Solar heating and control system

Claim 1

A solar energy collector panel array, each panel comprising: a tubular inlet header and a tubular outlet header, said headers being arranged in spaced parallel relation and each having a longitudinal slot in the side thereof facing the other header, said slots being of less length than said headers and terminating inwardly of the ends thereof; a generally planar matrix panel comprising spaced parallel sheets, one of which is black and the other of which is clear and a multiplicity of parallel partitions extending between said sheets to define adjacent flow channels having open ends at opposite ends of said matrix panel, the width of said matrix panel transverse to said flow channels being substantially equal to the length of said slots in said headers; said opposite ends of said matrix panel extending through said slots in respective headers and being sealed thereto and said flow channels being free of constrictions to provide unobstructed communication between the interiors of said inlet and outlet headers; said array of panels being arranged with panels in side-by-side relation, first conduit means interconnecting adjacent unslotted ends of said inlet headers, second conduit means interconnecting adjacent unslotted ends of said outlet headers, and pump means for circulating a heat absorbing fluid medium from a supply thereof to said inlet headers, through said flow channels to said outlet headers and back to said supply; means for selectively directing said medium from said pump means to said inlet headers or directly back to said supply; means for sensing the intensity of infrared radiation in the vicinity of said array of panels and providing a first signal proportional to said intensity; means for sensing the temperature of said medium in said supply and providing a second signal proportional to said temperature; and means for comparing said first and second signals and for controlling said valve means to direct medium from said pump means to said inlet headers only when said infrared radiation is sufficient to further heat said medium from said supply.