Abstract: A hybrid heating system is disclosed. The hybrid heating system includes a compressor that is configured to compress refrigerant. The hybrid heating system further includes a first heat exchanger that is configured to adjust a temperature of water by exchanging heat between the water and refrigerant compressed by the compressor. The hybrid heating system further includes a second heat exchanger that is configured to evaporate refrigerant by exchanging heat exchange with exterior air. The hybrid heating system further includes a first boiler heat exchanger that is configured to increase a temperature of water using heat generated by combustion. The hybrid heating system further includes a second boiler heat exchanger that is configured to exchange heat between exhaust gas discharged from the first boiler heat exchanger and refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: An intermittent operation based continuous absorption system (IOBCAS) which supports cooling effect during the daytime without the use of a solution pump is provided. The IOBCAS may utilize an isochoric process for pressurization of the system and the system may include a plurality of generator-absorber units that intermittently operate in succession to provide a continuous refrigeration cooling effect during the daytime. The system of the present disclosure enables the plurality of generator-absorber units to switch between a generation, absorption, and heat recovery mode of operation to provide cooling effect during the daytime which a higher coefficient of performance compared with conventional intermittent system.

Abstract: Molten salt solar receiver and procedure to reduce the temperature gradient in said receiver. The receiver consists of at least one panel of semi cylindrical geometry, formed by a combination of vertical pipes. The receiver (10) is supplied with a heat transfer fluid made up of molten salts which originate from a recirculation system which is composed of a mixture deposit (6), a hot salt storage tank (9) and a cold salt storage tank (8); the mixture tank (6) which is supplied by a part of the hot heat transfer fluid (4) which exits the receiver (10) and the cold heat transfer fluid (5) which exits the cold salt storage tank (8); the hot salt storage tank is connected to the exit of the receiver (10) so that a part of the heat transfer fluid which does not recirculate is stored (3).

Abstract: A non electric, temperature controlled system for passing or bypassing a solar water heating apparatus includes a temperature controlled water distribution valve directing water to flow from a main supply of water toward a user depending on the setting and configuration of the temperature controlled water distribution valve within the system.

Abstract: Two water heaters may be installed in series at a customer location, such that an output of a first (or storage) water heater is coupled to the input of a second (or primary) water heater, the output of which provides hot water to the customer location. During normal operation, only the primary water heater may actually heat water for use at the customer location. However, during periods of excess capacity, the electrical service provider may enable the storage water heater to store the excess electrical power that is generated by operating the power plant at higher output (which may be more efficient). Later, during hours of greater demand, the electrical service provider may disable the storage water heater used to store the excess capacity, whereas the primary water heater may operate normally. However, during the time of greater demand, the storage water heaters may provide pre-heated water to the primary water heater, which in-turn, may need to heat the water less or perhaps not at all.

Abstract: The invention disclosure provides a hot water supply system and method thereof which can control a solar heating unit, a first heat-pump unit, a boiler unit, and an electric heater unit through a control unit to heat water. The control unit operates in a pre-heating period and a heating period after the pre-heating period. In the pre-heating period, the solar heating unit and the first heat-pump unit preheat water. In the heating period, the boiler unit further heats water coming from the solar heating unit and the first heat-pump unit to an exit temperature and stores water in the boiler unit and the electric heater unit so as to provide water to an outflow device. The invention integrates many water heaters in one system, so as to improve the efficiency of generation of hot water and achieve the objectives of energy conservation and carbon reduction.

Abstract: A building is heated using an infrared heater with a radiant tube. A heated gas is fed to the radiant tube at a first end and the tube is further fluidically connected at its second end to a heat exchanger. A portion of the thermal energy contained in the heated gas is conveyed to a buffer storage tank, from which the energy can be removed in particular to heat up industrial water or to heat a second part of a building thermally isolated from the first building, or a second building. There is also provided a solar collector. The feed and/or return of the heat exchanger and/or the feed and/or return of the buffer storage tank can be fluidically connected to the feed and/or return of a thermal solar collector via pipes and switchable valves.

