Freezing Prevention Patents (Class 126/588)
  • Patent number: 11953235
    Abstract: A low-heat-loss operation method of a line-focusing heat collection system and the line-focusing heat collection system are provided. The method includes the following steps. Solar energy is utilized to preheat a collector tube in an empty tube state, so that the collector tube is in a preheating mode. After a set preheating temperature is reached, a heat transfer working medium is injected into the collector tube. In the injection process of the heat transfer working medium, an injection section of the collector tube is converted into a focusing mode from a preheating mode. After heat collection is finished, the circulation of the heat transfer working medium is stopped, and the focusing mode of the collector tube is kept. In the drainage process of the heat transfer working medium, an emptying section of the collector tube is converted into a light heat-tracing mode from a focusing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignees: Lanzhou Dacheng Technology Co., Ltd., Dunhuang Dacheng Shengneng Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Duowang Fan, Duojin Fan, Linggang Kong, Wenye Qi, Yulei Fan, Xiaoming Yao, Zhiyong Zhang, Bo Li, Fujun Zhao, Zhilin Liu, Guodong Wang, Wen Li, Chongchong Zhang
  • Patent number: 11515836
    Abstract: A complex energy generation device includes: a heat storage tube having an inlet portion into which heat medium oil flows, and an outlet portion from which the heat medium oil is discharged, the heat storage tube having a slit; a heat-exchange plate having a plurality of insertion holes formed on a lower surface thereof along a longitudinal direction thereof; a plurality of solar modules each including a solar panel having a plurality of solar cells on a front surface of the solar panel, and a heat-exchange panel laminated on a rear surface of the solar panel; and a plurality of heat collection modules each including a heat-exchange block and a heat collection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: KUKDONG ENERGY Corp
    Inventor: Myeong Geon Sagong
  • Patent number: 11414844
    Abstract: A system for preventing freeze-induced rupture of a supply pipe is provided, comprising remote and internal temperature sensors for determining first and second temperature data, a flow control device for attachment to the supply pipe. The flow control device comprises an upstream inlet configured to be connected to the supply pipe, a downstream outlet configured to be connected to a drainage pipe, at least one valve disposed between the inlet and the outlet and configured to selectively move between a closed position in which liquid is blocked from flowing therethrough and an open position in which flow of liquid is permitted therethrough, and at least one flow control component configured to limit the flow rate of liquid therethrough. The system further comprises a controller configured to control operation of the at least one valve based at least on one of the first temperature data or the second temperature data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventors: Zev Schloss, Gilad Perez
  • Patent number: 10871128
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of controlling a water injector for immediate water injection and an engine driven by the method. A method of controlling an operation of a water injector for injecting water into the combustion chamber of an engine to which a turbo system for increasing the amount of air by pressing air has been applied includes detecting water pressure applied to a water supply pipe for supplying water to the water injector, stopping an operation of a water supply pump when the detected data reaches a preset reference value, detecting a temperature of water within the water supply pipe for supplying the water to the water injector, and returning the water within the water supply pipe to a water storage tank and driving the water supply pump to supplying new water to the water supply pipe when the detected data deviates from a preset range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Autron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 10316499
    Abstract: A freeze prediction system for components such as one or more water pipes situated in a building. The building may have a heating system, a mechanism with a temperature setting connected to the heating system, and an indoor temperature indicator connected to the thermostat. A call may be made for heat if thermostat setting is greater than an indoor temperature. A check may be made as to whether a call for heat may be answered. Outdoor conditions may be read and accounted for in the system. An expected time may be calculated of a freeze danger. One may determine whether the freeze danger is significant according to the expected time of freeze danger compared to a predetermined time. If the freeze danger is not significant, a regular equipment failed alert may be sent out. If the freeze danger is significant, a pipe freeze warning alert may be sent out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolaas A. Van Goor, Thomas Rosback, Marc Light
  • Patent number: 10203104
