Abstract: A device that can float in a liquid can be used to adjust the temperature of the liquid by monitoring the temperature of the liquid and comparing to a desired temperature and pumping liquid into contact with a thermal adjustment element in the device. The device comprises a thermal adjustment element, a temperature detector to measure the temperature of the liquid exterior to the device, a controller to turn the device on when temperature measured is outside a desired range, a pump to take a portion of the liquid from outside the device to thermal contact with the thermal adjustment element and return the portion of the liquid to outside the device, and a photovoltaic module mounted in a position to be exposed to light which photovoltaic module provides energy to operate the device.

Abstract: Devices and methods with a radiant energy convertors on a flotation module operable to dispose the radiant energy convertor in a first direction. A plurality of magnetic connector elements is disposed near one or a plurality of sides of the flotation module and each magnetic connector element is coupled to the radiant energy convertor, wherein said magnetic connector elements operate to magnetically attract and physically couple one or a plurality of adjacent flotation modules and electrically couple a set of electrodes that operate to connect to an adjacent magnetic connector element located on a second similar adjacent flotation module when at least two magnetic connector elements are located in proximity to one another thereby providing a power grid of floating solar power modules.

Abstract: A modular photovoltaic (PV) system can include a PV cell, a frame coupled to the PV cell, and a converter. The frame is configured to support a plurality of pairs of externally accessible connectors, each pair having a positive voltage connector and a negative voltage connector, the positive voltage connector of each pair of the plurality electrically connected to each other and the negative voltage connector of each pair of the plurality electrically connected to each other. The converter is configured to receive voltage from the PV cell and change the voltage for output at one or more pairs of the externally accessible connectors. The converter may include Maximum Power Point Tracking services to manage the power output from the PV cell. Multiple PV systems may be connected to each other in coplanar and non-coplanar relationships. In some embodiments, the frames have triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal shapes.

Abstract: The technology provides a plurality of examples for implementing solar cell, solar panels, and solar collection devices on natural looking installations such as faux trees and plants as well as objects mimicking natural ones. The technology allows the installation of solar power generating installations in a distributed manner on land and water. The installation of, for example, artificial plants as carriers of solar cells provides a number of benefits to society in addition to the generation of power. The aesthetics of a community are maintained, while at the same time the need for maintain natural plants is eliminated, providing financial and environmental savings for consumers and municipalities.

Abstract: A system for heating a pool of water is provided. An inlet is provided for liquid to be delivered to the pool of water. The system includes an attachment apparatus having a body defining a fluid passageway from a first opening to a second opening. A third opening is disposed between the first and second opening. The attachment connects to the inlet for receiving the liquid. An adjustable diverging mechanism is mounted to the attachment operable to redirect flow out of the third opening. A tube having a flow channel and thermally conductive outer surface is coupled to the third opening and extends out of the pool to be exposed to environmental conditions and absorb thermal energy. The liquid passing through the flow channel of the tube returns to the pool of liquid and heated when passing through the tube prior to returning to the pool.

Abstract: An apparatus for solar heating of a pool may comprise a floating member, a water heater chamber (WHC) attached to the floating member, and one or more first tubes penetrating into the WHC to allow water from the pool enter the WHC. The floating member may be operable to make the WHC floatable. The apparatus may also include one or more exit ports to allow heated water from the floatable WHC to enter the pool. The floatable WHC may utilize incident solar energy to heat up water. Water may continue to flow into the floatable WHC from the pool due to convection current.

Abstract: An insulating cover for floating on liquid, such as in a spa, has an area for covering an area of the surface of the liquid. The cover generally comprises a first rectangle for covering a first area and a plurality of successive rectangular tubes connected to either the first rectangle or to a larger rectangle formed by the addition of a prior successive tube so as to form another rectangle for covering additional area. The amount of coverage area can be adjusted by selectively detaching tubes, such as by cutting them off, and by changing the amount of inflation of tubes such that the cover is adaptable to spas of different sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, tubes adjust both the width and length of the cover, and the cover is adapted for folding substantially in half when inflated.

