Abstract: A system and method of combining pumped hydro and thermal energy storage is disclosed that has upper and lower fluid storage reservoirs. The reservoirs are used as a pumped energy storage system in which excess electrical power is stored as gravitational potential energy by using it to transfer fluid up to the upper one. At a later time, the fluid is run back down through a turbine under the force of gravity to generate electricity. Either, or both, fluid storage regions are also used to store thermal energy transferred into the stored fluid via liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers. The stored thermal energy is later extracted out to be distributed in for use in either directly heating structures or to improve the heating efficiency of one or more heat pumps in a district heating system. The fluid may be water, or it may be any suitable high-density fluid such as drilling mud.

Abstract: A system and method of combining pumped hydro and thermal energy storage is disclosed that has upper and lower fluid storage reservoirs. The reservoirs are used as a pumped energy storage system in which excess electrical power is stored as gravitational potential energy by using it to transfer fluid up to the upper one. At a later time, the fluid is run back down through a turbine under the force of gravity to generate electricity. Either, or both, fluid storage regions are also used to store thermal energy transferred into the stored fluid via liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers. The stored thermal energy is later extracted out to be distributed in for use in either directly heating structures or to improve the heating efficiency of one or more heat pumps in a district heating system. The fluid may be water, or it may be any suitable high-density fluid such as drilling mud.

Abstract: A simple, cost effective system and method for flexibly managing heat pump source fluid is disclosed. The source fluid flow-manager significantly enhances heat pump efficiency by selectively coupling it to renewable energy resources via geothermal, solar, and ambient air thermal exchanges. The sophisticated interconnection of these thermal exchanges also reduces installation costs. A preferred embodiment of the source fluid flow-manager consists of three T-port valves, two pumps and a plurality of connection points, and operates in at least twelve modes. These modes selectively interconnect source fluid flow between fluid utilizing units, such as heat pumps, and a variety of thermal exchange and/or storage units, such as hot or cold underground thermal storage-and-exchange regions, dry coolers and solar thermal collectors. The valves and pumps are controlled by a programmed controller, guided by input from flow meters and thermometers.

Abstract: A simple, cost effective system and method for flexibly managing heat pump source fluid is disclosed. The source fluid flow-manager significantly enhances heat pump efficiency by selectively coupling it to renewable energy resources via geothermal, solar, and ambient air thermal exchanges. The sophisticated interconnection of these thermal exchanges also reduces installation costs. A preferred embodiment of the source fluid flow-manager consists of three T-port valves, two pumps and a plurality of connection points, and operates in at least twelve modes. These modes selectively interconnect source fluid flow between fluid utilizing units, such as heat pumps, and a variety of thermal exchange and/or storage units, such as hot or cold underground thermal storage-and-exchange regions, dry coolers and solar thermal collectors. The valves and pumps are controlled by a programmed controller, guided by input from flow meters and thermometers.

Abstract: A system and method for providing useable source fluid from a thermal exchange unit and/or one or more thermal exchange and storage units is disclosed. Topologies described allow operation in an air source, a ground source, a preconditioning, a parallel and a simultaneous mode. In the air source mode conditioned source fluid is obtained exclusively from an air-to-liquid heat exchanger. In the ground source mode source fluid is obtained exclusively from a ground heat exchanger. In the preconditioning mode source fluid from the air-to-liquid heat exchanger is used to condition a ground heat exchanger. In the parallel mode source fluid is obtained from both the air-to-liquid heat exchanger and a ground heat exchangers. In the simultaneous mode, source fluid from the air-to-liquid heat exchanger is used to improve the thermal condition of a ground heat exchanger while source fluid for the heat pump is obtained from another ground heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system and method for providing useable source fluid from a thermal exchange unit and/or one or more thermal exchange and storage units is disclosed. Topologies described allow operation in an air source, a ground source, a preconditioning, a parallel and a simultaneous mode. In the air source mode conditioned source fluid is obtained exclusively from an air-to-liquid heat exchanger. In the ground source mode source fluid is obtained exclusively from a ground heat exchanger. In the preconditioning mode source fluid from the air-to-liquid heat exchanger is used to condition a ground heat exchanger. In the parallel mode source fluid is obtained from both the air-to-liquid heat exchanger and a ground heat exchangers. In the simultaneous mode, source fluid from the air-to-liquid heat exchanger is used to improve the thermal condition of a ground heat exchanger while source fluid for the heat pump is obtained from another ground heat exchanger.

