| abstract |
An energy collector device 1 comprises an enclosure 3 and tubing 7, where the enclosure incorporates a base 5 and cover 10. A thermal energy storage device 4 is located between the cover and the base. The tubing is at least partially located between the cover and the energy storage device for communicating a working fluid within the collector device. The thermal energy storage device incorporates a reservoir of heat absorbing liquid. The absorbed thermal energy contained within the heat absorbing liquid is communicated from the thermal energy storage device to the working fluid within the tubing, when in use, the available solar radiation diminishes. In another aspect, a method of heating a working fluid within an energy collecting device is disclosed, where a working fluid is retained within the tubing of the collecting device for a predetermined time period, and the working fluid is then emptied from the tubing into a retention vessel. In a further aspect, a photovoltaic solar panel with a fixed dome structure comprising a concave portion and a convex portion is disclosed. In a still further aspect, a solar oven comprising a cover and a base with a cooking means located in between is disclosed. |