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Abstract

A building-integrated solar energy system that concurrently provides space heating, space cooling, hot water, and electricity to commercial and residential buildings. The solar energy system comprises an evacuated closed-loop conduit network circulating a working fluid through a solar thermal collector and at least one heat usage device, wherein the effective entirety of the surfaces of the closed-loop conduit network are in contact with the working fluid such that phase change occurs whenever heat energy is added by the solar thermal collector or removed by a heat usage device. The solar energy system further comprises an impermeable outer housing enveloping the closed-loop conduit network and forming an evacuated space located between and defined by the outer surface of the closed-loop conduit network and the inner surface of the impermeable housing such that the working fluid is adiabatically isolated. As a result, the full surface contact and low-pressure isolation of the working fluid dramatically reduces temperature differentials and energy losses, allowing for highly efficient and cost-effective heat collection and distribution.

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First Claim