Gangable radiant energy collector
A gangable solar energy collector module utilizes an insulative housing containing a plurality of hollow interior conduits confronting the sun, separated from one another by slots, and overlying an energy absorbing tank which is connected with the conduits to permit flow of heat transfer medium therebetween. The conduits and underlying energy absorbing tank are positioned between supply and return ducts which extend beneath the conduits so that solar energy passing through the slots strikes the ducts and is either absorbed or reflected upwardly toward the conduits for absorption by the conduits. Each supply and return duct has a central segment within the insulative housing and has a terminal segment at each end of the central segment, each terminal segment being thermally insulated from the central segment and extending through and outwardly from the housing to permit a plurality of such collectors to be ganged by series connecting all supply ducts and series connecting all return ducts. The insulative housing is divided into a series of internal subchambers by a plurality of generally parallel convection-inhibiting panels which extend transversely to the conduits and are spaced from one another along the conduits to inhibit convection currents within the housing.
- Assignee:
- TIC; EDB-79-035373; ERA-04-022388
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4117830
- OSTI ID:
- 6436987
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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