Abstract: The heat exchanger for photovoltaic (PV) panels is a heat exchanger that maintains a uniform temperature for cooling PV modules. The heat exchanger is a box-shaped enclosure attached to the rear face of the PV panel. The enclosure has an inlet end, an outlet end, and a plurality of parallel baffles disposed between the ends defining a plurality of channels dividing fluid flow through the enclosure into parallel paths. The spaces between the ends of the baffles and the inlet and outlet ends define an inlet header and an outlet header. In one embodiment, the fluid inlet and outlet are disposed in diagonally opposite corners of the disclosure, opening into triangular input and output headers. In another embodiment, the fluid inlet and outlet are centered at the ends of the enclosure, and the outlet header is V-shaped with the vertex extending into the enclosure along its centerline.

Abstract: A continuous steam generator including a combustion chamber with a plurality of burners for fossil fuel is provided. A vertical gas duct is connected downstream of the combustion chamber on the hot gas side, in an upper region via a horizontal gas duct. The outside wall of the combustion chamber is formed from evaporation pipes which are welded together in a gas-tight manner and mounted upstream of a water separator system on the flow medium side and from superheater pipes which are welded together in a gas-tight manner and mounted downstream of the water separator system. The water separator system includes a plurality of water separation elements, each element includes an inlet tube which is connected to the respective upstream evaporation for tubes, which extend into a water evacuation tube. A distributer element is arranged on the evaporator side between the respective water separator element and the inlet collector.

Abstract: A hot water tank comprising a sleeve, a removable top lid, at least one changeable water holding compartment adapted to be stacked vertically within the sleeve, stacked compartments being connected by a connecting pipe and at least one heating means provided with one of the compartments. The changeable compartments are configured to be removable from the sleeve upon removal of the top lid in case of failure and the space between the sleeve and the changeable compartments is adapted to hold the contents of the compartments during a leak.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be a fired heater for a hydrocarbon conversion process. The fired heater includes inlet and outlet headers or manifolds, a set of heater tubes with each heater tube having an inlet and an outlet, at least one restriction orifice adjacent the inlet of at least one heater tube. The restriction orifice may be within the inlet manifold and adjacent the inlet of a heater tube, or between the inlet manifold and the inlet to the heater tube. A process may include passing a hydrocarbon stream through the fired heater described herein during the course of operating a hydrocarbon conversion process.

Abstract: A heat transfer system comprises a plurality of cells, a plurality of heating elements, and a controller for independently controlling the plurality of heating elements. The heat transfer system is capable of maintaining a fluid temperature within a predetermined range. A second pump pumps fluid through a heat exchanger in operative relationship with the blower upon a call for heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to steam generation equipments, and more particularly, to a steam generator. The steam generator includes a first container having a first chamber, and a heating device. The steam generator further includes a second sealed container disposed in the first chamber. The heating device is disposed in the second container, and a kind of low-melting-point (LMP) metal is filled between the heating device and an inner wall of the second container. As compared to the prior art, the heating device of the present invention make no direct contact with water, so it is less liable to damage and safe in use.

Abstract: A high-efficiency hot-water boiler for a heating system of a building is provided. The boiler includes a boiler enclosure that contains a furnace area compartment within an insulated sealed casing, a first watertube compartment within a sealed casing, a second watertube compartment within a sealed casing, and an air-to-air preheat exchanger within a sealed casing. A plurality of separate, closely-spaced watertubes extends within each of the compartments and provides paths for working fluid to flow through the compartments for purposes of transferring heat to the working fluid. A burner is located within the furnace area compartment for combusting an air/gas mixture.

Abstract: A method of storing water at two temperatures, the method comprising: providing a tank divided into first and second chambers; storing water in the first chamber at a first temperature; storing water in the second chamber at a second temperature; heating water in the second chamber when the second temperature is below a predetermined second value; pumping water from the second chamber to the first chamber when the first temperature is below a predetermined first value, the first values being less than the second value; and permitting water flow from the first chamber to the second chamber while pumping water from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: A water heating apparatus including a tank divided into first and second chambers, wherein water in the first and second chambers has first and second temperatures, respectively, a first outlet for supplying water from the first chamber, a first thermostat to measure the first temperature, a second thermostat to measure the second temperature, means for heating water in the second chamber, a pump having a pump inlet in fluid communication with the second chamber and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the first chamber, and a controller configured to initiate pumping of water from the second chamber to the first chamber when the first temperature is below a predetermined first value. The controller is also configured to initiate heating of water in the second chamber when the second temperature is below a predetermined second value, the second value being greater than the first value.

