now become more fully apparent as the detailed description of the invention presented below is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

From the detailed disclosure of the invention presented below, and in relation to the modularity issue, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art that panel structures made in accordance with the invention may, in certain instances, be employed as load-bearing structural elements in a modular building structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified, perspective view of an elongate, modular building structure in the form of a personal residence regarding which a preferred and best-mode embodiment of the invention has been incorporated.

FIG. 2 is a smaller-scale plan view of the residence of FIG. 1, shown oriented, for illustration purposes, in such a selected fashion that its long axis substantially parallels a North-South line.

FIG. 3 is a somewhat larger-scale, simplified diagram taken generally along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2, illustrating the organization of plural-channel-containing, generally planar panels which are integrated, in a modular way, into the roof structure of the residence pictured in FIGS. 1 and 2. These panels specifically implement, in their contained plural channels, solar-energy capture and extraction structure constructed in accordance with the present invention. In this figure, simplified elevation views of two panels are presented in a manner which is employed, inter alia, to illustrate air-flow heat extraction and utilization which may be performed in accordance with practice of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, greatly simplified and much larger-scale cross-sectional view, taken generally along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3, illustrating features of channels which are disposed in a side-by-side relationship in one of the two roof-structure panels pictured schematically in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a view presented on a slightly larger scale than that employed in FIG. 4, and taken generally along the line 5-5 in FIG. 4. This view further illustrates features of the channel structure of the present invention.

FIG. 6 presents a somewhat larger-scale, more detailed, differentially fragmented, isometric view of the invention panel structure which is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIGS. 7-10, inclusive, are somewhat similar to FIG. 4, except that they respectively show several, different, modified forms of the invention. More specifically, FIGS. 7 and 8, along with FIGS. 4 and 5, illustrate different utilizations of photovoltaic (PV) structure in the context of the present invention. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate two different modifications wherein fluid conduit structure for carrying a heatable fluid, such as water or glycerin, is incorporated in the chamber structure of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a highly simplified, schematic view taken generally from the points of view also presented in FIGS. 4, and 7-10, inclusive, illustrating both the convergence, and the divergence/reflectance, operational features of the present invention involved with the capture and extraction of energy from incident sunlight.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary view, somewhat simplified, illustrating generally the area embraced by curved arrows 12-12 in FIG. 3. FIG. 12 specifically illustrates structure utilized for intaking, and velocity-changing, air flow into and with respect to the channel structure of the invention.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are similar to FIG. 12, and are taken generally in the area embraced by curved arrows 13/14-13/14 in FIG. 3. These two figures illustrate two different manners proposed herein for handling, and velocity-changing, the discharge of air flow exiting from the channels of the present invention.

It should be understood that the specific scales, proportions and relative positionings of components shown in the drawing figures herein are not presented with exact accuracy. It should also be understood that the specific North-South long-axis orientation of the residence pictured in the drawing figures provides but one illustration of an invention orientation choice which has been made, based upon topography, latitude, shade conditions, and other considerations relative to the geometry of the solar capture, structure of the invention, as such geometry links with building-structure orientation, in order to maximize solar energy extraction. Other settings, and other building orientations may well dictate other geometrical posturing of the solar structure of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, and referring initially to FIGS. 1-6, inclusive, indicated generally at 20 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a personal residence which illustrates one overall modification, or form, of solar-energy utility structure constructed in accordance with the present invention. Residence 20 is also referred to herein as a person-occupancy building structure, and is presented in FIGS. 1 and 2 to be a representative of one of many of the different kinds of person-occupancy building structures which may incorporate and embody the present invention.

Residence 20 herein takes the form, in accordance with features of the present invention, of an elongate, modular building structure having a long axis 20a (see FIGS. 2 and 3), and on laterally opposite sides of this axis, having a pair of outside-exposed surface areas 20b, 20c which define portions, or collectively a portion, of the two sides of a generally planar (each side) roof structure, or roof, 22 in residence 20. As will be explained, what is illustrated in an overall sense in FIGS. 1 and 2 is what is referred to herein as a modular building-structure system.