Abstract: A hybrid multi-source system that is used to heat or cool a building. The system utilizes a heat pump or similar HVAC unit. A solar/air heat exchanger is provided. At least one ground heat exchanger is utilized. A plumbing network interconnects the heat pump, the solar/air heat exchanger, and the ground heat exchanger. A heat transfer fluid circulates through the plumbing network. Temperature sensors are used to monitor temperatures of the heat transfer fluid at multiple points in the system. At least one pump circulates the heat transfer fluid through the plumbing network. Valves are disposed within the plumbing network that can selectively isolate the heat pump, the solar/air heat exchanger, and the ground heat exchanger. A systems controller is coupled to the temperature sensors, the valves, and pump. The system operates in multiple modes which allow for higher efficiency and long term underground thermal storage.

Abstract: A heat pump system having a heat pump unit that operates upon a heat exchange fluid. A ground heat exchanger and an ambient heat exchanger are provided. A first valve set is coupled to the heat pump unit, the ground heat exchanger and the ambient heat exchanger. The first valve set can interconnect the input of the heat pump to the ground heat exchanger or to the ambient heat exchanger. The first valve set can also interconnect the ground heat exchanger to the ambient heat exchanger. A second valve set is provided that interconnects the output of the heat pump unit to the ground heat exchanger or to the ambient heat exchanger. The second valve set can also interconnect the ground heat exchanger to the ambient heat exchanger. The multiple modes are offered by the first valve set and the second valve set.

Abstract: A system and method of lifting a cargo container into flight using a plurality of aircraft. A swivel bearing is provided that has a first end and a second end. The two ends of the swivel bearing are free to rotate independently. A cargo container is provided that is streamlined for flight. The second end of the swivel bearing is attached to the cargo container. Aircraft in flight are used to lift the container. The aircraft have tow tether lines. The tow tether lines are attached to the first end of the swivel bearing. The aircraft fly in an ascending circular pattern, therein applying lift to the cargo container that is sufficient to raise the cargo container into flight. The cargo container is streamlined and contains flight controls to enable the cargo container to maintain level and controlled flight while it is being towed.

Abstract: A system and method for generating electricity using kites and controlling the kites in flight. A plurality of kites is provided that include a first kite and at least one subsequent kite. The kites form a string of kites that are connected by at least one tether to a reel or similar structure. Each tether has a first end that is coupled to the first kite and a second end that is coupled to the reel. Each tether passes through openings in each subsequent kite. An actuator is carried by the subsequent kite proximate each tether opening. The actuator operates between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. Each actuator engages a tether when in its engaged condition, therein selectively holding the subsequent kite at a fixed point along each tether. The movability of the subsequent kite enables the string of kites to be deployed and retrieved in a simplified manner.

Abstract: Electronic imaging apparatus includes a main mirror that rotates about two transverse axes to reflect light for an array of subimages through a lens to a correcting mirror that reflects the light to an image detector. The correcting mirror moves in translation and tilts to correct for loss of focus of the subimages. A method of generating high resolution images includes acquiring an array of subimages by moving the main mirror and correcting each subimage with the correcting mirror. A method of surveillance includes acquiring and storing an array of initial subimages, then acquiring new subimages, comparing the new subimages with the stored subimages, and storing changed subimages.

Abstract: Wind driven apparatus for an aerial power generation system include driven elements and controls. The driven elements are configured and shaped to provide maximum force from both lift and drag during the downwind phase of operation and minimum force during the upwind phase. The driven elements have a sail portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge. The controls change the driven elements between high force configurations for downwind operation and low force configurations for upwind operation, adjust the pitch and azimuth angles of the driven elements, and control the camber.

Abstract: An aerial power generation system includes wind driven elements that are in the form of rectangular sails. The sails are configured and shaped to provide maximum force from both lift and drag during the downwind phase of operation and minimum force during the upwind phase. Guide lines, support elements such as kites or blimps, and/or radio controlled airfoils add stability to the system and provide better control over angular orientation and direction of motion. Power transfer is through one or more cables connected from the wind driven elements to various electromechanical devices on the ground. Another embodiment of the aerial power generation system includes a revolving apparatus and two or more wind powered driven elements connected by tow lines to the revolving apparatus.

Abstract: An aerial power generation system includes a guide line supported by a support body. Wind driven elements are configured and shaped to provide maximum force from both lift and drag during the downwind phase of operation and minimum force during the upwind phase. The guide lines add stability to the system and provide better control over angular orientation and direction of motion. Power transfer is through one or more tow lines connected from the driven elements to power generation devices on the ground. Another embodiment of the aerial power generation system includes a revolving apparatus and two or more wind powered driven elements connected by tow lines to the revolving apparatus. The method includes changing the driven elements between high and low force configurations for downwind and upwind operation, and flying the driven elements in a selected pattern perpendicular to the tow line.

Abstract: A two-dimensional energy position detector includes an array of wedge-shaped anodes arranged in an alternating sequence. Each of the anodes is connected to a multiplexer which is controlled by a sequencer to place the signals from the anodes in a predetermined sequence onto a multiplex output line. A data processor may then analyze the signal on the multiplex output line to determine the position of energy incident on the anodes.