Abstract: Heat buffer comprising at least mechanically coupled wall parts, wherein each of the wall parts comprises a substantially plate-like body; a liquid throughflow circuit incorporated in the body; one or more hydraulic couplings accessible from the outer side of the wall part for discharge and supply of liquid to the liquid throughflow circuit and configured for coupling to hydraulic couplings of a similar device; and is coupled at a mutual angle about a substantially vertical axis to a similar wall part, wherein the mechanically coupled devices are connected such that they enclose one space and wherein the heat buffer also comprises a floor and/or cover part for closing the enclosed space on an upper and/or underside.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant for frequent stops and startups comprises at least one gas turbine, a heat recovery steam generator, at least one steam turbine and a thermal energy storage and retrieval system utilizing latent heat of fusion. Phase change materials receive thermal charge from two sources: (a) renewable energy generation plants, when their production exceeds demand and (b) gas turbine exhaust heat. The thermal energy storage and retrieval system, discharges efficiently thermal energy for steam production, which keeps the at least one steam turbine preheated and ready for fast startups, thus increasing the plant's flexibility and efficiency. A novel two stage latent thermal energy storage system provides at least supercritical steam.

Abstract: An enclosure temperature control system utilizes a renewable power source and a thermal sink to reduce the overall power requirements from a power grid. A renewable power source, such as a solar panel may provide power that drives the components required to maintain the greenhouse temperature within upper and lower limits, including a HVAC system and/or a heat transfer system coupled with a thermal sink. The thermal sink includes a phase change material that releases heat when it solidifies and this heat can be used to heat the greenhouse. Likewise, the phase change material absorbs heat during the day to reduce the temperature within the greenhouse. A heat transfer system may be coupled with the phase change material and a solid conductor component within the tank of a phase change material may increase thermal transfer rate.

Abstract: The invention is provided with a support tube (101) and an inner tube (103) installed inside thereof, the diameter differentiation between the inner diameter of the support tube (101) and the outer diameter of the inner tube (103) is formed with a partitioned space for constituting a fluid path, the upper tube of the support tube (101) is installed with an electric energy application device assembly (108), and through the fluid pump (105) serially installed on the heat transfer fluid path to pump the heat transfer fluid to form a closed recycling flow, and through passing the support tube (101) of the mentioned closed recycling heat transfer fluid path and the exposed portion at the outer surface of the relevant structure, thereby enabling to perform temperature equalizing operation with the external gaseous or solid or liquid environment and/or the soil or liquid of the shallow ground natural thermal energy body.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for an electrically-powered vehicle (EV) having an electric motor powered by at least one battery is described. The HVAC system may comprise a blower, a conduit configured to carry air from the blower to vents leading to a passenger cabin of the EV, and an electric heater positioned in the conduit and configured to heat the air. The HVAC system may further comprise a thermal reservoir heater positioned in the conduit and including a thermal storage component configured to heat the air without using power from the battery.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided that includes a housing and an exchanger region which is arranged in the housing and has tubes and at least one base, wherein the tubes are connected to the at least one base, wherein the housing is manufactured from a plastic and has a housing inner surface, wherein the housing inner surface is covered at least in regions or in sections by at least one metallic element for protecting the housing from a thermal load. The invention further relates to a method for producing a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for storing electric energy in the form of thermal energy. A thermoelectric energy storage system includes a working fluid circuit for circulating a working fluid through a heat exchanger, and a thermal storage medium circuit for circulating a thermal storage medium. The thermal storage medium circuit includes at least one hot storage tank, an intermediate temperature storage tank, and a cold storage tank connected together via the heat exchanger. A proportion of the storage medium is redirected to or from the intermediate storage tank from or to the hot or cold storage tank, joining another proportion which flows directly between the cold and hot storage tank.

Abstract: Our invention consists of two separate and discrete families of polymers, e.g. thermosetting Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (“FRP”) and thermoplastics. Both are used as the materials of construction to fabricate solar thermal collectors. These families have the same general configuration and are based upon the same principles. Both families are used in a form that some of the walls of the collector are translucent. Both families incorporate a passage through which the thermal fluid flows. Both families make use of dyes to absorb energy from the sun in the fluid and the collector walls. Each of the families makes use of improved collector configurations and designs and special operating approaches. Each family can serve different markets for different solar thermal collectors. In particular, FRP stands alone as an emerging new category of materials for a broad range of applications including everything from novel solar thermal collectors to exotic airplanes.