Abstract: A gas hot water heating device and a system with heating function are disclosed. The device includes a combustion device (1), an inlet (E) and an outlet (G) of a hot water pipeline (2), an inlet (I) and an outlet (H) of a heating loop (3), and a water tank (4). The device also includes a first heat exchanger (5), a second heat exchanger (6) and a third heat exchanger (7). A flue gas outlet (1-2) of the combustion device (1) is connected with flue gas passages of the first heat exchanger (5) and the second heat exchanger (6) in order and in series. A first water flow passage (5-1) and a second water flow passage (5-2) are arranged in the first heat exchanger (5), and the water tank (4) and the first water flow passage (5-1) of the first heat exchanger (5) are communicated between the inlet (E) and the outlet (G) of the hot water pipeline (2) in series. The second heat exchanger (6) and the third heat exchanger (7) can exchange heat with water in the water tank (4).

Abstract: A light energy conversion (LEC) system includes a fluid circuit having a working fluid flowing therethrough and a plurality of light concentrating (LC) modules for converting light energy into electrical energy and for transforming the light energy into thermal energy. The LC modules including a first LC module coupled in series with a second LC module along the fluid circuit. The working fluid absorbs thermal energy while flowing through the first and second LC modules. At least the first LC module includes a light concentrating optical element that is configured to direct light energy toward a focal region and a receiver held at the focal region. The receiver includes a housing having a chamber that holds an energy conversion member. The energy conversion member transforms light energy received from the optical element into electrical and thermal energy.

Abstract: A combustor assembly of a water heater, which is provided between an air blower and a burner set to guide air from the air blower to the burner set, includes a first board, a second board and a third board stacked in sequence. Between the first board and the second board there is a first chamber and a first port, and between the second board and the first board there is a second chamber and a second port. The second board and the third board both have apertures. These boards restrict and divide an air flow of the air blower to flow along several paths to increase heat efficiency.

Abstract: A method of managing excess electrical power generation may be provided by remotely controlling operation of at least one of two energy storage devices coupled in series at a customer location in response to availability of generated electricity to the customer location.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods directed to using renewable energy sources with hot water heating systems.

Abstract: A solar water heater including an outer housing and a heat absorbing water tank fixed onto the interior surface of the outer housing. The heat absorbing water tank may have a water entrance and a water exit. A heat insulating layer may be filled underneath the heat absorbing water tank between the heat absorbing water tank and the outer housing, and a transparent heat insulating board may be placed on top of the heat absorbing water tank. The heat absorbing water tank may have web system formed by tubules, or may be in a rectangular shape with reinforced concaves. The heat absorbing water tank may be manufactured by using plastic materials.

Abstract: The forced recirculation solar water heating system with a backup water heater works through an electronic card that initiates the operation and activation of the water recirculators when there is a setpoint temperature difference between the panel and the storage tank detected by means of a bimetallic cable connected at one of the top ends of the panel and another bimetallic cable at the upper part of the storage tank. This storage tank has a series of safety check valves that prevent temperature loss due to hot water backflow to the hydraulic network or due to natural reverse recirculation, thus avoiding excess pressure in the system.

Abstract: A wind power and hydrogen power complex generating device includes a fan assembly having a blade unit and a demultiplexer connected to the blade unit. A heating unit is connected to a first output end of the demultiplexer. A pump is connected to a second output end of the demultiplexer. The pump pressurizes liquid water. A heating assembly is connected to the pump and the heating unit. The heating assembly heats the liquid water into a critical state. An electrolyzing unit includes an input end, a hydrogen output end, and an oxygen output end. The input end is connected to the heating assembly. The electrolyzing unit electrolyzes the liquid water in the critical state into gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen. A fuel cell unit includes an anode passage connected to the hydrogen output end and a cathode passage connected to the oxygen output end.

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.