    Abstract: The present invention provides an LED lamp comprising a lamp housing, a lamp cover and a light source plate, the lamp cover is located at one end of the lamp housing, and the other end of the lamp housing is provided with an opening, the light source plate comprises an insulating plate and lamp beads provided on the insulating plate. The insulating plate is connected with the lamp housing, and the insulating plate encloses the opening; the original aluminum plate is replaced by the insulating plate, while the insulating plate is directly connected with the lamp housing, the heat produced by the lamp beads is directly dissipated through the insulating plate and the lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: HANGZHOU ANDER ELECTRON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wenhu Qian
  • Patent number: 10100500
    Abstract: According to an example, a system for managing a fluid condition in a pipe includes a controller to receive temperatures of the pipe detected by the temperature sensor over a period of time. The controller may determine, based upon the temperatures of the pipe over the period of time, a temperature profile of the pipe and may determine that the temperature profile of the pipe indicates that a freezing onset event has occurred. The freezing onset event may include a transition from a drop in temperature to an increase in temperature, in which the temperature during the transition is below a freezing point temperature of a fluid contained in the pipe. The controller may further trigger at least one of an alarm and an activation of a first freezing prevention device in response to the determination that the freezing onset event has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ent. Services Development Corporation LP
    Inventors: Kevin Dooley, Richard Coull, Pat J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 10051853
    Abstract: A system for killing pests in an affected area of a structure comprises a heat exchanger unit placed within an affected area, and a thermostatic control. The heat exchanger unit is configured to receive a flow of water from a faucet, and generate heated air by transferring heat from the flow of water received from the faucet to air flowing through the heat exchanger unit. The thermostatic control is configured to monitor a temperature of the flow of water as it is received by the heat exchanger unit, monitor a temperature of the air as it is received at an inlet of the heat exchanger unit, and automatically cease the flow of water to the heat exchanger unit when the temperature of the air received by the heat exchanger unit is greater than the temperature of the flow of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Therma-Stor LLC
    Inventors: Timothy S. O'Brien, Eric P. Camenga
  • Patent number: 10000912
    Abstract: A freeze prediction system for components such as one or more water pipes situated in a building. The building may have a heating system, a mechanism with a temperature setting connected to the heating system, and an indoor temperature indicator connected to the thermostat. A call may be made for heat if thermostat setting is greater than an indoor temperature. A check may be made as to whether a call for heat may be answered. Outdoor conditions may be read and accounted for in the system. An expected time may be calculated of a freeze danger. One may determine whether the freeze danger is significant according to the expected time of freeze danger compared to a predetermined time. If the freeze danger is not significant, a regular equipment failed alert may be sent out. If the freeze danger is significant, a pipe freeze warning alert may be sent out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolaas A. Van Goor, Thomas Rosback, Marc Light
  • Patent number: 9992990
    Abstract: A method for killing pests in an affected area of a structure, comprises positioning a heat pump unit within an affected area of the structure, coupling a first end of an inlet hose to a faucet, and coupling a second end of the inlet hose to an inlet port of the heat pump unit. The inlet port supplies a flow of water received from the faucet to an evaporator component of the heat pump unit. The evaporator component transfers heat from the flow of water to a refrigerant and communicate the refrigerant to a condenser component of the heat pump unit. The condenser component generates heated air by transferring heat from the refrigerant fluid to air flowing through the condenser component. The heated air i emitted into the affected area in order to raise the temperature of the affected area to a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Therma-Stor LLC
    Inventors: Timothy S. O'Brien, Eric P. Camenga
  • Patent number: 9903611
    Abstract: A method and a control system for a hot water supply system, wherein the hot water supply system includes at least one boiler having a heating fluid input pipe line, the control system comprising: a motorized valve; installed upon the heating fluid input pipe line; a first thermistor installed upon the heating fluid input pipe line; a second thermistor installed within the boiler; a motor mechanically connected to the motorized valve; and a controller, wherein the controller is adapted for opening and closing the motorized valve according to temperature difference between a temperature measurement by the first thermistor and a temperature measurement by the second thermistor, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the motor, to the first thermistor, and to the second thermistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventors: Ohad Rubinstein, Alon Hanasav
