Solar energy collector panel - made from two sheets welded together with integrally formed fluid channels

摘要

The panel for collecting solar energy is made from two metal sheets (2). Each sheet hasa number of parallel grooves formed in it which run into deeper transverse grooves of semi-circular cross-section at each end. The two sheets are welded together, around their edges and spot welded along lines between the vertical grooves. Pipe connectors (10)(12)(16)(18) are welded to each end of the transverse grooves to enable a heat transfer fluid to be circulated through channels formed by the grooves. Apart from forming channels for the fluid, the grooves also increase the rigidity of the panel.