As pictured in FIGS. 1 and 2, roof 22 is formed, at least in part, by a tiled region 22a, and also, at least in part, by principally extrusion-formed, plural-component, layered, generally planar, elongate, plastic panels, such as panels 24. Panels 24 have been constructed, in accordance with one preferred and best-mode implementation of the present invention, to perform solar-energy collection and extraction.

As will become more fully apparent, in connection with the description of the invention which follows below, the solar-capture structure of the invention is configured to function as what is referred to as a staged, convergence/divergence utility structure for collecting solar energy from a sunlight reception arc (see curved arrow 26 in FIG. 3), regarding which, as is well understood, there is an associated, ever-changing angle of incidence of sunlight impinging roof 22 and panels 24. Arrow/arc 26 specifically helps to illustrate the usual and nominal East-to-West changing angle of sunlight incidence which is associated with roof 22 in residence 20. An obvious North-pointing arrow, labeled N, appears in FIG. 2 to highlight the fact that residence 20 is illustrated herein with its long axis 20a essentially aligned with a nominal North-South line. More will be said shortly about this selected, illustrative orientation.

In roof 22, panels 24 are rectangular, each herein with a length which is appropriate to the “pitch-length” of one side of the roof, such as about 24-feet, a width of about 40-inches, and a thickness of about 0.8-inches. In the specific areas, or regions, of roof 22 where panels 24 are located in an evident long-edge-to-long-edge fashion, preferably, and except for possibly necessary internal vertical support structure which is not pictured herein, these panels essentially form the entirety of the non-tiled part of roof 22. In this kind of setting, these panels carry a certain level of load-bearing structural responsibility in residence 20. The outer surfaces, or sides, 24a in panels 24 are exposed directly to the outside environment and to sunlight exposure, and most of their inner surfaces, or sides, 24b are exposed directly to the inside of residence 20.

In relation to the references which have been made heretofore with respect to the modular nature of the system of the present invention, and of residence 20, the reader is referred now to the above-referenced, four, patent and patent application documents. These documents describe various and different aspects of appropriate, modular, building-structural elements and interconnections which may be employed, in the practice of the present invention, to construct a modular person-occupancy building structure as proposed herein, and to incorporate, appropriately in that structure, in any suitable location which will be exposed to sunlight, the modular, layered panels, such as panels 24, proposed by the present invention.

Something which will be touched on later in the description of this invention is illustrated by a bracket B and a curved, split and splayed, double-headed arrow C pictured in FIG. 3. This bracket and arrow combination schematically illustrate what is referred to herein as coupling structure employed, effectively, to couple captured solar energy, in at least one form, either to the interior of a building structure, such as residence 20, and/or to another appropriate reception structure, represented by the dashed-line block labeled “RS” in FIG. 3. As disclosed herein, several forms of such delivery energy, several of which are based upon solar-energy conversion practice, are generally described, with one of these forms being electrical energy, and the other being sunlight-to-heat energy in the specific forms either or both of fluid-conduit-heated liquid, such as water or glycerin (for cold-temperature climates), and heated air. Another form of energy coupling and delivery, with respect to certain embodiments of the invention, involves the direct flowthrough, which is selectively (depending upon specific user choice and design) permitted by panels 24, of sunlight from the outside of residence 20 to the inside thereof.

As will be more fully explained shortly, panels 24 may have different specific sizes and configurations. The panels, as a whole, and as also will be more fully described herein, may, insofar as how they appear on the inside of residence 20, be (at least partially) light-transmissive or light-translucent, or opaque, and/or differently colored. It should also be understood that similar panels may also be employed on, and in relation to, spaces on the inside/outside, or on the outside only, of a building, at locations including ones which are other than roof locations. It is also contemplated that panels designed to capture solar energy and convert it to different forms may be mixed with one another.

In relation to what is shown specifically in FIGS. 2 and 3, two among the several illustrated panels 24 are specifically, and differentially, labeled 24c and 24d in order (a) to distinguish their respective placements within opposite ones of the two, evident roof planes, and (b) to help illustrate and describe two different arrangements of channel-based (still to be described) and panel-based, air-flow, heat-exchange structural organizations. The long axes of panels 24 are shown at 24e in FIGS. 2 and 3 for panels 24c, 24d. Similar air-flow intake and air-flow discharge flows associated, as will later be explained, with panels 24c, 24d, respectively, are shown by curving arrows at 24c₁, 24d₁ (intake), and 24c₂, 24d₂ (discharge) respectively. A single, modified, discharge airflow is shown at 24c₃ additionally in relation to panel 24c. More will be discussed regarding these air-flow conditions later herein.

