Heat exchanger exhibiting improved fluid distribution

In a solar energy collector system including at least one heat exchange panel possessing a system of internal tubular passageways defining opposed headers connected by a plurality of spaced, parallel individual connecting portions of said passageways extending therebetween, said passageways including entry and exit portions extending from opposite ends of said headers to provide ingress and egress openings for a heat exchange medium, the improvement which comprises providing said connecting portions with a plurality of constrictions in internal diameter extending along at least a portion of the length of thereof wherein at least some of said constrictions have differing internal diameter so that the constriction adjacent said entry portion has the smallest internal diameter over at least a portion of its length and the constrictions on individual connecting portions have gradually increasing internal diameter in relation to increased distance from said entry portion, said constrictions serving to divert fluid away from the connecting portion adjacent said entry portion to regulate the rate of flow of said heat exchange medium between said connecting portions.

A metal panel for use in a solar energy collector system having a desired system of internal tubular passageways for a heat exchange medium disposed between spaced apart portions of the thickness of said panel and defining opposed internal headers connected by a plurality of spaced, parallel individual internal connecting portions of said passageways extending therebetween, said internal passageways having entry and exit portions extending from said internal headers to opposed edges of said panel to provide ingress and egress openings for said heat exchange medium, wherein said connecting portions are provided with a plurality of constrictions in internal diameter extending along at least a portion of the length thereof wherein at least some of said constrictions have differing internal diameter so that the constriction adjacent said entry portion has the smallest internal diameter over at least a portion of its length and the constrictions on individual connecting portions have gradually increasing internal diameter in relation to increased distance from said entry portion, said constrictions serving to divert fluid away from the connecting portion adjacent said entry portion to regulate the rate of flow of said heat exchange medium between all of said connecting portions.