Abstract: A buoyant water heating device that may be used in a natural setting, such as a pond or lake, or in a man-made water-containing apparatus, such as a pool or water-treatment lagoon. The device comprises a water-filled, generally cylindrical anchor member coupled to a hollow, generally annular base member, and may he used alone or in combination with multiple other devices to create a free-floating blanket on the surface of the water. The device absorbs solar energy to heat water external to the device, and also provides a layer of thermal insulation between the water and the air above the device.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, floating temperature regulating and evaporation reducing cover for a pool generally comprises an independently inflatable outer ring and central portion. Holes through the central portion permit egress of air from under the central portion when the cover is placed on water. Valves for chamber and cavity are located near one edge such that the cover may be deflated by rolling from an edge opposite the valves. Top and bottom films are adapted to absorb or reflect solar radiation to heat or cool the pool as desired. Magnets on the ring condition water and attach to similar floating covers to form rafts. For holding the cover in a pool during winds, the ring can be inflated with water or in an alternate embodiment, water anchors fill with water.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, floating solar heater for floating on liquid generally comprises an inflatable central portion and an inflatable outer ring. The central portion is constructed of upper and lower film bonded together at a central peripheral bond such that, upon inflation, the central portion contracts. A vertical band in the outer ring prevents buckling of the ring from inward contraction of the central portion upon inflation of the central portion. A non-inflated spacer ring may be positioned between the central portion and outer ring to disperse contraction forces and reduce the tendency for the outer ring to buckle.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, solar pool heater for floating on water generally comprises independently inflatable outer ring and central portion. When chamber and cavity are inflated, the cavity is with the top and bottom planes of the ring. The ring can be inflated with water for holding the heater in a pool in winds. Holes through the central portion permit egress of air from under the central portion when the heater is placed on water. Valves for chamber and cavity are located near one edge such that the heater may be deflated by rolling from an edge opposite the valves. Magnets on the ring condition water and attach to similar floating heaters to form rafts.

Abstract: A man-made island adaptable for land-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. A platform includes a large outer ring that floats on a fluid and a flexible cover is attached to the ring to define an airtight volume below the cover. A plurality of rows of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover and carry steam generating heat pipes. The rows of modules are supported laterally above the cover by an upper support structure, either a space frame, a plurality of cables, or a honeycomb. A compressor creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume to vertically support the cover and the other components mounted thereabove.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, floating solar heater for floating on liquid generally comprises an inflatable central portion and an inflatable outer ring. The central portion is constructed of upper and lower film bonded together at a central peripheral bond such that, upon inflation, the central portion contracts. A vertical band in the outer ring prevents buckling of the ring from inward contraction of the central portion upon inflation of the central portion. A non-inflated spacer ring may be positioned between the central portion and outer ring to disperse contraction forces and reduce the tendency for the outer ring to buckle.

Abstract: A man-made island [10], adaptable for land-based or sea-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. More particularly, the man-made island [10] uses a platform [12] that includes a large outer ring [14] that floats on a fluid, and a flexible cover [16] attached to the ring [14] to define an airtight volume [30] below the cover [16]. A plurality of rows [19] of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover [16], and carry steam generating heat pipes [21]. The rows [19] of modules are supported above the cover [16] by an upper support structure, either a space frame [27], a plurality of cables [46] or a honeycomb [75]. A compressor [32] creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume [30] to assist in supporting the cover [16] and the other components mounted thereabove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pool heater that includes a buoyant member configured to float on water; a tubing array positioned on the buoyant member and having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a photovoltaic cell positioned on the buoyant member; a pump having an inlet, an outlet, and positioned on the buoyant member to receive power from the photovoltaic cell and circulate water through the tubing array to be heated in the tubing array.

Abstract: A free-floating, integrated, solar operated water heater appliance, for heating the body of water includes a flotation device for buoyantly supporting the appliance in the body of water. A water heater element, fueled by solar energy, heats water pumped through the heater element by an integral pump, driven by solar energy. A solar energy reflector/container supports the heater element and concentrates solar energy onto the outer surface of the heater element. A parabolic dish reflector concentrates solar energy onto the inner surface of the heater element. Water is circulated through the heater element and returned, in elevated temperature, to the body of water.

Abstract: A floating spa cover generally comprises an inflatable insulating and soar heating central portion surrounded by one or more independently inflatable adjustable rings. The inflatable central portion comprises a center section and a peripheral ring. The center section covers most of the spa water surface and includes an upper film of substantially transparent plastic and a lower film of translucent plastic separated by a gas-filled space. The first adjustable ring, connected to the central portion so as to be selectively removable, encompasses the central portion and is independently inflatable to selectively adjust the area of the cover over a first range of areas. The second adjustable ring, connected to the first adjustable ring so as to be selectively removable, encompasses the first adjustable ring and is independently inflatable to selectively adjust the area of the cover over a second range of areas.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, solar pool heater for floating on water generally comprises independently inflatable outer ring and central portion. When chamber and cavity are inflated, the cavity is with the top and bottom planes of the ring. The ring can be inflated with water for holding the heater in a pool in winds. Holes through the central portion permit egress of air from under the central portion when the heater is placed on water. Valves for chamber and cavity are located near one edge such that the heater may be deflated by rolling from an edge opposite the valves. Magnets on the ring condition water and attach to similar floating heaters to form rafts.