Looking specifically at FIG. 3, and with reference to the previously mentioned sunlight reception arc indicated by curved arrow 26, one illustrative angle of incidence of impinging sunlight, relative to panel 24d, is shown by a dash-dot line I, with a broad, shaded arrow S₁ indicating sunlight incident along I in a condition which is substantially normal to the plane of panel 24d. A broad, unshaded arrow S₂ represents what will further be described herein as staged, reflectance/divergence illumination by sunlight respecting solar reflector and collector structure which is present, as will shortly be described, within panel 24d.

With respect to the air-flow conditions that are illustrated, as just mentioned above, in FIG. 3 for panels 24c, 24d, it should be understood that the air-flow organizations (discussed specifically later herein) which are responsible for these air-flow conditions are merely non-exhaustibly representative of a number of different ways in which useful, heat-exchange behaviors of the structure of the present invention may be implemented selectively in accordance with user desires. Arrows 24c, 24d, represent air intake from the outside environment. Arrows 24c₂, 24d₂, represent air discharge to a region within residence 20. Arrow 24c₃ represents air discharge the outside environment.

Focusing attention next especially on FIGS. 4-6, inclusive, here there are presented different fragmentary views illustrating, with reference to panel 24c, the construction of this panel, which is essentially the same for all of panels 24 illustrated and described so far herein. Modifications in the constructions of such panels will be touched upon later in this text.

One of the preferred and best-mode embodiments of the invention, in terms of capturing, collecting and utilizing solar energy to deliver to residence 20 (or elsewhere) as converted-to electrical power, is illustrated particularly in FIGS. 4-6, inclusive, in the drawings. Each panel 24, such as panel 24c, is constructed from three, principal components 26, 28, 30, at least two of which, 26, 28, are formed preferably, and selectedly, of optically clear, optically translucent, or otherwise optically light-transmissive, extruded plastic material, such as polycarbonate. In fact, polycarbonate is a material of preferred choice, though, certainly not the only appropriate plastic material which may be extruded to form the relevant panel components. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the preference expressed herein for the use of extruded components, where possible, leads typically to significant manufacturing (and other) savings.

Component 30 may either also be an extruded component or, may simply be an appropriately otherwise-formed piece of polycarbonate sheet material.

As has already been mentioned herein, FIGS. 4 and 5 are relatively simplified illustrations of panel 24c, whereas FIG. 6 furnishes a more detailed illustration of this panel, with specific component configurations illustrated which have been found to be very satisfactory. As has also already been mentioned previously, the specific configurations of the components which make up the illustrated organization of panels 24 may be varied in accordance with user selection and choice. Panel shapes may, at a user's choice, be other than planar, and/or other than rectangular. In short, the panels of this invention may be prepared with configurations best suited to their intended characters and locations of installation.

Extruded components 26, 28, as can clearly be seen especially in FIG. 6, have the respective, extruded cross sections whose preferred configurations, as just mentioned, are made quite evident in this figure. Some additional information about these cross sections, however, is clearly helpful in understanding the features of the present invention.

In general terms, the assembly, which is a layered assembly, of components 26, 28, 30, defines, in panel 24, a plurality of elongate, side-by-side, functionally independent channels, or channel structures, such as the three channels shown at 32, also refer to herein as self-contained channels. Channels 32 basically occupy the entirety of the broad expanse of each panel 24. These channels, which have long axes, such as axis 32a, that substantially parallel the long axis of their respective, associated panel 24, are defined, on their outer sides by a generally planar portion 26a in outer component 26, on their inner sides by a generally planar portion 28a in inner component 28, and on their respective lateral sides by plural, elongate, spaced legs, or ribs, 26b, 28b (in components 26, 28, respectively) which extend toward one another in the panel. Legs 26b, 28b, terminate, respectively, in feet 26c, 28c which effectively bear on the outer and the inner, opposite sides of component 30. These legs and feet effectively individuate channels 32 to function independently in the process of capturing and extracting solar energy. Each channel is thus uniquely postured for maximum, solar-capture performance, and this individuated performance maximization is thus, because of channel side-by-side adjacency, “telegraphed” across the entire broad expanse of each panel 24.