Abstract: A fuel evaporator 1 is provided in a fuel cell system FCS having an evaporating chamber that evaporates liquid fuel into fuel gas by heat medium gas. The fuel evaporator is provided with a liquid fuel injection apparatus 40 that injects liquid fuel into the evaporating chamber and an injection volume adjusting apparatus 42 that adjusts the injection volume of the liquid fuel injection apparatus. The injection volume adjusting apparatus 42 includes an injection volume adjusting portion that sets the fuel injection volume according to an injection volume target setting signal.

Abstract: A separate type water heater includes two independent first and second housings. The first and second housings respectively have a burning device and a control device that are originally installed together. The components of the devices are connected via piping so that, in use, the first housing provided with the burning device may be installed outdoors, while the second housing with the control device may be installed in a place where the user can easily access, such as the kitchen. Hence, the user can operate the control device indoors to obtain the required hot water. Since the burning device is installed outdoors, possible accidents caused by carbon monoxide can be avoided to ensure the user's safety and properties.

Abstract: The instant invention is best described as an arrangement of equipment and piping that will supply boiler feed water to a domestic steam heating unit without system sensors and mechanical devices within the finite capacity of the reservoir. Equipment to provide boiler water on this basis is not available so far as is known. Additional water for the reservoir is supplied manually as needed.

Abstract: A modular outdoor heating system comprising a heating module and generally a fuel module both modules being enclosed, insulated, and positioned outdoors adjacent the building to be heated. The heating module contains a complete hydronic heating unit including boiler, burner, water circulation system, and positive air draft system while the fuel module includes an oil storage tank with associated fill and vent means. The modules are interconnected so that heat from the boiler keeps both modules warm and dry.

Abstract: A thermal plant comprises a clear blue flame burner and a multi-tank boiler of stainless steel. The burner has a nosepiece welded to the boiler and a rear portion removably fixed to the nosepiece. The rear portion of the burner includes a labyrinth pathway for preheating the combustion air and a thermally insulating conduit for feeding fuel to an atomizer. The boiler has its furnace delimited by two water tanks, i.e. a main peripheral tank and end tank located downstream of the furnace and delimiting with the main tank a gap through which flue gases are conveyed to give off heat to the water in the tanks.

Abstract: The heat exchanger is constructed with a single pressure vessel to contain the ducts for the hot gas flow and the heating surfaces for the secondary medium. The heat exchanger is provided with a central duct for the hot process gas and two parallel branch ducts through which sub-flows of the process gas pass. A throttle member is provided in at least one of the branch ducts in order to throttle the flow of hot gas therethrough. Additional hot gas can be bypassed from the duct section into the exhaust gas from the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A hot water boiler having a dual combustion chamber arrangement capable of burning either solid or fluid fuels, and arranged for acting directly on a heat transfer system generally in direct contact with firebox walls of the combustion chamber arrangement. Disposed atop the combustion chamber arrangement is a heat conserving flue assembly which absorbs heat from smoke and flue gases exhausted from the combustion chamber arrangement and heats a fluid medium which in turn is circulated to the heat transfer means for eventual release for circulation or storage as desired in a residence or other building structure.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in which a fluid maintenance tank has a spiral coil for heating the fluid therein. A source of heat is applied to the upper end of the spiral coil and the heat is caused to course through the spiral coil to the other end thereof during which heat is being exchanged to the medium to be heated. The uppermost portion of the tank is thereby heated first. A blower means is connected in operative relationship with the lower end of the spiral tubing to draw the heat and products of combustion through the tubing and to exhaust same. The heat exchanger may be a hot air furnace, a hot water heater or a fluid superheater with a reserve compartment.

Abstract: A closed heat transfer system which is capable of providing more efficient heat transfer by virtue of the fact that a small fuel burner is operated for a longer period of time but with much less consumption of fuel than compared to a conventional cycled heating system. The system includes a heat sink containing a suitable heat storage fluid, a heat source, heat transfer means, a preheater means, hot water feed means, and circulator means. The heat sink preferably takes the form of a closed container operable in the manner of a boiler and filled with a suitable heat storage fluid.

