Importance

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Abstract

A solar collector or multi-glazed window includes a desiccant-filled vent which reduces chamber pressure fluctuations, thereby minimizing failure of seals, while inhibiting contamination by moisture. Excess pressure due to solar-heated gas is vented from the chamber, and insufficient pressure due to cooled gas is relieved by additional gas entering the chamber after being dried by the desiccant. Expandable chamber seals can further mitigate pressure fluctuations by enabling chamber dimensions to vary as the gas temperature changes. When the sun warms the desiccant, absorbed moisture is carried away by venting, solar-heated gas. A purging system can fill and purge the chamber, and a dry gas source can provide input gas at a slightly elevated pressure. A pressurized, gas-maintenance system can maintain a constant overpressure in a plurality of chambers. Solar absorbers can be formed by one or two corrugated sheets having fluid tubes installed in channels formed therein or therebetween.

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First Claim