Abstract: A water heater with a hot water compartment, the volume of which is decreased when hot water is discharged. The remaining hot water is prevented from mixing with replacement cold water. The volume of the compartment is increased again when cold water has been heated and is pushed into the hot water compartment. The water heater is divided into a receiving compartment for water at ambient temperature and a compartment from which heated water is discharged for normal usage. The previously heated water is thereby prevented from mixing with replacement cold water. All compartments can be heated or the compartments can be heated individually. The water heater keeps the hot water temperature high between usage activities, and is suited for an intermittent energy source, e.g. solar power.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method, system and apparatus for optimizing a flow of thermal fluid through one in a multitude of local reservoirs (e.g. water tank) which may have local heating capability and which shares a common water heating source (e.g. solar panels). Keeping a minimal flow from the inlet to the outlet allows a continuous temperature difference monitoring, which is then used to vary the local flow through an automated system, while also taking in consideration the effect of an optional local heating source. The said above may be applied in reverse for cooling systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar steam cooker having a solar tube enclosing an inner space and having a close end and an open end, a cover closing the open end, an inner container in the inner space of the solar tube and being rotatable with respect to the solar tube, a sleeve covering on the close end of the solar tube and having an axle, and, a strut supporting the axle of the sleeve. The solar tube is of glass and has a translucent outer layer, a blackbody inner layer and a vacuum space between the outer and the inner layer. The cover has a circular groove covering on the open end of the solar tube. The inner container has a top opening.

Abstract: System and method for accumulating steam in tanks for solar use made up of two sets of Ruths tanks (1, 2), called base set and overheat set, identical to one another and each having a saturated steam inlet (3), steam injectors (10) installed inside the tank (1, 2), a steam outlet (4, 4?) with a valve (13) and drainage means (11). A heat exchanger (6) is installed between the two sets of tanks (1, 2). The method of storage consists of a tank loading stage and a tank discharging stage, the latter comprising two discharging phases, the first one from a maximum to an intermediate pressure and the second one from an intermediate to a low pressure.

Abstract: In this steam supply apparatus, a steam inlet (20a) of a steam injector (20) is connected to a steam outlet (19a) of a high-pressure steam-generating boiler (19). A solar heat-collector (22) is connected to an inlet port (20b) of the steam injector (20), and steam-utilizing equipment (25) is connected to a discharging port (20c). The steam injector (20) is driven by high-pressure and high-temperature steam (27) generated by the high-pressure steam-generating boiler (19), and pressure of the inlet port (20b) is decreased. In the inner portion of the solar heat-collector (22) which is decompressed according to a decrease in pressure of the inlet port (20b), water with a temperature increased by irradiation of the sunlight (24) is boiled and evaporated at less than 100° C., and low-pressure and low-temperature steam (28) is generated.

Abstract: A water heating system and method of operating the same. The system includes a first water heater having a first heating source of a first type. The system further includes a second water heater having a second heating source of a second type. A valve having a first interface that is connected to the cold water source, a second interface that is connected to a first cold water inlet of the first water heater, a third interface that is connected to a second hot water outlet of the second water heater, and a fourth interface connected to the hot water outlet of the first water heater. A motor positions the changeover valve to one of at least three positions. A control circuit includes a temperature sensor near the first hot water outlet of the first water heater, and a controller coupled to the first temperature sensor and the motor.

Abstract: A water heater system is provided with a solar water heater and an electric water heater having one or more electric heating elements. The solar and electric water heaters are configured to provide a common hot water output. A controller is operatively configured with the water heaters and receives a first signal indicative of a current power demand state of an associated electric utility. In response to the received signal, the controller operates the electric water heater in an energy savings mode during periods of high power demand wherein power consumption of the electric heating elements is restricted. The controller is operatively configured to modulate the degree of power consumption restriction placed on the electric heating elements in the energy savings mode as a function of current hot water supply capacity of the solar water heater.

Abstract: A startup system for a solar boiler includes a main fluid circuit having a plurality of solar boiler panels for generating power from solar energy. An auxiliary fluid circuit is selectively connected in fluid communication with the main fluid circuit by a plurality of valves. An auxiliary boiler is operatively connected to the auxiliary fluid circuit. The valves connecting the auxiliary fluid circuit to the main fluid circuit are configured to be opened and closed to selectively place the auxiliary boiler in fluid communication with portions of the main fluid circuit to supply heat to the portions of the main fluid circuit in preparation to produce power from solar energy.