Abstract: A solar pool heater system for efficiently heating a pool with solar energy. The solar pool heater system includes a buoyant support member, a distribution unit attached to the support member, a manifold fluidly connected to the distribution unit, a pump unit fluidly connected to the manifold, and a solar unit electrically connected to the pump unit. The pump unit draws colder water from the pool and provides the same to the manifold which distributes the water through distribution channels within the distribution unit. The water is heated via solar energy while passing through the distribution unit. The heated water is then returned to the body of pool water through an exhaust conduit.

Abstract: Presented is an improved insulation device which, in multiple numbers, forms a swimming pool cover, or cover for other types of liquid containers. A complete cover is formed of multiple independent floatation insulation devices that collectively cover the entire surface of the water or liquid on which they float, yet enable dispersion thereof as a safety feature from below the surface of the water or liquid by a person in the water so that the person may extend his or her head through the cover to breath air. Structurally, the insulation device is hexagonal so as to cooperatively abut adjacent insulation devices to form a complete cover. The insulation device is injection molded-from plastic in two mirror image half-shells each of which is formed with a circular recess centrally disposed within the hexagonal outer periphery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating an outdoor swimming pool. The apparatus includes a substantially buoyant web having a first end, a second end, a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface. A water distributor is attached to the first end of the web for flowing pool water longitudinally adjacent the first exterior surface of the web. A conduit in flow communication with the distributor provides a flow of water from a swimming pool pump to the water distributor. The water distributor is disposed to distribute the flow of water adjacent the first exterior surface of the web. The invention provides a pool heating device that is effective to heat pool water without using water flow conduits along the length of the web and is simply constructed for low cost, portability and case of manufacturing.

Abstract: A solar energy collector and emitter for a swimming pool for utilizing the sun's rays to heat the water of a swimming pool. The solar energy collector and emitter for a swimming pool includes a flat structure assembly having a bottom side and top side and having a thickness and being adapted to be removably fastened to a bottom wall of a swimming pool and being adapted to absorb and emit solar energy for heating the swimming pool; and also includes fastening members securely attached along a perimeter of the bottom side of the flat structure assembly and being adapted to fasten the flat structure assembly to the bottom wall of the swimming pool.

Abstract: Radiant energy collecting apparatus (11) which includes a platform assembly (13) floating on a body of liquid, the top side of which supports reflectors (16) of a solar concentrator and the underside of which is provided with a series of compartments (31) which are open on their lowermost sides and which contain air to provide buoyant lift to maintain the reflectors (16) above the level of liquid. Air may be supplied to the compartments (31) through an air duct (33) beneath the platform assembly (13), the duct (33) having a number of openings (35) through which the air passes.

Abstract: The pool cover is made of multi-layer light weight construction having a transparent top layer to permit sunlight to pass through and an opaque bottom layer for absorbing sunlight passing through the transparent layer. In addition, a plurality of pockets are formed in the opaque layer having air encapsulated therein. When in use, the opaque layer becomes heated by sunlight thereby transferring heat by contact to the body of water in the pool. The heated trapped air also serves to conduct heat to the body of water while also acting as a thermal insulation barrier during non-daylight hours.

Abstract: In a device designed as a rotatably mounted platform (a) for recovering solar electricity, the focusing roof layer (3) further deflects the incident radiation so that the light beams (122, 123, 126) formed by the concentrating optical system are incident approximately perpendicularly on the radiation converter (112) arranged underneath.

Abstract: A snap hook fastener for swimming pool covers is provided to hold a pool cover edge rigidly close to the edge of the pool. The snap hook/eyebolt connection supports a pool edge sealing member in a proper orientation for optimal contact with the pool wall. The fastener includes a hook device used to attach the pool cover to the edge of a pool. It holds the edge of the pool cover horizontal and very close to the edge of the pool to minimize the chance of persons or objects falling between.