  • Patent number: 9459023
    Abstract: A solar energy collector utilizes a darkened fluid contained within an enclosure to affect heat transfer into water flowing through tubing submerged within the fluid. The water is heated and plumbed into a pair of holding tanks which are incorporated into an existing hot water system. The heating and circulation of the heated water is fully automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Robert K. Reinhold
  • Patent number: 9400122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar thermal system which has improved use efficiency, enables heat acquired in a heat-collecting unit to be quickly used for a heating and hot water supply load, and can be operated in a stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KYUNGDONG NAVIEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Kab Kim, Hyeon Gil Shin
  • Patent number: 9310100
    Abstract: An apparatus for amplifying the solar energy by recycling the greenhouse gas has developed to heat up the gas passing through the sealed container. The apparatus of amplifying the solar energy is comprising: a body made of metal with opened top forming a container; the upper and lower metal meshes disposed in the container with a vertical distance from the bottom for forming a space; a metal pipe formed a coiled shape to dispose between upper and lower metal meshes to contact with the upper and lower metal meshes and having one inlet and the other outlet for passing through the side wall of the container; and two transparent panels for transmitting the sun beams, which are disposed over the upper metal mesh to seal the container space inside of the body. Further, the body has a gas-charging valve disposed on a side wall to charge the sulfur hexafluoride SF6 to the sealed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 9182148
    Abstract: A thermal solar system including a collector that is connected to a heat sink, in particular a heat storage medium, by way of a solar circuit containing a heat exchange medium. To reduce overheating of the system during idling and to improve the efficiency of the solar system, the solar circuit is connected temporarily to at least one heat exchanger by way of a valve control unit disposed at a hot side of a thermogenerator receiving an inflowing heat flow. A thermal insulation reduces the exchange of thermal energy between the collector of a thermal solar system and the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: O-FLEXX TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Bisges
  • Publication number: 20150128928
    Abstract: A method and system for positive evacuation of water from a solar collector using a bypass line which diverts a portion of water from the feed line of the solar collector to an inlet of a water pump. When the solar water heating circuit is turned off, suction created by the filtration pump rapidly evacuates all or substantially all water present in the solar collector. The system should include a water level switch on the feed line to the solar collector, a drain valve that allows pool water to evacuate from the solar collector and associated piping when water is present, a control mechanism that relays information from the water level switch to the drain valve, a small drain line that connects the solar pool heater feed and return lines to a water pump inlet, and a check valve to prevent by-pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: AQUATHERM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: J. David SIZELOVE
  • Patent number: 9010318
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for transferring heat using a variable composition organic heat transfer fluid that remains liquid over a wide operating temperature range useful for solar heating applications. Variable composition heat transfer fluids of the present invention comprise a miscible mixture, optionally a completely miscible mixture, of a high boiling point component selected for its beneficial high temperature physical properties, and a low freezing point component selected for its beneficial low temperature physical properties. In some embodiments, the low freezing point component is removed from the heat transfer fluid as the heat transfer fluid is heated, for example by being removed in the vapor phase, thereby selectively varying the composition and physical properties (e.g., vapor pressure, boiling point, etc.) of the heat transfer fluid as a function of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventor: Thatcher W. Root
  • Patent number: 8726898
    Abstract: Solar thermal collector comprising a plurality of parallel vertical tubes, connected to each other by one upper horizontal tube and one lower horizontal tube through which a heat carrying fluid flows, a glass surface that covers the parallel vertical tubes, the upper horizontal tube and the lower horizontal tube, and a dissipating device installed in an upper part of the solar thermal collector, the heat dissipating device comprising a thermostatic valve, a heat exchanger and a return pipe, wherein the thermostatic valve is housed in the upper horizontal tube, the thermostatic valve and the heat exchanger being connected to a pipe by way of an inverted U-shaped tube provided at a greater height than the inlet to the heat exchanger, such that, under normal working conditions, energy losses by heat transfer by convection from the thermostatic valve to the heat exchanger are interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Jose Maria Torrens Rasal
