Radiation heat collector

Abstract

In a heat collector comprising a linear tubular heat collector member defining an internal passage for conducting fluid a reflector having a reflecting surface partly surrounding the heat collector member and a heat insulating member provided in association with the reflector. The insulating member is typically directly attached to the reflector. The heat insulating member improves the thermal efficiency of the heat collector.

1 . A heat collector, comprising: 
 a linear tubular heat collector member defining an internal passage for conducting fluid;    a reflector having a reflecting surface partly surrounding said heat collector member; and    a heat insulating member provided in association with said reflector.    
     
     
         2 . A heat collector according to  claim 1 , wherein said insulating member is directly attached to said reflector.  
     
     
         3 . A heat collector according to  claim 2 , wherein said insulating member comprises a substantially transparent module cover which covers an open end of said reflector.  
     
     
         4 . A heat collector according to  claim 3 , wherein said insulating member comprises a thermally insulating layer attached to a backside of said reflector.  
     
     
         5 . A heat collector according to  claim 4 , wherein said reflector comprises a support member defining a surface profile for a reflective surface, and a reflective layer formed over said surface profile to define a reflective surface, said support member serving as said thermally insulating layer.  
     
     
         6 . A heat collector according to  claim 4 , wherein said reflector comprises a stamp formed or roll formed sheet metal defining a reflective surface, and a support member supporting said stamp formed sheet metal from backside thereof, said support member serving as said thermally insulating layer.  
     
     
         7 . A heat collector according to  claim 4 , wherein said reflector comprises a stamp formed or roll formed sheet metal defining a reflective surface, and a plurality of ribs formed on a back side thereof for reinforcement.