Abstract: A combined storage tank and heat exchanger unit for heating water including a watertight tank having a water inlet in the lower portion thereof and a pair of water outlets in the upper portion thereof. The wall of the tank is in the form of a double wall jacket having a hot refrigerant inlet at the top portion thereof and a hot refrigerant outlet at the bottom portion thereof. A cylindrical heat barrier is mounted inside the tank and spaced a short distance from the inside surface of the jacket wall to thermally isolate a relatively small amount of water in the tank in direct contact with the inner surface of the jacket. A heat barrier disc is mounted in the tank and extends horizontally across the interior thereof to thermally isolate the water in the top portion of the tank from the water in the bottom portion thereof. The water outlets communicate with the interior of the tank on opposite sides of the partition to provide heated water at two distinctly different temperatures.

Abstract: In a steam engine, an intermediate phase is provided for preheating the feedwater before it enters the boiler. The preheating is achieved by means of the reapplication of the otherwise dispensable exhaust steam in a simple feedback operation in which the exhaust steam is introduced directly into the feedwater. By means of electronic controls the operation of the system at the highest possible point of preheat (up to 210.degree. F.) is achieved thus assuring both high efficiency of the machine and cumulative economy in fuel consumption as well. The latter is further augmented by generous application of insulation to prevent wasteful dissipation of thermal energy as well as to effect protection of the system against the elements.

Abstract: A heliothermal heating and cooling system of the type using a heat transport fluid such as water is disclosed. The energy collector comprises an assembly of individual solar collector panel modules in a series/parallel configuration and function to heat water flowing therethrough. Each solar collector panel includes a pair of stepped headers respectively disposed at its input and output portions and which function to reduce water flow resistance therethrough. The input and output headers communicate with an insulated water storage tank by way of return and supply lines, respectively. A pump is provided in the return line to circulate the water through the system upon receipt of a command signal. The storage tank communicates with a thermal energy utilization device and includes an integral, internal expansion chamber to accomodate expansion of the water.

Abstract: Steam generation means utilizing first and second boilers, the first of which is a high pressure boiler located within or in very intimate heat transfer contact with the second boiler. The steam generated in the high pressure boiler is used to drive continuously or intermittently, a turbine and an associated electrical generator whose output activates electrical resistance units located in the boilers. These heating units supplement an external heat source to maintain steam pressure in the high pressure boiler. The exhaust steam from the turbine at reduced pressure is used to supply heat in any closed steam consuming device such as a space heating system. The condensate is returned to the second boiler which acts as a preheater for water to be pumped from said second boiler to said first boiler as needed.

Abstract: A pair of chambers each containing a body of liquid are separated by a single heat-conducting partition wall. A guide wall is parallel to and spaced from each side of the partition wall and steam is bubbled up between the two walls to recirculate the liquids in the chambers and thereby effect heat exchange through the wall. The liquid in the hotter chamber is recovered from a downstream stage of an oil deodorizing process. Baffles are provided above the gap between the guide walls and the partition wall to aid in fluid circulation.

Abstract: A catalytic fluid heater formed of a number of nested fluid heating chambers spaced from one another to provide therebetween a heating zone having a chimney effect such that a mixture of fuel gas and air is caused to flow through the heating zone from the bottom to the top thereof. A catalyzed surface is disposed in contact with the walls of adjacent ones of the fluid heating chambers. A fuel gas, preferably hydrogen, is delivered to the heating zones, mixed with air and combusted on the catalyzed walls. The combustion product, in such cases, is primarily water vapor, so that external venting is not required.

Abstract: A combined liquid filtering and heating apparatus comprises a cylindrical filter section coaxially mounted on top of a water-jacketed combustion chamber section. Cold unfiltered water is fed through the filter section and a portion of the feed is directed through and is heated in the jacket. The feed water passing through the filter is heated to a lesser extent than the water passing through the jacket by heat transfer from the combustion chamber and a plurality of flues extending from the combustion chamber through the filter section. The filter medium may be sand, cartridges, bags or the like.