Modular thermal radiation heating system

Abstract: A thermal heating system, apparatus and method for heating a fluid using thermal radiation, for example, solar thermal radiation. The thermal heating apparatus includes a tank containing a fluid, a plurality of thermal units arranged in a panel and connected to the tank, and a frame supporting the tank and the thermal units. The thermal units may comprise a heat pipe that is receivable within a tube protruding into the tank. The tube may be formed directly with the tank or provided as a separate piece. The thermal units may also include a thermal casing that encapsulates the heat pipe, for example in a vacuum. Providing a thermal heating apparatus as described may allow collection and transfer of thermal energy to a fluid in the tank. The heated fluid may then be circulated for use in other parts of a thermal heating system.