Abstract: A system and associated method are used for warming an endoscope, laparoscope, or other such instrument to minimize fogging. A flexible pad has a length, a width and a periphery for wrapping around the instrument. An activation disc and a mixture of water and sodium acetate are used to generate heat through an exothermic reaction initiated through manual manipulation of the disc. The disc may be exposed in a flexible tab in fluid communication with the pad. A housing includes an end bore to receive the instrument such that the instrument is surrounded by the folded or rolled pad within the housing. The housing may further include a slit or narrow opening enabling the tab and activation disc to extend therethrough and outside the housing for activation.

Abstract: An integrated renewable energy and asset system is provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of extracting heat from a downhole device is disclosed, which method, in one non-limiting embodiment, may include: providing a heat exchange fluid that includes a base fluid and core-shell nanoparticles therein; circulating the heat exchange fluid in the downhole device proximate to a heat-generating element of the downhole to cause the core of the core-shell nanoparticles to melt to extract heat from the downhole device and then enabling the heat exchange fluid to cool down to cause the core of the core shell nanoparticles to solidify for recirculation of the heat exchange fluid proximate to the heat-generating element.

Abstract: A heating element for heating gases to high temperatures includes at least one tube arranged for the flow of gas to be heated and an electrical heating wire in the tube, which transfers heat to the gas flowing past. A process heater and a corresponding heating element are provided to permit generation of gas temperatures up to 1000° C. or above and having a lifespan 10 times longer than conventional heating coils. The heating wire is formed as a heating rod extending along the tube axis, whose maximum clear distance to the inner wall of the tube does not exceed a value of 10 mm over at least 80% of the circumference and/or at least 80% of the overlapping length of the tube and heating rod.

Abstract: A power conversion module, such as a power adapter, includes a heat removal system such as an active heat removal system, a passive heat removal system or a hybrid heat removal system. A small-size power conversion module having a heat removal system is described.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a phase change material (PCM) integrated radiator. In one example, a method may include adjusting a radiator control valve into a first position to flow coolant only through a first zone of a radiator containing phase change material (PCM) and not through a second zone of the radiator not containing phase change material. The method may further include adjusting the radiator control valve into a second position to flow coolant only through the second zone of the radiator and not the first zone.

Abstract: There is provided a heat collector for solar thermal power generation that suppresses oxidization using a silicon-carbide ceramic sintered body as a base body. The heat collector includes the base body made of a silicon-carbide ceramic sintered body in which channels (cells) for passing through a heat medium are formed, a first glass layer of silicate glass that coats at least a part of surfaces of the base body and contains an alkali metal constituent and/or an alkaline-earth metal constituent, and a second glass layer of silicate glass that coats the first glass layer and has a sum of contents of an alkali metal constituent and an alkaline-earth metal constituent, which is smaller than a sum of contents of the alkali metal constituent and the alkaline-earth metal constituent in the first glass layer.

Abstract: A rail-less roof mounting system for installing photovoltaic (PV) modules on a roof structure comprises a base mount assembly that engages with a clamp assembly and attaches to the roof structure. The base mount assembly comprises a base member having a waterproof means, a block slider, a top slider and a covering means. An elevated seal portion of a block slider includes a borehole to receive the waterproof means. A vertical engaging portion of the block slider is attached with a sliding seal member of the top slider. The clamp assembly includes a clamp member and a plate member and the clamp member is attached with a track of the top slider. The clamp member interlocks the PV modules to provide a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement, which enables the connection of PV module corners to adjacent PV module corners by sandwiching above and beneath frame members of the PV modules.

Abstract: A unique phase change material composition and method of maintaining pre-established environmental conditions and safeguards during the manufacturing process. A fabrication method and parameters which result in a more efficient and safe packaged phase change material. A microspherical form of Perlite is the chosen phase change material. The microspherical form of Perlite is vacuum packed in such a manner to exclude water and moisture as well as utilizing a sealing surface of sufficient width to maintain a vapor barrier at the sealed edges. Besides absorption and release of heat, the packaged phase change material may be used as a fire preventive article in residential and commercial properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator with improved refrigerator box strength and high heat insulating performance, which is configured such that external deformation due to entry of air into a vacuum heat insulating material, the entry of air being caused by aging degradation, is prevented. The present invention includes: a heat-insulated box including an inner casing and an outer casing, in which space between the inner casing and the outer casing is filled with a foamed heat insulating material; and a vacuum heat insulating material disposed in at least a side wall of the heat-insulated box together with the foamed heat insulating material, the vacuum heat insulating material including an outer skin material, the outer skin material including at least a core material and being decompression-sealed. The vacuum heat insulating material includes a gas adsorbent.

