Solar heat absorber panels

Abstract

An array of panels absorptive to solar radiation 21 is made up of individual panels 24, 25 etc. A duct runs along a panel 25 and terminates near the edge of the panel as a terminals 27. This terminal is positioned so that it shares a common axis with a second terminal on a second panel 24, whereby the terminals may be brought into close proximity and connected with a connector 26. This connection may be made by sliding one panel along the axis of its terminal towards a second panel.

1 . A plurality of panels absorbent to solar radiation laid adjacent to each other, a duct for a heat transfer medium running along each said panel, each duct having a terminal which is substantially cylindrical in form, said terminals positioned so that a terminal on one panel is adjacent to and shares a common axis with a second terminal on a second panel, whereby said terminals may be connected together.  
   
   
       2 . A plurality of panels as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the panels are arranged in substantially horizontal rows.  
   
   
       3 . A plurality of panels as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the panels are supported in the rows by a plurality of horizontal battens.  
   
   
       4 . A plurality of panels as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the panels overlie the battens.  
   
   
       5 . A plurality of panels as claimed in  claim 4  wherein a portion of batten between two adjacent panels is left uncovered to receive a fastener.  
   
   
       6 . A plurality of panels as claimed in  claim 2 ,  3 ,  4  or  5  wherein the axes of the terminals are substantially parallel to the rows.  
   
   
       7 . A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein a first panel may be moved along a row of panels towards a second panel, whereby a terminal on the first panel moves into sealing engagement with a terminal on the second panel.  
   
   
       8 . A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein the terminals of two adjacent panels are connected with a connector.  
   
   
       9 . A plurality of panels as claimed in  claim 8  wherein a terminal is pushed into a connector and forms a sealing engagement therewith.  
   
   
       10 . A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein the duct comprises a pipe attached to the panel.  
   
   
       11 . A plurality of panels as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the pipe is made of copper.  
   
   
       12 . A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein the panels embody the ducts.  
   
   
       13 . A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein the panels are coated with a layer highly absorptive to solar radiation.  
   
   
       14 . A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein the panels are made of aluminium.  
   
   
       15 . A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein the panels are covered with a layer translucent or transparent to solar radiation.  
   
   
       16 . A plurality of panels as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the layer translucent or transparent to solar radiation consists of mutually overlapping tiles.  
   
   
       17 . A plurality of panels as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the layer translucent or transparent to solar radiation consists of mutually overlapping glass slates or shingles.  
   
   
       18 . A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein an insulating layer is positioned behind the panels.  
   
   
       19 . A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein a membrane is positioned behind the panels.  
   
   
       20 . A plurality of panels as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the panels co-operate with the insulating layer to prevent solar radiation from reaching the membrane.  
   
   
       21 . A plurality of panels as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein the panels mutually overlap so as to form a layer impermeable to precipitation.