The just-mentioned, generally planar portions of components 26, 28, and the legs in these components, have nominal thicknesses herein each of about 2-millimeters. The spacing between next-adjacent legs is about 12-millimeters.

According to the invention, and with respect to component 26, the generally planar regions of portion 26a in this component which directly overlie the respective channels is formed as an optical convergence concentrating structure which functions to converge and concentrate incident sunlight centrally toward the long axes 32a of channels 32. It is important to note that this convergence behavior is identical for each channel in the totality of channels present in a panel.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, from this general description just given with respect to optical convergence, that any suitable form of a converging lens structure may be employed which may be extruded and utilized to perform the convergence behavior just described. In panels 24, as illustrated herein, this lens structure takes the form of an elongate, lenticular lens whose long axis substantially parallels the long axis of the associated channel, which axes, as will be understood, extend into the plane of FIG. 4 in the drawings. Purely for “visual attention-calling” purposes, saw-tooth riffles are pictured on the slightly, concavely arched undersurfaces of component portions 26a. These riffles are intended to suggest the presence in portions 26a of extrusion-formed lenticular lenses.

The just-mentioned lenticular lens structure, and more specifically, and in general terms, the converging lens structure which is employed in the invention, is also referred to herein as sunlight receiving-and-concentrating (LRC) structure. It is also referred to more broadly as sunlight-flow-modifying structure which serves to minimize, as will later be explained, the apparent change, at the center (the axis) of each channel, which occurs in the actual angle of incidence of panel-impinging sunlight. The center of each channel therefore tends to “see”, or at least appears to act as if it “sees” (in terms of energy capture), sunlight energy at a somewhat consistent level during principal daytime hours, as if such energy were arriving in the context of a relatively small change in incident sunlight direction.

The longitudinal directional dispositions of channels 32 depend, of course, on the orientations of panels 24. These orientations and dispositions will typically be selected so as to maximize solar energy capture and extraction in the given setting wherein this invention is employed. Accordingly, it should be understood that panel shapes, and channel longitudinal directions within these shapes, may be “tailored” to different environmental settings. So, for example, while the longitudinal directions of the channels in panels 24 parallel these panels' long axes, and extend, because of the ways in which panels 24 are deployed in residence 20, generally in an East-West direction which has been determined to maximize energy capture in the setting pictured herein, in other settings, other channel longitudinal directions may be more appropriate.

Between each pair of next-adjacent legs in inner panel component 28, there are formed two, elongate, convex formations shown at 28d. In the embodiment of the invention now being described, these convex formations are appropriately coated, or otherwise covered, with reflective surfacing material (not individually labeled herein), whereby each of these formations functions as a reflector, or reflector structure.

Component 30 operates in panel 24 as a central component, also referred to herein as an elongate spanning structure, which, in the embodiment of the invention now being described, is formed with optically clear, light-transmissive polycarbonate material. Component 30 serves to divide channels 32 into outer and inner chambers 32b, 32c, which are referred to herein, respectively, as sunlight convergence chambers, or chamber structures, (32b) and as sunlight divergence chambers, or chamber structures (32c).

As will become more fully apparent shortly, the two, spaced, lateral sides (within the plane of a panel) of component 30 within each channel function as what is referred to herein as sunlight-transmissive window structure. This window structure allows a portion of sunlight incident on the outside of each panel 24, as illustrated by arrow S₁ in FIG. 3, to reach the mentioned reflector structures, which then create a divergent flow of sunlight generally upwardly, as indicated by previously mentioned arrow S₂ in FIG. 3, toward component 30.

With a digression here made to FIG. 11 in the drawings, this figure illustrates, in a highly schematic fashion, the convergence/divergence operational behavior that takes place within the channels in each of channels 32 as so far described herein. This figure also illustrates how sunlight (see the two, short, laterally spaced, downwardly pointing arrows spaced on laterally opposite sides of the illustrated channel axis 32a) which is not specifically converged (as will shortly be explained) toward a channel axis 32a on laterally opposite sides of each channel is inwardly directed to pass through component 30 to strike reflectors 28d. Additionally, a broad, shaded, central, downwardly pointing arrow 33 which appears near the base of FIG. 11 indicates that, in the specific embodiment of panel structure 24 now being described, and in the regions within the planar portion of panel component 28 which lie between laterally spaced reflectors within each channel, sunlight is permitted to pass through optically clear, light-transmissive passages so as to allow for the introduction of sunlight directly to the inside of residence 20 at the locations where panels 24 are positioned. If panels 24 are to be employed at a location, however, where such inside sunlight illumination is not desired, component 28 may be formed as light-opaque material.

