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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Unitary solar collector panel

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6277115
An improved unitary, coextruded solar collector panel is disclosed of the type having an upper, heat insulating region, and a lower, heat absorbing region, each region having ribs which separate the region into channels, for the passage of a fluid therethrough. The heat insulating region is provided with an increased number of channels, to decrease radiation and convection losses from the heat insulating region. The heat absorbing region is provided with oblique ribs which form channels of increased cross sectional area, to improve heat transfer from the heat absorbing region to the fluid circulated therein. Bowing of the unitary collector panel out of its planar configuration is reduced by providing a heat absorbing region which is darkened in a manner such that the heat density is greatest at a point away from the bottom of the collector panel.
Assignee:
Franklin Institute
Patent Number(s):
US 4271823
OSTI ID:
6277115
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English