Multi-purpose solar collector/heat exchanger

In a multi-purpose solar collector-heat exchanger intended for installation in a building in a position having a vertical component,

• a. a multiple tier unit providing a plurality of longitudinal channels in parallel relation and comprising three flat metallic sheets arranged in spaced relation with two longitudinally grooved sheets each of which is interposed between a pair of adjacent flat sheets and secured thereto, said flat and grooved sheets cooperating to define two tiers of longitudinal channels,
• b. a manifold at each end of said channels communicating with all of said channels,
• c. a duct extending from and communicating with each of said manifolds, one of said ducts constituting an air inlet and the other duct an air outlet,
• d. a frame comprising bottom, side and end walls providing an open top, and enclosing said flat and grooved sheets and said manifolds,
• e. a transparent heat trap supported by said frame in spaced relation with respect to the uppermost of said flat sheets,
• f. a perforated pipe extending across the upper end of the uppermost of said flat sheets and communicating with a source of liquid under pressure and of a desired temperature whereby jets of said liquid are delivered onto the upper end of the uppermost of said flat sheets to form a film of liquid thereon, and
• g. a trough at the lower end of the uppermost of said flat sheets which receives said liquid after it has passed over the uppermost of said flat sheets, said trough having a drain pipe communicating therewith.