Returning now to FIGS. 4-6, inclusive, and completing a description of what is shown in these figures, suitably positioned laterally centrally within each of chambers 32b, 32c in each channel 32 are two, ribbon-like elongate photovoltaic (PV) structures 34, 36. These PV structures are mounted appropriately on the opposite (inner and outer) sides of component 30, with structure 34 facing upwardly in outer chamber 32b, and structure 36 facing downwardly in inner chamber 32c. These “facing” orientations relate to the respective dispositions of the “light-active” sides of the PV structures. Structures 34, 36 are referred to herein as solar-energy collectors, and also as solar-energy receptor and extractor structure (which structure is also referred to herein with the singular word “receptor”). As can be seen particularly well in FIG. 4, PV structures 34, 36 are essentially centered vertically and laterally on channel axes 32a.

Suitable, ribbon-like PV structures which are satisfactorily usable within the panel chambers herein may be selected from such structures that are made available by (a) United Soar Ovonic, L.L.C. in Auburn Hills, Mich., and by (b) Konarka Technologies, Inc., Lowell, Me., sold under the trademark Power Plastic®.

Elongate sunlight concentration which takes place in outer chamber 32b is essentially directed toward, and is focused on and along, the length of upwardly and outwardly facing PV structure 34. Within chamber 32c, diverging light coming from reflectors 28d diverge and direct sunlight toward downwardly and inwardly facing PV structure 36. Accordingly, and collectively, structures 34, 36 are referred to herein as offering a two-sided operational characteristic associated with the two-stage solar energy collection and extraction operation which is clearly performed by the panel structures shown in FIGS. 4-6, inclusive. The first stage of solar-energy collection and extraction takes place within outer chamber 32b, and the second stage of this activity occurs within inner chamber 32c.

Within each channel 32, sunlight which passes through component 30, on the laterally opposite sides of PV structures 34, 36 in each channel, is referred to herein as windowed sunlight transmission.

Focusing attention now on FIGS. 3-6, inclusive, and 12-14, inclusive, important air-flow management structure included in the embodiment of the invention now being described, and the performance of that management structure, is now discussed. Within each channel, and specifically within each of the two chambers in each channel, air-flow passages exist which are open at their opposite ends. With panels, such as panels 24, disposed as illustrated in residence 20, air-flow intake occurs at the lower ends of the channels, and air-flow discharge occurs at the upper ends of the channels.

FIG. 12 illustrates at 38 an elongate, panel-lower-end fitting whose long axis 38a extends into the plane of FIG. 12. Preferably, fitting 38 is a unitary component which is suitably attached to the lower ends of a complete row of aligned panels. It is with respect to fitting 38 that air-flow intake into the channels in a panel 24 is indicated generally in FIGS. 3 and 12 by previously mentioned arrow 24c₁. Included in fitting 38 is an elongate slot 38b which extends along the length of the fitting with a transverse width W₁. This slot functions as an air-flow constrictor to act herein as what is referred to as a flow-velocity changing structure. Tested design experience with fitting 38 and constrictor 38b has shown that this structure indeed produces a velocity increase of air flow within the associated panel 24, which air flow is effective to produce appropriate cooling of the PV devices, and also to extract heat from these devices in the form of heated air flow which may either be vented unused to the atmosphere, or, alternatively, vented appropriately into residence 20.

