Modular solar energy collector systems
A readily fabricated, high efficient modular solar energy collector that may be arranged in a wide variety of arrays comprises a relatively small, typically but not necessarily rectangular, panel structure that is centrally coupled to an insulative support that may define an outlet conduit. In a specific example, a pair of coextensive, thermally conductive panels, the outer one of which preferably has a light absorptive black upper surface of low emissivity, defines flow paths directed laterally inwardly from side margins of the panel to a central mid-line region at which outlet apertures flow into a manifold region under the panel. The heated fluid in the manifold communicates with an outlet conduit within the support that is connectable at its respective ends to like conduits of adjacent modules. The centrally supported panels are sufficiently rigid to need no additional support, and freely expand and contract in response to temperature changes. An array of modules of this character may be mounted adjacent a single transparent cover of larger size, and for low ambient temperature regions may include an individual transparent cover for each module. The construction further permits swiveling of individual lines of modules so as to assume optimum angles to incident radiation. Despite the relatively small module size, high temperature differentials are achieved with high efficiency, and great flexibility is permitted in the arrangement of an array, which also can have good aesthetic appearance. All modules may be arranged to communicate with a heat exchanger system, such as an air-to-water heat exchanger.
- Assignee:
- Aga Ab (Sweden)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4219011
- OSTI ID:
- 6746851
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 1 Dec 1977
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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