  • Patent number: 8573195
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for absorbing solar energy and, simultaneously having a continuous control of the light admission making it possible to install the device in external openings of buildings and equipment, such as windows, shutters or skylights. The system comprises two frames which support plates of transparent material, between which it is possible to introduce a colourful solution coming from an external reservoir. Both frames are interconnected through a flexible membrane which allows the plates to be pushed against each other, making the window transparent, or pushed away interposing the colourful solution, which will make the window uniform and gradually translucent or opaque. The said liquid comes from a reservoir and the access to the gap between the plates through is obtained by means of a channel that separates the two frames, allowing the liquid to flow evenly into the whole surface, thus being a homogenous and adjustable darkening obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Universidade do Porto
    Inventors: José Roberto Tinoco Cavalheiro, Márlo Alexandre Sousa Tavares da Fonseca
  • Patent number: 8490885
    Abstract: A thermally actuated valve employs a plunger and bore valve configuration. A thermally expansible wax actuator has an axial length that changes in response to the temperature in a cavity of the valve. At temperatures above a predetermined set point, the actuator produces axial force sufficient to extend the length of the actuator against a return bias and project the plunger and seal into the bore, closing the valve. The plunger defines a pressure relief fluid flow path from the valve cavity to the valve outlet. A pressure relief valve is arranged in the plunger and is responsive to pressure in the valve. The pressure relief valve opens to relieve pressure above a pre-determined level. The thermally actuated valve and the pressure relief valve are coaxial and employ a common outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Rostra Vernatherm LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Lamb, Kenneth Lionello, Michael J. Nihan
  • Patent number: 8375936
    Abstract: A solar energy system. The system includes a thermal solar system comprising a plurality of thermal modules spatially configured as an N by M array. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of thermal modules are configured to form an aperture region and a backside region. The system has an air moving device comprising a drive device coupled to a blower device. In a specific embodiment, the drive device is spatially disposed within a fluid drive region. The system has a controller operably coupled to the air moving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: EchoFirst, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Wade Albritton
  • Patent number: 8375934
    Abstract: A solar energy water heater system composed of a method of retrofitting an existing conventional gas or electric water heater. In particular, this invention relates to adding a solar energy water heater system comprised of: a solar collector, a solar thermal circulating loop, an over-heat protection loop, and a computer controller with temperature sensors. The solar thermal circulating loop and over-heat protection loop are installed on the existing water storage tank, and the method and system is disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Shanghai Jite Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ke Ting Zheng
  • Patent number: 8360050
    Abstract: A method for operating a thermal solar system, e.g., solar system, photovoltaic system, thermal system, includes providing a thermal array including a plenum. The thermal array may be subjected to a freezing condition, which can include, for example, one or more ice particles and/or crystals, e.g., ice crystal, frost, snow, sleet. The method includes operating a fan device coupled to a drive device in a first direction to cause fluid flow from a second region to a first region that includes at least the plenum for the thermal array. The fan is coupled to the drive device disposed in a fluid flow region between the first region and second regions. The method also includes transferring thermal energy to the thermal array using at least the flow of fluid from the second region to the first region to cause the one or more ice particles and/or crystals to thaw for removal of the one or more ice particles and/or crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: EchoFirst, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Wade Albritton
  • Patent number: 8250778
    Abstract: A clothes dryer air intake system including a conduit having an outlet opening for connection to a clothes dryer and being positioned remote from the attic of a building. The conduit also has an inlet opening positioned within the attic of a building. A heater is connected to the conduit between the outlet opening and the inlet opening for warming air passing through the conduit. A thermostat detects the temperature of the air flowing through the conduit and energizes the heater in the event that the detected temperature is lower than a preset minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy M. Hodges
  • Patent number: 8037931