FIG. 13 illustrates an elongate panel-upper-end fitting 40 having a long axis 40a which parallels axis 38a, and which is somewhat like fitting 38. Fitting 40, however, is specifically designed for venting channel air flow upwardly directly to the atmosphere, as indicated by arrow 24c₃ in FIGS. 3 and 13, through yet another elongate-slot flow-constrictor 40b which has a transverse width W₂ that is larger than width W₁ in constrictor 38b. Air-flow constrictor 40b functions in a manner similar to that of constrictor 38b in relation to developing an air-flow velocity change across its opposite flow sides. The combined flow-velocity changes produced by constrictors 38b, 40b, enhance the overall air-flow characteristics of the structure of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates another, elongate upper-panel-end fitting 42, modified in relation to fitting 40, possessing a long axis 42a, and having an elongate-slot air-flow constrictor 42b which is approximately the same size as flow constrictor 40b. Fitting 42 is oriented to direct chamber-flow-heated air downwardly, as indicated by arrow 24c₂ in FIGS. 3 and 14, into a building structure, such as into residence 20.

While single-direction (up or down) discharge fitting structures 40, 42 have been shown specifically herein, it will be recognized that a selectable, alternative or combinational, dual-direction fitting may be provided if desired. Such a dual-direction fitting may be designed to accommodate either simultaneous, dual-direction, air-flow discharge, or selectable uni-direction discharge.

Turning attention now to FIGS. 7-10, inclusive, these four figures illustrate various modified forms of the channel-containing panel structure of the present invention. To the extent that components illustrated in these four figures, with respect to the modifications shown therein, are the same or very similar to like structure and components illustrated in the earlier-described drawing figures, like reference numerals and letters will be employed, and only relevant structural differences, which need to be comprehended in order for one to understand these specific modifications, will be pointed out.

FIGS. 7 and 8 specifically illustrate modified forms of panel structure wherein captured solar energy is intended to be captured and converted to electrical energy through the use of elongate, ribbon-like PV structures. In FIG. 7, which illustrates a panel possessing dual-chamber channels, within each channel, only a single PV structure 44 is shown, with this PV structure, per se, having an opposite, two-sided operational characteristic like that which is performed, collectively, by the two PV structures 34, 36, previously described.

The FIG. 8 modification, which is a channel-single-chamber device, utilizes but a single PV structure 46 which is individually like each one of previously described PV structures 34, 36. The modification of FIG. 8 does not employ the divergence/reflectance functionality of the earlier-described structures. In this case, the illustrated panel structure is formed with its inner, or lower, side defined by a component 48 which is simply, throughout, an appropriate planar component.

In FIG. 9, what is illustrated is a dual-chamber structure like the dual-chamber structures previously described herein, with a darkened fluid conduit 50 lying in the place of, for example, previously described PV structures 34, 36. Fluid, such as water or glycerine, is intended to flow in this conduit for the purpose of becoming heated, and for the resultant delivery of heating fluid for any appropriate purpose.

FIG. 10, in relation to FIG. 9, is similar to what is shown in FIG. 8 in relation to what is shown in FIG. 7. In other words, the FIG. 10 modification of the invention, is a single-chamber structure in which a somewhat planar base unit 52, formed with a fluid-conduit 54, defines the lower, or inner, side of each channel. In this modification, preferably this base unit is formed of a completely darkened material so as to maximize sunlight-energy-to-heat conversion behavior.

Thus, a unique structure and system for collecting and utilizing solar energy has been illustrated and described herein. This structure and system, as has clearly been made evident, possesses a number of interesting facets which allow it to be incorporated and used in a number of different settings and environments. Solar energy which is collected/extracted may be converted selectively to a variety of different forms, including the form of electrical energy, air-flow and liquid-heat energy, and direct throughflow light energy for delivery in any suitable fashion to and within a building structure, or to another suitable recipient structure.

In terms of assembled componentry, the invention features a unique panel construction which is divided into side-by-side, adjacent, elongate channels, in each of which, an individuated action of sunlight convergence and concentration onto an elongate collector element, such as a tube carrying a fluid like water or glycerin, or a photovoltaic ribbon-like structure, takes place. Such sunlight concentration through convergence tends to minimize, or seems to minimize, in terms of solar-energy capture, the apparent effect on that capture of the change of angle of incidence which is normally and naturally experienced as, during a day, the sun appears to travel through an arc from East-to-West over the adjacent sky.

The panel structure of the present invention, while specifically disclosed herein in the form of elongate and planar rectangles, may have any one of a number of different shapes, including curved shapes, and may in fact be made and employed as a flexible structure.