Abstract: A thermal storage and exchange heating apparatus includes: a thermal storage tank that stores a heated heat medium; a circulation channel connected to high and low temperature sides of the thermal storage tank, and through which the heat medium circulates; a heat exchanger provided to the circulation channel and configured to exchange heat between the heat medium and a heating object, to heat the heating object; a circulation direction switch configured to switch circulation of the heat medium in the circulation channel between a forward direction from the high-temperature side to the low-temperature side and a reversed backward direction; and a controller configured to cause the heat medium to circulate in the forward direction by switching the circulation direction switch in a heating operation and causing the heat medium to circulate in the backward direction by switching the circulation direction switch after a stop of the heating operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pool heater including a housing, a first tankless heater, a second tankless heater, and a controller. The controller is configured to activate only the first tankless heater when a first condition is met, activate only the second tankless heater when a second condition is met, and activate the first and the second tankless heaters simultaneously when a third condition is met.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a square planar transition metal complex as dopant, charge injection layer, electrode material or storage material.

Abstract: Provided is a chemical heat storage device including: a heat storage material accommodation unit which accommodates a chemical heat storage material which generates heat and a reaction product by reversible chemical reaction with a reaction medium, a driving unit which drives rotation of the heat storage material accommodation unit, and a heat exchange unit which includes a heat transfer unit which extends in at least one heat storage material accommodation unit, and is thermally communicated with the inside and the outside of the heat storage material accommodation unit, in which the chemical heat storage material is stirred by rotation of the heat storage material accommodation unit, heat exchange is performed between heat exchange fluid which flows through the heat transfer unit and the chemical heat storage material, and a temperature of the heat exchange fluid which flows through the heat transfer unit is changed.

Abstract: A unique phase change material composition and method of maintaining pre-established environmental conditions and safeguards during the manufacturing process. A fabrication method and parameters which result in a more efficient and safe packaged phase change material. A microspherical form of Perlite is the chosen phase change material. The microspherical form of Perlite is vacuum packed in such a manner to exclude water and moisture as well as utilizing a sealing surface of sufficient width to maintain a vapor barrier at the sealed edges. Besides absorption and release of heat, the packaged phase change material may be used as a fire preventive article in residential and commercial properties.

Abstract: The present application describes an automated structure for reception of modular constructions and respective automation system comprised by a lower structure (1), which contains an opening (4) for accommodation of a fixed shaft, comprised by the element of attachment of the shaft with the exterior, where, preferably, the structure and the fixed shaft of fixation to the exterior (5) can be coupled, a lifting mechanism (2) preferably located in the side sections of said lower structure (1) which is coupled to an upper structure (3) allowing its movement through the joint and support (6). The axial movement and the upper structure (3) are managed through an automated system based on a programmable automaton and a set of sensors and actuators, namely anemometers and frequency inverters that control these movements.

Abstract: A refrigerator-oven combination for an aircraft galley food service system includes a housing with a thermally insulated compartment, a heating device for heating the compartment in a heating mode, and a refrigeration device for cooling the compartment in a refrigeration mode. The heating device includes an electric heater and a steam injection valve disposed within the compartment for heating at least a portion of an interior of the compartment. A temperature sensor disposed within the compartment measures a temperature in the compartment during the heating mode. The refrigeration device may be a chiller that supplies chilled fluid to the compartment, or a separate refrigeration unit which is mounted to the compartment. A control unit connected to the steam injection valve, electric heater, temperature sensor, and refrigeration device is configured to monitor and control the temperature within the compartment during the heating and refrigeration modes.

Abstract: A single thermal energy storage tank is used so that costs can be reduced and an installation space can also be reduced compared to a case where two tanks, i.e., a high temperature tank and a low temperature tank are provided. In addition, the single thermal energy storage tank includes a porous block so that passage of molten salt can be more easily performed and flow pressure drop can be reduced. In addition, the porous block is configured by stacking a plurality of unit blocks so that the capacity of the single thermal energy storage tank can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, a plurality of single thermal energy storage tanks are connected in parallel so that the plurality of single thermal energy storage tanks can be selectively used according to an operation load and thus the solar thermal power generation system can easily cope with the operation load.

