Solar collectors

Abstract

A solar collector adapted to heat a heat-carrying fluid is provided. The collector includes a heat absorbing wall formed by a plurality of panels which are integrally made of a conducting material. Adjacent panels slope with respect to each other in a saw tooth configuration to form alternating acute and obtuse dihedrons. The two adjacent panels defining an acute dihedron form therebetween an angle at least equal to the angle between the winter solstice and the summer solstice. In addition, the two panels are operably situated in planes directed respectively towards the respective solstice. An integrally formed gutter is also provided in the region of each apex with each gutter opening toward the inside of the acute dihedron. A plurality of heat conducting ducts which carry the heat-carrying fluid are shaped to be closely received in a respective gutter. Preferably, the angle between the two adjacent panels is between 65.degree. and 70.degree.. In addition, the gutters are preferably made from elastically deformable material so that the respective ducts may fit into the respective gutters by resiliently urging apart the respective edges of the gutters. The ducts and gutters preferably have a cylindrical cross section. The collector can also include an enclosure for the wall having a transparent front and a reflecting heat insulating back. If desired, a gas can be conveyed to this enclosure to heat the gas.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.