Abstract: A floating solar pool heater unit including a solar energy collector plate on the top, a float foam in the middle, and one directional or two directional heat conducting elements. The float foam maintains the flotation of the heater unit. The two directional heat conducting elements including energy conducting rivets, energy dispersing plates, or energy dispersing chains conduct hat from the solar energy collector plate to the pool water, or vice versa. The uni-directional heat conducting variation includes uni-direction heat conductors, energy dispersing plates, energy dispersing members such as chains, and conducts heat from solar energy collector plate or plates to pool water but prevents heat from escaping from pool water by reverse flow. The units can be used individually, or jointly to form a pool cover.

Abstract: A cover for withstanding stormy weather and increasing solar heating of a body of water is disposed over the surface of the water. The cover is more transparent to visible radiation from the sun than to infrared radiation, and is anchored and sealed around its periphery over the surface of the body of water. Means are provided for reducing the pressure between the bottom of the cover and the top of the water to subatmospheric, and for flooding the top surface of the cover with a layer of water, and draining the layer of water from the top of the cover.

Abstract: The pool cover is made of multi-layer light weight construction having transparent top layers to permit sunlight to pass through, an opaque layer for absorbing sunlight passing through the transparent layers and a reflective layer to transfer heat from the opaque layer into a pool of water. In addition, a plurality of pockets are formed on one of the transparent layers to encapsulate air therein. In one embodiment, the opaque and reflective layers may be incorporated into a single layer with an opaque surface on one side and reflective surface on the other side. Also, the edges of the cover may be sealed so that the entire cover has an encapsulated air layer. The cover can be reversed to place the reflective layer topmost so as to reflect sunlight from the pool, e.g. for short term pool closure. The opaque layer and reflective layer reduce sunlight penetration and thus inhibit algae growth while the insulating layer reduces heat movement either in or out of the water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a platform of the utilization of solar power which makes use of linear concentrators to beam the solar radiation for use in thermal, chemical or photovoltaic solar power converters, in which the azimuthal movement of the sun is followed by rotation about the main axis. The aim of the invention is to ensure an approximately uniform conversion rate of the solar radiation largely independently of the height of the sun while avoiding the use of a twin-axis follower system. The area available for utilizing the solar power is to be used as fully as possible as the aperture area to capture the radiation. According to the invention, a floating pipe (2, 2', 112) forming a torus is fitted as a frame for a horizontally extending planar bearer (3-4) held, by substantially evenly distributed buoyant bodies (13, 36, 46, 64a, 64b, 80b) borne by a liquid, at a vertical distance from solar power converting devices (33, 53, 73, 73', 93, 94b).

Abstract: An immersible solar heater comprising a light-absorbing panel attached to a frame for absorbing heat energy from the light and transferring the absorbed heat energy directly to the fluid in which the heater is immersed. The heater can be used to heat a swimming pool, for example, and is held in position and at a preselected angle by a system of floats, weights and tethers so that the panel can operate efficiently. A skid can be used in one embodiment to prevent lateral movement of the heater along the bottom of the pool. Alternative embodiments include different arrangements of the weights, floats and tethers and methods for making the heater.

Abstract: A radiant energy collecting apparatus including a fluid reservoir, a platform floating on said fluid reservoir, a drive structure for moving the platform on the reservoir, radiant energy collectors supported on the platform, reflectors for concentrating radiant energy on the radiant energy collectors, and means for selectively submerging the concentrating means beneath fluid from the reservoir for protection against inclement weather conditions. Fluid feed impellers are supported beneath the platform within the reservoir and communicate with ports through the platform for pumping fluid onto the platform and reflectors. Opposing fluid impellers are associated with each fluid feed impeller, the opposing impellers being operable with the feed impellers to force fluid in an opposing direction to the feed impellers, with deflectors being disposed between the feed impellers and the opposing impellers.

Abstract: Solar power plant consisting of elongated modules whose longitudinal axes lie in a plane parallel to the direction of the sun rays to be converted. These modules are covered by lenses which refract sun rays impinging under an oblique angle downwards and which comprise two groups of refracting portions mirror-symmetrically arranged along the zenithal line which portions converge the refracted, downwardly directed sun beams into wedges of rays. These wedges of rays run twice per day in a vertical plane and during the remaining sunshine hours move within a narrow angular interval either towards the sun or away from the sun. This angular motion results in a vertical movement of the focal line so that the focal line coincides only twice per day with the height of the strip type photovoltaic cells. To force all wedges of rays to impinge evenly distributed onto the photovoltaic cell, a secondary lens is arranged above the photovoltaic cells.