Abstract: A selectively submersible vessel includes a combustor, a Stirling engine thermally coupled with the combustor, an electric generator mechanically coupled with the Stirling engine, a rechargeable battery electrically connected with the electric generator, a compressor electrically coupled with the rechargeable battery, a ballast tank fluidly coupled with the compressor, a snorkel fluidly coupled with the compressor, a controller electrically connected with the rechargeable battery, at least one sensor electrically connected with the controller, a data storage device electrically connected with the controller, and a data communications device electrically connected with the controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat transfer system with one main capillary pumped diphasic fluid loop and a secondary capillary pumped diphasic fluid loop suitable for cooling at least one hot source. The main fluid loop and the secondary fluid loop have one evaporator, a vapor pipe capable of conveying the cooling fluid in the vapor state from the evaporator to a condenser, a condenser and a liquid pipe capable of conveying the cooling fluid in the liquid state from the condenser to the evaporator-so that the cooling fluid of the main fluid loop is in heat exchange with the cooling fluid of the secondary fluid loop.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for storing or releasing thermal energy by chemical reaction according to which a flow of heat-transfer gas is circulated through a layer (10) of a first hygroscopic salt A, then through a layer (20) of a second hygroscopic gas B, the gas being reactive with salts A and B, the thermodynamic equilibrium curve of salt A being located further to the left than that of second salt B in a pressure-temperature phase diagram, the circulation of the flow of gas causing a dehydration or hydration reaction of both first salt A and second salt B.

Abstract: The molten salt solar tower system 100 is provided for controlling molten salt temperature in a solar receiver 130 for effective operation of the system 100 while without degrading physical properties of molten salt. The system 100 includes two circuits, first 140 and second 150. The first circuit 140 is configured to supply relatively cold molten salt in the solar receiver 130 for heating, and the second circuit 150 is configured to supply a predetermined amount of the relatively cold molten salt in the first circuit 140, as and when the temperature of the relatively hot molten salt circulating through the solar receiver 130 exceeds a predetermined set temperature value thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling of electronic equipment, for example a computer system, in a subsurface environment including a containment vessel in at least partial contact with subsurface liquid or solid material. The containment vessel may be disposed in a variety of subsurface environments, including boreholes, man-made excavations, subterranean caves, as well as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, oceans, or other bodies of water. The containment vessel may be installed with a subsurface configuration allowing for human access for maintenance and modification. Geothermal cooling is achieved by one or more fluids circulating inside and/or outside the containment vessel, with a variety of configurations of electronic devices disposed within the containment vessel. The circulating fluid(s) may be cooled in place by thermal conduction or by active transfer of the fluid(s) out of the containment vessel to an external, possibly geothermal, heat exchange mechanism, then back into the containment vessel.

Abstract: Thermal storage systems that preferably do not create substantially any additional back pressure or create minimal additional back pressure and their applications in combined cycle power plants are disclosed. In one embodiment of the method for efficient response to load variations in a combined cycle power plant, the method includes providing, through a thermal storage tank, a flow path for fluid exiting a gas turbine, placing in the flow path a storage medium comprising high thermal conductivity heat resistance media, preferably particles, the particles being in contact with each other and defining voids between the particles in order to facilitate flow of the fluid in a predetermined direction constituting a longitudinal direction, arrangement of the particles constituting a packed bed, dimensions of the particles and of the packed bed being selected such that a resultant back pressure to the gas turbine is at most a predetermined back pressure.

Abstract: A solar powered snow melting system includes a support member, a solar panel attached to the support member, a housing engaged with the solar panel, and a flexible sheet releasably stored within the housing. Such a flexible sheet has a plurality of heating elements communicatively coupled to the solar panel such that the heating elements are heated by the solar panel. Notably, the flexible sheet is rotated between wound and unwound positions at an interior and an exterior of the housing, respectively. Advantageously, when rotated to the unwound position, the flexible sheet is capable of lying flat along a ground surface and on a railroad track adjacent to an undercarriage of a train.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an admixture for a cementitious composition, the cementitious composition comprising said admixture and a method for casting a durable cementitious solid, in particular a concrete, in cold weather conditions, such as in winter time or in cold geographical areas, more in particular for casting part of the cement tube in bore hole drilling in cold weather conditions.