Abstract: A system for heating water including a water heater and a solar collector is provided. The water heater includes a water storage tank, a heating element positioned within the bottom end of the water tank and a lower thermostat configured to selectively activate the heating element as a function of the water temperature sensed by the temperature sensor of the thermostat. A tank heat exchanger is also positioned within the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. The tank heat exchanger is configured to contain a fluid medium for heat exchange with water in the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. The solar collector is fluidly coupled to the tank heat exchanger of the water heater for circulating the fluid medium through the tank heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system for heating water including a water heater and a solar collector is provided. The water heater includes a water storage tank, a heating element positioned within the bottom end of the water tank and a lower thermostat configured to selectively activate the heating element as a function of the water temperature sensed by the temperature sensor of the thermostat. A tank heat exchanger is also positioned within the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. The tank heat exchanger is configured to contain a fluid medium for heat exchange with water in the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. The solar collector is fluidly coupled to the tank heat exchanger of the water heater for circulating the fluid medium through the tank heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile heat accumulator consisting of a textile carrier material to which a plurality of thin capillaries for water transportation are attached and which is coated with an elastomeric compound comprising finely divided phase change materials such as salt hydrates or crystalline alkyl hydrocarbons. The textile heat accumulator arranged in a roofing structure of a building facilitates the control of the heat flux into the building and the utilization of the latent heat stored within phase change material for hot water generation.

Abstract: A method for producing hot water and a device especially for carrying out the method are provided. The method utilizes combined heat resources of solar energy and heat pump in the manner of heating water at multiple stages and accumulating energy. The device comprises solar energy collector, heat pump, electrical heater, water tank, and control unit. The device also includes water-heating tanks with multiple stages. A heating means with multiple stages at different temperatures is formed either by the solar energy collector or by the collector and the heat pump. The outputting end of the two or more heating stages constituted by the solar energy collector or by the collector and the heat pump is connected through ducts to the corresponding water-heating tanks. A predetermined amount of produced water heated at multiple stages is respectively stored in the water-heating tanks.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a solar energy water heating system for heating water in a water storage tank. In one particular embodiment, the system includes a controller, a solar energy collector whose energy contribution to water in the tank is controlled by the controller, and a non-solar heating system that is not controlled by the controller. Water in the tank may be heated by one or both of the non-solar heating system and energy from the solar energy collector. The controller can determine the amount of energy contributed by solar energy to the water in the tank. In another embodiment, the solar energy water heating system incorporates a controller that controls both the operation of the pump and the operation of the non-solar heating system. In another embodiment, a network of solar energy water heating systems is provided.

Abstract: An integral storage-collector solar water-heating system is disclosed. The system includes a tank and two absorbers, wherein the entire system is full of water. The water circulation goes from the bottom of the tank trough a fine-tube absorber plate, which is located between a transparent cover exposed to the sun and an insulated plate. The heated water passes through a second absorber that heats them to a usage temperature and cause them flows into the tank's space. The second absorber is created between the exposed wall of the tank, by a grid of tunnels that are grooved in a thermally insulated layer that are attached to the inside walls of the tank. The second absorber is covered with transparent cover too. The water flow into the upper part of the tank and a thermo-siphon valve prevents the back flow. After a double heating, the water is stored inside the tank and ready for use.

Abstract: A water heater is disclosed. The water heater includes a water storage tank and a heat source positioned to heat water within the water storage tank. A heat exchanger is positioned within the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. The heat exchanger is configured to contain a fluid medium for heat exchange with water in the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. A temperature sensor is positioned at an elevation above the heat exchanger for sensing a temperature of water within the tank. A control system is configured to selectively activate the heat source as a function of the water temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. The heat source can be either a heating element positioned within the water storage tank, or a burner positioned to deliver products of combustion into a flue positioned within the tank for heating water within the water storage tank.

Abstract: A water heating system for controlling the heating of potable water in commercial or private dwellings with improved energy efficiency. The water heating system heats potable water in a tank by transferring excess heat generated in a refrigeration unit with a heat exchanger, and by extracting energy from insolation with a solar water heater unit. The system includes several control systems for regulating the operation of the heat exchanger, solar water heater unit, and refrigeration unit to provide increased energy efficiency and longevity to the various components of the system.

