Abstract: A solar heat energy collection system of the natural circulation type where the heat store is located above liquid cooled collectors. The system utilizes at least two liquids, the first is a non-freezing liquid which circulates between a heat store tank and the collectors, the second liquid is less dense than the first and immiscible therewith and acts as a heat store and also to supply the heat load. A third liquid less dense than the second and immiscible therewith may be utilized to supply the heat load. In this latter situation, the second liquid acts only as a heat store.

Abstract: A chemical plant, wherein gaseous reactants are converted in an exothermic chemical reaction to a reaction product, is combined with a semi-closed Brayton-cycle power plant to utilize the heat of reaction to generate power. Specifically, in one embodiment, an ammonia synthesis plant, wherein gaseous nitrogen and hydrogen are catalytically converted to ammonia, is combined with a semi-closed Brayton-cycle power plant to utilize the heat of reaction of the ammonia synthesis reaction to generate power.

Abstract: A solar energy collector of the air heat exchange type in which the absorber forms the upper wall of an air duct and a heat exchanger in the duct transfers heat from the absorber to air in the duct, thereby providing increased heated surface area to the air passing therethrough.

Abstract: A chemical plant, wherein gaseous reactants are converted in an exothermic chemical reaction to a reaction product, is combined with a semi-closed Brayton-cycle power plant to utilize the heat of reaction to generate power. Specifically, in one embodiment, an ammonia synthesis plant, wherein gaseous nitrogen and hydrogen are catalytically converted to ammonia, is combined with a semi-closed Brayton-cycle power plant to utilize the heat of reaction of the ammonia synthesis reaction to generate power.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the efficient production of power by the oxidation of carbonaceous or hydrocarbon fuels with minimal pollution of the atmosphere. In one of its more specific aspects, this object is accomplished by partial oxidation of the hydrocarbon or other carbon-containing fuels to produce a fuel gas, followed by partial oxidation of this fuel gas and finally complete combustion of the gaseous products of the second partial oxidation with the generation of power in stages following each of the oxidation steps such that the stack gas discharged to the atmosphere is low in oxides of nitrogen and is substantially free from sulfur compounds. The process is particularly suitable for use with sulfur-containing petroleum residua, shale oils and the like.

Abstract: A housing for a solar energy collector which is formed of one-piece wall sections having integral flashing reglets and so formed as to provide lifting surfaces for the housings, help define an alignment and securing channel on the housing, aid in positioning a transparent cover retaining cap on the walls, and provide a weatherproof housing.

Abstract: Power is developed by an expansion turbine in which the working fluid is a gaseous mixture comprising all of the hot raw gas stream leaving an unpacked partial oxidation gas generator, after removing if present a portion of the entrained solids, in admixture with a temperature moderating stream. A molal increase is associated with the partial oxidation process. Power is obtained from this molal increase in addition to the power obtained from the elevated pressure and sensible heat in the hot raw partial oxidation product gas. The temperature moderating stream may comprise a recycle portion of the turbine exhaust gas stream after being cooled, cleaned, optionally water-gas shifted or purified, or both, and recompressed. Alternatively, the recycle gas stream may be mixed with water, steam, or both. In one embodiment the temperature moderating stream comprises liquid water or condensate produced in the process.

Abstract: A solar heat energy collector is disclosed which includes an absorber in a housing beneath a transparent cover member. A plurality of closely spaced essentially parallel vane-like members extend horizontally between the absorber and cover member to inhibit convection currents within the housing, and are angularly variable as a function of the elevation of the sun.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting system of the liquid type where conduits in individual collectors of a system are in contact with an absorbing panel and the conduits of each panel are connected between liquid external input and exit manifolds, and where provision is made to accommodate differential expansion and contraction between piping of individual collectors and manifolds and minimize heat losses where the collector headers exit the collectors and join the external manifolds.

Abstract: A solar heating system of the liquid heat transfer collector type in which provision is made for circulating the heat exchange medium only, then the collector temperature bears a predetermined relation to the storage medium, and where, a heat exchange liquid dissipating means is provided to dissipate heat in the medium when the collector temperature exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: Hydrogen is produced by the combustion of carbon with air to produce a combustion gas effluent containing carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The carbon dioxide is separated and reacted with carbon to produce carbon monoxide. The resulting produced carbon monoxide is then reacted with steam to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen and the resulting produced hydrogen separated. The carbon utilized for the production of hydrogen may be obtained by the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons to yield carbon and gaseous hydrogen or the carbon utilized in this process may be obtained from a solid carbonaceous fuel, such as coal or coke or the like.

Abstract: Hydrogen is produced by the combustion of carbon with air to produce a combustion gas effluent containing carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The carbon dioxide is separated and reacted with carbon to produce carbon monoxide. The resulting produced carbon monoxide is then reacted with steam to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen and the resulting produced hydrogen separated. The carbon utilized for the production of hydrogen may be obtained by the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons to yield carbon and gaseous hydrogen or the carbon utilized in this process may be obtained from a solid carbonaceous fuel, such as coal or coke or the like.

Abstract: A solar heat energy collecting device and system embodying the same is disclosed where the devices are used in multiple to provide the required heating capacity, and where each device includes a housing member supportable on a roof between adjacent joists or on a separate structure. A solar energy collector plate is mounted within the housing, and heat transfer tubes are in intimate contact with the collector. A plurality of devices may be mounted in a columnar and row array with the tubes of each connected.