Solar fluid heater
US3972317A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 1975 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/44
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar heater for heating a fluid passing through a plurality of side by side positioned solar panels. The solar panels are formed of heat conducting material with an upper solar energy exposed surface covered with a radiant heat absorbing material with high heat absorbing characteristics. A V shaped hinge groove is positioned along the upper longitudinal center line of the panel. The panel portions on each side of the hinge groove slope downward toward their outer edges. Curvi-linear channels are formed below the outer edges. The curvi-linear channels are received by bottom surface supported conduits that have common headers at respective ends extending beyond the solar panels. One header delivers ambient fluid to the conduits and the other removes heated fluid. The panels, conduit and headers are confined within a sealed insulated housing having integral, rigid side walls and bottom and at least one transparent panel spaced above the solar panels and sealed to the atmosphere. Fasteners partially passing through the hinge groove and secured to the support members hinge downward at the groove biasing the curvi-linear channels against the conduits.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.