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US 4,426,999 AGranted
Solar energy collector
AssigneeRamada Energy Systems, Inc.
InventorsJoseph H. Evans, Jeffrey J. Hatman, William E. Clark
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A high performance, lightweight solar collector is disclosed. The collector consists of an upper glazing, a central fluid panel and a lower layer of insulating material. A fluid manifold is joined to each end of the panel and directs a fluid into and out of the panel. The glazing, panel and insulating layer are joined together and held in position by an attaching assembly and rail members.
Claims14
A solar collector comprising:
- (a) an upper glazing structure of clear plastic material having a first plurality of integral, open channels formed therein and extending along the length thereof, said glazing structure allowing the passage of solar radiation therethrough;
- (b) a central fluid panel providing a second plurality of integral, open channels formed therein and extending along the length thereof for fluid flow from one end thereof to the other, said fluid panel configured to absorb solar radiation and transfer it to said fluid;
- (c) a lower layer of insulating material forming a heat barrier;
- (d) manifold means for directing fluid into and out of said second plurality of channels in said fluid panel, said manifold means having an outwardly extending plenum joined to each said fluid panel adjacent said channels;
- (e) engaging means having a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions for engaging elements (a), (b) and (c) individually so as to secure said elements along the length thereof in a predetermined spaced configuration;
- (f) rail members joined to said engaging means for positioning and securing said solar collector to a support structure;
- and
- (g) elongated cap strips selectively joined to each said rail member, each said cap strip including an outwardly extending arm urging said engaging means against said rail members.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.