Solar heating collector assembly

Abstract

A solar heating collector assembly employing at least one collector panel which utilizes a collector plate formed of a plurality of long overlapping fins to absorb solar energy. Each absorber fin is coated with a substance having a predetermined selectivity and has soldered lengthwise thereto an absorber pipe in which a heat transport fluid is heated as the fluid circulates through the collector panel. The collector absorber plate is mounted on a collector frame over a plywood base having an aluminum foil vapor barrier covering the base. A double glazed glass assembly is mounted over the absorber plate and forms the top surface of the collector panel. The collector panel is disposed between a pair of installation tracks which define a pair of plumbing channels at opposite ends of the absorber pipes. Located within the plumbing channels are input and output pipe manifolds which are respectively connected to opposite ends of the absorber pipes. When a plurality of collectors panels are employed, input and output header pipes are respectively connected to the input and output manifold pipes to integrate fluid flow through the solar heating collector assembly. Side tracks are disposed perpendicular to the installation tracks and in combination therewith defines the perimeter of the collector assembly. Each collector panel frame is provided with a metal lining around the periphery thereof in contact with the glass assembly to provide heat sinking of the peripheral seal of the glass assembly and to provide a condensation surface for the collector panel. Likewise, the installation tracks and the side tracks are also provided with metal linings. Metal caps having mitered corners are then riveted to the metal liners of the collector frame, the installation tracks and the side tracks to securely fasten the collector assembly, the metal liners thus also serving as rivet anchors.