Solar heat exchange panel and method of fabrication

Patent · Tue Jul 04 04:00:00 EDT 1978

OSTI ID:6417333

Ford, F A; Armstrong, E; Rhodes, R O

A panel having multiple tubular passages extending therethrough and fitted on each end with a fluid tight hollow header is disclosed. Apertures through one side of the headers place the tubular passages in communication with the interior of the headers. Fluid pumped into one header flows through the tubular passages to the other header, exchanging heat with the environment surrounding the panel as it passes therethrough. The panels are formed to provide a flow restrictive feature at the ends of the through fluid passages so that substantial flow will exist in all passages in all panels in an array of panels. One method for obtaining a fluid tight bond between the headers and the panel involves a forming process utilizing a heated die applied to the panel ends, and a subsequent panel and header material melting process followed by imposing pressure contact between the formed panel ends and the headers to thereby effect a permanent bond or weld.

• Assignee: Fafco, Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 4098331
• OSTI ID: 6417333
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140907 -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Water Heating
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
APPLIANCES
DESIGN
ELECTRIC APPLIANCES
FABRICATION
FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS
FLOW RATE
FLUIDS
GAS APPLIANCES
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
HEATERS
SEALS
SOLAR ABSORBERS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR WATER HEATERS
SURFACE WATERS
SWIMMING POOLS
TUBES
WATER HEATERS