Abstract: An integrated energy system for a home or other building utilizes a heated reservoir for energy storage. The reservoir is mainly heated by one or more solar collectors. The system also includes an environment-coupled piping loop through which a cooling fluid is circulated such that heat is exhausted from the cooling fluid to the environment. The thermal energy from the reservoir and the cooling fluid are then used in an integrated set of systems that provide space heating, space cooling, and electrical generation. Electricity is generated by a thermoelectric generator that exploits the temperature differential between the reservoir and the cooling fluid. The system may include heating and storage for domestic hot water, and may use excess power for hydrogen production. Backup heating and electrical systems may be provided for.

Abstract: A solar energy saving system composed of solar collectors, a custom built heat pump and a conventional gas heater, a centralized computer control system, a group of sensors, pumps and valves, and the mechanical and electrical connections, is disclosed herein along with the processes and methods for applying the system.

Abstract: A bivalent water-heating system includes a water-storage tank having at least one wall defining an interior storage cavity configured for storing water to be heated. The storage cavity includes an upper-cavity and lower-cavity portions. A non-solar heating unit is situated at least partially in the upper-cavity portion and includes a combustion chamber defined by at least one wall through which heat produced by the combustion of fuel is transferred to stored water located within the upper-cavity portion.

Abstract: A solar tower central receiver with separated boiler and Super-Heater allows better control on the output steam's temperature. The boiler takes higher solar flux density and works at lower temperature while the Super-Heater takes lower solar flux and works at high temperature to optimize the cost to performance ratio. The solar fluxes of the boiler and super-heater are adjustable through the pointing of the heliostats. The boiler consists of parallel pipes as solar absorber and the Super-Heater consists of helix parallel pipes as solar absorber. The steam drum chamber interconnects boiler and Super-Heater. The absorb pipes and circulation pipes are connected to water chamber, steam drum chamber, and Super-Heater chambers. The water level sensor and temperature sensors provide information regarding the operating status of the receiver.

Abstract: There is provided a water heating and storage system, including a heat-insulated main heated water storage tank for storing hot water. The storage tank consists of top, side and bottom walls, has an inlet for heated water entering the tank at a level below the normal level, and a cold water inlet. The system also includes a consumer hot water outlet, and an external water heater having a controlled electrical heating unit, an outlet port for heated water, connectable to the inlet of the tank, and a water inlet port.

Abstract: A liquid air conditioner of geothermal energy type, wherein comprises a heat collector (1) of geothermal energy type, a heat exchanger (2), an energy lift device (3), a discharging pump (4), a returning pump (5), an air conditioner (6); said energy lift device consisting of a heating cycle (30) and a heat exchanging cycle (38), said two cycles are sequentially connected through pipelines by a compressor (31), a condenser (32), a liquid reservoir (33), a drying filter (34), a restriction choke (35), an evaporator (36) and a gas-liquid separator (37); Discharging tube (32a) of the heat exchanging cycle connects with air conditioner (6). Returning tube (103) of air conditioner connecting to a liquid inlet tube (32b) of heat exchanging cycle (38); discharging tube (36a) of the heat exchanging cycle connecting to a returning tube (22b); discharging tube (22a) of said heat exchanger (2) connecting to liquid inlet tube (36b); is used for in-door cooling and heating.

Abstract: A solar concentrator for producing usable power as heat and/or electricity uses a self-steering heliostat 1502 to concentrate solar radiation 1509 onto an absorbing surface such as, or including, a solar cell array 1511 capable of absorbing power from the radiation, meanwhile removing heat (such as from long-wave infra-red radiation or resistive losses) from the surface with fluid heat transfer means 1503, 1504, then making effective use of that low-grade heat. Thus the solar cell array is kept relatively cool and a larger proportion of the solar energy incident on the reflector unit is used. The invention uses electricity 1506 from the solar cells to move a transporting fluid through a heat exchanger 1504. Excess electricity may be available for local storage or use 1510, or feeding 1512 to the power distribution grid. Applications include warming swimming pools 1501, heating hot-water supplies using excess electricity, or warming, lighting and ventilating open spaces.