    Abstract: A hybrid heating apparatus heats potable water with waste heat from heat recovery units and insolation from solar collectors. A single circulation pump circulates fluid between at least one heat exchanger and each of the heat recovery units and preferably the solar collector. A single controller receives sensor readings from the heat recovery units and the solar collector units and receives a demand to heat the potable water. To satisfy the demand, the controller determines the extent to which the demand may be satisfied from heat available from the heat recovery units and the solar collector units and sends command signals both to the circulating pump to circulate the fluid and to appropriate ones of valves at connections to those heat recovery units and solar collector units to allow fluid to circulate to be heated to flow to the heat exchanger for effecting heat exchange to heat the potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventors: Krassimire Mihaylov Penev, Gordon Patrick Whelan
  • Publication number: 20110139144
    Abstract: A solar water heater system composed of retrofitting an existing conventional gas or electric water heater by adding a solar thermal circulating loop, wherein a heat pipe vacuum tube solar collector, a thermal circulating pump, a computer control system with temperature sensors and relative three-way connections, valves and pipes are installed on the existing water storage tank, is disclosed herein along with the method for building the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Ke Ting Zheng
  • Patent number: 5806511
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to prevent freezing in the piping and tank of a solar water heating system mounted above a heated space. The supply and return piping to the solar water heater is used in conjunction with a heat exchanger mounted within the heated space below, to create a mechanism for the gentle circulation of water by natural convection, sufficient to prevent freezing in the tank and piping. Bypass pipes that incorporate flow restrictions are introduced between the supply and return piping both in the building and just below the solar tank. This creates a loop in the piping which allows natural convection to occur. The flow restrictions are provided so as not to short circuit the normal water flow under conditions of hot water demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Douglas Robinson Sanford Hart
  • Patent number: 5575276
    Abstract: A solar thermal water heating system including a solar collector unit, first and second heat exchangers, and a drain back tank, ordered respectively in vertically descending relation. The solar energy collector comprises a plurality of heat absorbing modules formed by deforming two plates into intimate contact with parallel metallic pipes disposed intermediate the plates. The uppermost surface of the pair of plates is provided with a black body coating to emit infrared radiation when sunlight is incident thereon. A glazing is provided over such black body surface to freely transmit incident light to the black body surface but to reflect infrared heat energy emitted by the black body surface. A pump for pumping fluid from the drain back tank to the solar collector unit is positioned horizontally adjacent the drain back tank. The first heat exchanger is vertically disposed within the water storage tank for conducting heat to potable water within the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventors: Richard L. Fossum, Michaele J. Fossum
  • Patent number: 5413091
    Abstract: A flat plate solar collector (10) of the header/riser type housed in a glazed collector enclosure (14) and having liquid conduits comprising risers (24) intercommunicating with headers (22, 26) at both ends of the risers. The risers are tapered and the headers are surrounded by full heat insulation (28, 30) as defined. The tapering of the risers is effective to prevent bursting of any riser occasioned by freezing of a working liquid especially for example potable water contained therein, by promotion of initial freezing in a localized region of the riser around its minimum cross-sectional area (32) followed by progressive travel of the freezing of the working liquid in the riser in a direction away from the localized region. The full heat insulation is effective to substantially delay total freezing of all the liquid in the headers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Rheem Australia Limited
    Inventor: Brendan V. Bourke
  • Patent number: 5333677
    Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for improving systems that include an evacuated, and in essence hermetically-sealed, fluid circuit containing a heat-transfer fluid which--while circulating, usually with the assistance of a pump, around the fluid circuit--absorbs heat, primarily by evaporation, from a heat source and releases the absorbed heat, primarily by condensation, to a heat sink; the maximum temperature of the heat sink being, at a given instant in time, lower than the maximum temperature of the heat source at that instant in time.The various techniques disclosed always furnish the fluid circuit with a property named `self-regulation`; and, where applicable, with one or more properties named `overpressure protection`, `freeze protection`, `heat-absorption control`, `heat-release control`, and `heat-source control`.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Stephen Molivadas