| 摘要 |
<p>A solar thermal collector 2 comprises an outer panel 4 spaced apart from an inner panel 6, and one or more tubes 10, 12, 14 located in the space between the panels. The tubes contain a liquid and are arranged to allow the transfer of heat between the liquid and outer panel. A material 8 is inserted between the panels, where expansion of the material as it cures causes the tubes to be pressed and held against the outer panel by the material. Preferably, the material is isocyanurate or insulating foam, which expands to fill the space between the panels when it is cured, and bonds the panels together. At least one of the panels may be made from aluminium or copper, and the outer panel may be coated with black polyester or photovoltaic paint. Preferably, the liquid contained in the tubes is water and may include propylene glycol. The liquid may be circulated to a swimming pool or collected in a reservoir. Preferably, the panels form part of a roof panel, where a roof may be formed from a number of interconnected solar thermal collectors. In a further aspect, an apparatus for manufacturing a solar thermal collector is disclosed.</p> |