The entire structure and system of this invention is designed in a modular fashion so as to be easily and readily incorporatable into modern-technology, modular building structures, such as those described not only in the present specification, but also in the several prior patent and patent application documents which have been referred to herein. Preferably, as many components as possible in this structure are formed from lightweight extruded plastic materials, whereby they become easily made components, and ones which can be fabricated, and later installed in a modular-like structure, at a relatively low cost. The proposed panel components of the invention may be readily constructed to function as load-bearing structural elements in a modular building.

In addition to featuring, in all embodiments of the invention, converged and concentrated sunlight in individuated energy extraction chambers which are distributed over a broad expanse of material, under circumstances where the panel structures involved are designed with each channel being divided into inner and outer chambers, sunlight concentration in an outer chamber is augmented with reverse-direction divergent reflection, and collection in an inner chamber respecting windowed sunlight which is not specifically concentrated and captured in the outer chamber.

Panels may be made in such a fashion that they selectively do or do not pass sunlight directly through to the interior of a building in which the panel structure of the invention has been installed. Additionally, materials used which allow such through-passage of sunlight to occur, may be clear, translucent, or variously colored if desired.

Where no through-transmission of sunshine is desired, then what may be thought of as the base structure of the panel of the invention would preferably be constructed of a light-opaque material.

Therefore, while preferred and modified forms of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, with a number of suggestions made for modifications, I appreciate that other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. Solar-energy utility structure comprising a solar receptor and energy extractor (receptor) exposed to a time-change-defined reception arc of sunlight which is characterized by a changing angle of sunlight incidence, andlight-flow modifying structure operatively interposed said receptor and such an arc, operable, relative to the receptor, to minimize the actual angle-of-sunlight incidence changes which are experienced by said receptor.

2. The utility structure of claim 1 which takes the form of an elongate panel possessing plural, side-by-side-adjacent, elongate and independent channels having long axes which substantially parallel one another, and wherein said receptor and said modifying structure are elongate components having respective long axes which substantially parallel the long axes of the channels, and each of said channels possesses at least one each of said receptor and said modifying structure.

3. Solar-energy utility structure comprising an elongate, self-contained channel having spaced, opposite, outer, inner, and lateral sides,an elongate, ribbon-like solar receptor and energy extractor (receptor) carried generally laterally centrally intermediate the channel's said lateral sides, andelongate sunlight-receiving-and-concentrating (LRC) structure disposed adjacent and along said channel's said outer side, operable to receive, and to concentrate toward and along the length of said receptor sunlight which impinges said LRC structure from outside said channel.

4. The utility structure of claim 3 which takes the form of a generally planar panel which is defined by a plurality of next-adjacent channels as set forth in claim 3.

5. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein each elongate channel forms an air-flow passage having open, opposite ends effectively in fluid communication with at least one of (a) the inside, and (b) the outside, adjacent environment, and which further comprises air-flow-velocity-changing structure operatively associated with the channel, effective to increase natural air-flow velocity at regions disposed within, and adjacent the opposite ends of, the channel.

6. The utility structure of claim 5, wherein said flow-velocity-changing structure includes at least one air-flow constrictor.

7. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein said panel is operatively associated with person-occupancy building structure, and energy extracted by said receptor is supplied to at least one of (a) the inside of that building structure, and (b) another appropriate reception structure.

8. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein each channel is formed by at least one, elongate, extruded, structural component.

9. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein each elongate channel forms an air-flow passage, having opposite ends, the channel is designed to be disposed whereby one of its ends is a lower end and the other is an upper end, and disposed adjacent each of said ends is an associated air-flow constrictor which is in fluid communication with, and intermediate, its associated end and the outside environment, operative to effect a change in the velocity of natural air flow entering and exiting the associate channel end, and flowing within the channel.

10. The utility structure of claim 9, wherein the air-flow constrictor associated with said lower channel end has a smaller flow cross section than does the air-flow constrictor which is associated with the upper channel end.