Abstract: A correspondence determination operation is performed. The correspondence determination operation differs a direction of distribution or a flow rate of a refrigerant flowing in one or some of use units among a plurality of use units to that of the other use units and determines, on the basis of a refrigerant temperature of the use unit, a location of a non-correspondence between a branch port that is connected to the use unit with refrigerant pipes and a set branch port that is obtained in accordance with the wire connection.

Abstract: Synergistic Energy Ecosystem using a co-generation system and method wherein waste energy from waste heat producers within an enclosure including an electric generator is reclaimed to supply heat to the cold end of a heat pump within the enclosure for optimized use in space heating a habitat and to the management of the distribution of electricity from the generator so as to supply electricity to the habitat and to neighboring habitats when efficient, cost-effective or required to do so by distribution policies managing the energy eco-system.

Abstract: A thermal barrier panel with selectable phase change materials includes a thermal panel and a plurality of containers movably positioned within the thermal panel to correspond to a heat load at a corresponding ambient temperature. Each of the plurality of containers includes a plurality of receptacles that include a plurality of different phase change materials. Each of the plurality of different phase change materials absorbs thermal energy produced by heat from the heat load at a corresponding ambient temperature. Each of the plurality of different phase change materials are positioned in a corresponding receptacle within a corresponding container, and each of the plurality of receptacles in a corresponding container include one of the plurality of different phase change materials. Corresponding ones of the plurality of receptacles are movably positioned to place a corresponding phase change material in facing relation to the heat load based upon the corresponding ambient temperature.

Abstract: The invention utilizes concentrated solar energy in a novel air conditioning system which includes storage capabilities. The refrigerant circuit “high” pressure side is comprised of multiple solar concentrators placed between two positive rotary valves. The “low” pressure side is compromised of the evaporator coil with expansion valve. The refrigerant is confined between the two rotary valves. As solar energy is absorbed into the refrigerant, the pressure and temperature rise. The two rotary valves are then caused to rotate. With rotation, the refrigerant is moved through the circuit. The circuit also includes a condenser to give up heat and an evaporator/expansion valve in which temperature drops with the expanding gas. In addition, this system places the evaporator in a water tank. The water is made cold by conduction with the evaporator and serves as a storage medium. All energy absorbed is converted to cold and stored and utilized as required.

Abstract: A method of forming a casting includes providing a preform to a mold cavity. The preform is formed from one of a first metal and a second metal and defines an interface surface. A molten portion of the other of the first metal and the second metal is cast into the mold such that the molten portion proximately contacts the interface surface of the preform. An interface layer at the interface surface, a first portion defined by the mold cavity and the interface layer, and a second portion defined by the interface layer, are formed during casting. The interface layer may define a metallurgical bond between the first portion and the second portion. In the non-limiting example provided herein, the first portion is substantially comprised of aluminum and the second portion is substantially comprised of magnesium. In a non-limiting example, the casting may be configured as a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A solar collector assembly comprises a plurality of heater collection tubes. A thermal enhancement manifold assembly is integrated into the solar collector assembly to enhance thermal efficiency. The enhancement manifold assembly includes a supply manifold subassembly which selectively distributes a refrigerant between at least two supply manifolds and a return manifold subassembly which distributes the refrigerant between at least two return manifolds. A thermal enhancing tube provides fluid communication between each supply manifold and respective return manifold. The thermal enhancing tubes are assembled within an interior volume of the solar heater collection tubes. Each manifold pairing is operatively governed by a respective fluid control valve. The manifold pairings alternate between an active state and an inactive state, optimizing thermal transfer between the collection tube and a refrigerant.

Abstract: Solar heat collector, especially an evacuated-tube solar heat collector, filled with first solid heat storage and conducting material transfers the solar heat to an electric power heat insulated utensil through second heat conducting/transferring material for cooking foods and making coffee/tea. A set of solar cooking appliance having a solar heat collector filed with a first solid heat storage and conducting material and a solar cooking range filled with third solid heat storage and conducting material. The solar cooking range having a heat insulated enclosed compartment and also having a cooktop. The cooking range having a set of cooking chambers which are in thermal contact with the first and second heat storage and conducting material for cooking food therein. The cooking appliance also has a group of removable parts that cover the cooking chambers separately. An electric power heater provides a backup energy source and electric heat storage.

