초록 ▼

A solar panel having venting gates at opposite ends of an air plenum defined between a collector element and a protective, light-transmissive cover and having a wax thermal actuator for both the gates and flexible force-transmitting linkages between the actuator and each gate to operate the gates si

A solar panel having venting gates at opposite ends of an air plenum defined between a collector element and a protective, light-transmissive cover and having a wax thermal actuator for both the gates and flexible force-transmitting linkages between the actuator and each gate to operate the gates simultaneously. Preferred embodiments include certain linkages, gates and gate control apparatus, and certain structural relationships of the actuator with the collector element to achieve desired heat transfers. In certain embodiments, the actuator is part of a heat-sensing module which receives a multiplicity of heat inputs. The collector element in certain highly preferred embodiments is of plastic. A glazed solar panel having a venting gate controlled by a temperature-responsive wax thermal actuator linked thereto.

대표청구항 ▼

In a solar panel of the type having a collector element, working fluid conduit means in heat transfer relation thereto, a cover spaced from the element and defining an air plenum adjacent to the element, and gates at opposite ends of the plenum movable between first positions closing the plenum and

In a solar panel of the type having a collector element, working fluid conduit means in heat transfer relation thereto, a cover spaced from the element and defining an air plenum adjacent to the element, and gates at opposite ends of the plenum movable between first positions closing the plenum and second positions venting the plenum, the improvement in venting means comprising: a wax thermal actuator in thermal transfer relation to the element; and force-transmitting linkage means between the actuator and each of the gates for moving the gates between said first and second positions, the linkage means including slack to accommodate changes in the distances between the actuator and the gates, whereby the gates are operable simultaneously and without regard to thermal expansion and contraction of the collector element.