11. Solar-energy utility structure comprising an elongate, self-contained channel having spaced, opposite, outer, inner, and lateral sides,elongate spanning structure disposed in, and extending along the length of, said channel between said channel's said spaced lateral sides dividing the channel into spaced, outer and inner chambers, said outer chamber including the channel's said outer side, and said inner chamber including the channel's said inner side,an elongate, ribbon-like solar receptor and energy extractor (receptor) carried generally laterally centrally by said spanning structure spaced intermediate the channel's said lateral sides,said spanning structure, on said opposite lateral sides of said receptor, being light-transmissive,elongate sunlight-receiving-and-concentrating (LRC) structure disposed adjacent and along said channel's said outer side, operable to receive, and to concentrate toward and along the length of said receptor sunlight which impinges said LRC structure from outside said channel, andelongate reflector structure disposed adjacent and along said channel's said inner side, operable to reflect, toward and along the length of said receptor, light transmitted into said inner chamber through said spanning structure.

12. The utility structure of claim 11 which takes the form of a generally planar panel defined by a plurality of next-adjacent channels as set forth in claim 11.

13. The utility structure of claim 11, wherein said reflector structure includes a pair of laterally spaced reflectors disposed toward said channel's said opposite lateral sides.

14. The utility structure of claim 11, wherein said LRC structure comprises a lens structure substantially spanning said channel's said outer side.

15. The utility structure of claim 14, wherein said reflector structure includes a pair of laterally spaced reflectors disposed toward said channel's said opposite lateral sides.

16. The utility structure of claim 14, wherein said lens structure takes the form of a lenticular lens.

17. The utility structure of claim 11, wherein said receptor takes the form of at least one of (a) photovoltaic structure, and (b) light-to-heat conversion structure.

18. The utility structure of claim 17, wherein said reflector structure includes a pair of laterally spaced reflectors disposed toward said channel's said opposite lateral sides.

19. The utility structure of claim 17, wherein, in the case of said solar receptor being a photovoltaic structure, that photovoltaic structure has an opposite-two-sided operational characteristic.

20. The utility structure of claim 17, wherein, in the case of said solar receptor being a light-to-heat conversion structure, that conversion structure takes the form of at least one darkened elongate fluid conduit.

21. The utility structure of claim 17, wherein said LRC structure comprises a lens structure substantially spanning said channel's said outer side.

22. The utility structure of claim 21, wherein said reflector structure includes a pair of laterally spaced reflectors disposed toward said channel's said opposite lateral sides.

23. The utility structure of claim 21, wherein said lens structure takes the form of a lenticular lens.

24. A staged, convergence/divergence utility structure for collecting solar energy comprising an elongate, sunlight-impingable convergence chamber structure having an inner side,an elongate solar-energy collector disposed laterally centrally adjacent, and extending along the length of, the convergence chamber structure's said inner side, said collector having a first side facing into the convergence chamber structure, and an opposite, second side facing away therefrom,elongate, sunlight-transmissive window structure extending along laterally opposite sides of said collector for passing windowed sunlight, andan elongate, sunlight divergence chamber structure having an outer side which is disposed adjacent said convergence chamber structure's said inner side, and which is exposed both to said collector's said second side and to said window structure,said divergence chamber structure being configured to concentrate toward and along the length of said collector's said first side sunlight which impinges said convergence chamber structure, and said divergence chamber structure being configured to reflect toward and along the length of said collector's said second side windowed sunlight which passes through said window structure from said convergence chamber structure.

25. A modular building-structure system for collecting and utilizing extracted solar energy comprising a modular building structure,an outside-exposed surface area in said building structure exposed to sunlight,a modular, layered panel structure forming at least a portion of said surface area,elongate channels within said panel structure, each containing (a) an elongate solar receptor and energy extractor, and (b) an elongate, outwardly exposed sunlight-receiving and-concentrating (LRC) structure operable to concentrate sunlight on said extractor, andcoupling structure operatively interposed said extractor and said building structure, operable to couple, in at least one form, to the interior of said building structure sunlight energy extracted by said extractor.

26. The system of claim 26, wherein each channel further contains reflector structure disposed functionally downstream from said LRC structure, operable to direct toward said extractor sunlight in the channel which is not concentrated on said extractor by the LRC structure.

27. Solar-energy extraction structure comprising a broad-area expanse,plural, individual, solar-energy extractors distributed over the area of said expanse, andfor each extractor, an individuated, associated, sunlight-directing concentrator operable to direct concentrated solar energy independently toward substantially only its respective, associated extractor.