Abstract: A system for converting solar energy to chemical energy, and, subsequently, to thermal energy includes a light-harvesting station, a storage station, and a thermal energy release station. The system may include additional stations for converting the released thermal energy to other energy forms, e.g., to electrical energy and mechanical work. At the light-harvesting station, a photochemically active first organometallic compound, e.g., a fulvalenyl diruthenium complex, is exposed to light and is photochemically converted to a second, higher-energy organometallic compound, which is then transported to a storage station. At the storage station, the high-energy organometallic compound is stored for a desired time and/or is transported to a desired location for thermal energy release.

Abstract: A single use multi-layered food service product such as paper cups, food containers, or sleeves constructed of materials including at least one phase changing material (PCM) with one or more additives to produce a thermal conductivity ratio of at least 2.0 W/mK and a melting point between 45 degrees C. and 80 degrees C. An inventive pattern for the placement and distribution of the PCM within its multilayered walls is described. The PCM is configured in order to minimize manufacturing cost and environmental impact while providing insulation and maximizing its ability to rapidly reduce and then maintain a safe and preferred temperature for served food or beverages.

Abstract: A hot beverage making device includes a boiler for heating water; a housing for accommodating the boiler and connecting element for connecting the boiler to the housing. During operation of the boiler, water is heated and water vapor bubbles are created inside the boiler. Formation of the bubbles causes varying moments about the center of mass of the boiler. The connecting element is adapted to prevent transmittal to the housing of at least a portion of the moment variations. This keeps the noise produced as a result of vibrations of the housing at an acceptable level. In particular, the connecting element is adapted to let the boiler have at least one rotational degree of freedom.

Abstract: A containment vessel for a thermal energy storage system comprising a bottom wall joined to a surrounding containment side wall, and a liner comprising a liner bottom disposed upon the bottom wall of the vessel, the liner bottom having an outer perimeter and comprising an array of plates, each of the plates joined at a portion of its perimeter to a portion of the perimeter of an adjacent plate by a flexible joint; and a liner side wall joined to the outer perimeter of the liner bottom and disposed within the containment side wall. A thermal energy storage system comprising the containment vessel and an array of heat exchangers is also disclosed. The heat exchangers are disposed in the vessel, and are each supported by a support frame joined to one of the plates of the array of plates of the liner.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a transport container includes a body that contains temperature preserving material having a melting point of higher than that of water and a compartment adapted to receive a sample of material that is to be maintained at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A brewery plant with at least one mash container, a lauter tun, a wort pan and a water housing, wherein at least part of the thermal energy requirement of the brewery is covered with solar collectors, and the solar collectors directly or indirectly heat a fluid. Also, a brewing method where the thermal energy requirement for at least of a part of the brewing process stages is at least partially covered with a fluid heated directly or indirectly by solar collectors.

Abstract: An improved solid heat transfer element composed of an elongate member having a generally cylindrical surface with male vortex generating protrusions is provided. The vortex generating protrusions, which may be referred to as “turbulators,” provide improved heat transfer by convection to a flow of air transverse to the elongate members without substantially increasing the pressure drop in the flow of air passing over the members. Advantageously, a plurality of the heat transfer elements, or of straight portions of a single serpentine heat transfer element, may be arranged in an aligned or staggered array of elements or straight portions. Many advantageous profile shapes of the element and vortex generators are provided, including aerodynamic profile shapes that are symmetrical with respect to a fluid flow to provide low drag and pressure drop. Heat in the element may be generated by means of electrical resistance or absorption of radiation.

Abstract: A device for recovering, harnessing and reutilizing heat from along a side wall of a cooking vessel, a cooking vessel comprising such device, and a method of using such device. The device can be constructed as part of the cooking vessel or can be an accessory that attaches to different sized cooking vessels via adjusting means. Specifically, the device is made of a highly conductive and durable metal or metal alloy and comprises a skirt-like body, extending from the side of the cooking vessel and attached to a perforated slip-like portion that may be attached to or integrated into the side wall of the cooking vessel. The device harnesses and reutilizes heat from the underside of the body and safely and efficiently transfers the heat to the cooking vessel through conduction. The device can further comprise diffusers, a bottom portion with a plurality of ventilation openings, and a heat shield.

Abstract: A solar heating block, designed for use in assembling solar heating panels in the walls of buildings, has a first compartment and a second compartment within its interior volume. The first compartment contains a translucent insulating material, such as an aerogel. The second compartment, which is inward of the solar heating block from the first compartment, contains a heat-absorbing material. The translucent insulating material allows light to be transmitted through the solar heating block, but reduces heat loss to the exterior of the building from the heat-absorbing material.