Method for manifolding multiple passage solar panel
A method of sealingly connecting a thermoplastic solar panel structure comprising a multiplicity of elongated thin wall sections defining a multiplicity of parallel passages extending longitudinally between the ends of said panel structure to a thermoplastic manifold tube is described. An elongated mandrel is mounted having a multiplicity of transversely projecting elements corresponding in number and spacing to the panel passages to be communicated with the interior of the manifold tube. A side wall portion of the manifold tube is positioned in predetermined spaced relation with the open end of the panel structure so that the projecting elements of the mandrel are generally longitudinally aligned with the open ends of a corresponding member of the passages in the panel structure. The spaced panel structure end and the manifold tube side wall portion are heated to soften the thermoplastic material thereof. The mandrel is moved within the manifold tube so as to position the projecting elements through the side wall portion thereof and into the open ends of said corresponding panel structure passages and the manifold tube toward the panel structure end so as to cause the manifold tube side wall portion to apply a pressure to the panel structure end sufficient to deform the thermoplastic material thereof and effect a fusing of the same into a unitary mass. The mandrel is then withdrawn in the direction of extent of the projecting elements to a position within the interior of the manifold tube and then longitudinally out of the manifold tube and apparatus for carrying out the method.
- Assignee:
- IFI; EDB-82-038686
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4300971
- OSTI ID:
- 5764906
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 25 Jul 1980
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Modular solar collector panel and manifold therefor
Solar energy collector panel