Solar energy collector which is transparent to light - where heat exchanger pipes occupy only part of cavity sepg. two transparent plastics panes

摘要

Collector consists of >=2 flat transparent panels sepd. from each other by a cavity. Part of the cavity contains a heat exchanger, whereas light can travel through the remainder of the cavity. The heat exchanger pref. occupies 10-90%, esp. 40-70% of the area of the cavity. The outer panel is pref. a single pane of glazing material, whereas the inner panel consists of two or more panes. Panes are made esp. of a transparent plastic, esp. acrylic sheet or mouldings. In an example, the two transparent panels are sepd. by a frame to produce a cavity. In the cavity and finned pipes, through which water flows to absorb heat; and the collector is very suitable for greenhouses.