Including Means To Utilize Fluent Medium From Collector To Heat Interior Of Building Patents (Class 126/628)
  • Patent number: 10876521
    Abstract: Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: 247Solar Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce N. Anderson, William Dean Treece
  • Patent number: 10784430
    Abstract: A heating apparatus using liquefied gas includes: a combustion unit where the liquefied gas is combusted in a vaporized state; a vaporization unit providing a vaporization space in which the liquefied gas supplied from a fuel receiving unit receiving the liquefied gas is vaporized and thermally separated from the combustion unit; and a thermoelectric element unit including a high-temperature input unit maintaining a high-temperature state by the combustion unit and a low-temperature input unit maintaining a relatively lower temperature than the high-temperature input unit by the liquefied gas vaporized in the vaporization unit and generating power by using a temperature difference between the high-temperature input unit and the low-temperature input unit, and the vaporization unit maintains a low-temperature state by using vaporization of the liquefied gas and is thermally separated from the combustion unit so as to prevent a temperature from rising by the combustion unit to increase power generation efficien
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Bong June Kim
  • Patent number: 10527318
    Abstract: A collector element for collecting solar energy. The collector element is made of metal and comprises at least one elongated central ridge comprising at least one internal flow channel for a heat transfer medium, first and second elongated side ridges at opposite sides of the at least one central ridge and an elongated depression between each two adjacent ridges. At least one side ridge comprises at least one fastening element by means of which at least one substantially solar radiation permeable covering element is to be fastened to the collector element for covering at least the at least one elongated central ridge of the collector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Double M Properties Ab
    Inventor: Mats Manderbacka
  • Patent number: 10355154
    Abstract: A building-integrated hybrid photovoltaic and radiant cooling device integrated into a building structure, including a chiller, a cooling device for cooling fluid supplied to a radiant cooling panel, a return pipe conveying the fluid from the radiant cooling panel to cool a photovoltaic device, and at least one supply pipe transporting the fluid from the photovoltaic device to the chiller, the cooling device reducing a surface temperature of the radiant cooling panel only to the extent necessary to also avoid condensation being formed on the radiant cooling panel, i.e. to just above the dew point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz University
    Inventor: Mohannad Bayoumi
  • Patent number: 9897077
    Abstract: A solar automatic heat collecting and equalizing tube, including: a glass tube, an absorption tube, and a baffle. The glass tube is sleeved on the absorption tube. The absorption tube is coated with a heat absorption layer. The space between the glass tube and the absorption tube is vacuum. The baffle is disposed in the inner cavity of the absorption tube and is configured to drive a fluid in the absorption tube to tumble up and down alternately. The baffle is spiral in shape and fixed in the absorption tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ZHONGYING CHANGJIANG INTERNATIONAL NEW ENERGY INVESTMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yilong Chen, Qingping Yang, Yanfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9766018
    Abstract: A metal heat storage apparatus comprises a metal heat storage medium, a medium insertion chamber insulating the inner side, outer side and the floor of the metal heat storage medium; an outer wall structure made of concrete further insulating the metal heat storage medium and including a floor, a central column, an outer wall body, and an upper cover; an infrared ray reflecting mirror disposed below the upper cover constituting the outer wall structure and reflecting infrared rays generated from the metal heat storage medium; a heat exchanger spirally disposed inside the metal heat storage medium and including supply and drain tubes exposed to the outside of the outer wall structure; a solar heater buried in the metal heat storage medium; and a high-density optical input port passing through the outer wall body and the insulating outer wall to provide solar energy to the solar heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Byunggyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9331630
    Abstract: Disclosed is an outside wall cladding element for cladding an outside wall (6). The outside wall cladding element includes a structure (1) of a panel-shaped material and fastening elements to be mounted on the outside wall, in which the panel-shaped material includes a zigzag or wave-shaped element (1), and is provided with a bottom side (4) and a top side (5), in which the bottom side and the top side of the zigzag-shaped element make an angle ? (delta) with one another which is in a range between 50 to 130 degrees, and in which a side (4) includes a light-absorbing layer and another side (5) includes a light-reflecting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: WALLVISION B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Josephus Alex Van De Wall
  • Patent number: 9182150
    Abstract: A cable support structure, used in a solar application or other applications, comprising a cable structure which comprises latitudinal cables extending between two sides of an enclosure of a roof, panels or solar modules being arranged in a row on the latitudinal cables forming an array supported by the cable structure, the cable structure in turn being supported by the sides of the enclosure in such a way that weight of the array and force loads on the array are completely or partially distributed on the sides of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Alberto Di Gaetano
  • Patent number: 8863741
    Abstract: A solar air heating module is provided including an air entrance situated proximate to a bottom of the module and an air exit situated proximate to the top of the module; a back film, having a plurality of conical solar collectors extending perpendicularly therefrom; a front film in contact with the collectors to prevent air from escaping between the entrance and the exit; wherein air, when entering the entrance, passes by the collectors to mix with heated air before reaching the exit. Alternatively the collectors may be aligned wherein each collector is secured to adjacent collectors by plates or a strap to allow the module to be folded or rolled up for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: Cameron R MacKay, Harley E Kelsey
  • Patent number: 8844516
    Abstract: This relates to a heating device including a solar energy collector, the solar energy collector transferring collected solar energy to outside air. First collector panels are used to heat outside air which heated air is led to a heater, for example a space heater. Second collector panels are used to transfer solar energy to air led to a heat exchanger of a heat pump. The heat pump transfers the extracted heat to heat storage. The stored heat is added to the air coming from the first collector panels if the temperature of the air coming from the first collector panels is below a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tata Steel UK Limited
    Inventors: David Paul Jones, Reginald Geraint Brown
  • Patent number: 8833362
    Abstract: A heat recovery installation using solar energy includes a three-channel plate, in which the first channel layer, viewed from the outside, alternately discharges used air and supplies fresh air. The third channel layer, viewed from the outside, ensures the supply of used air and the discharge of fresh air, while in the second channel layer, viewed from the outside, the heat exchange between the used and fresh air takes place according to the counterflow principle. In order to produce this flow, small apertures are provided in the second and third plates, viewed from the outside, of the three-channel plate, as a result of which the flow in the channel layer, viewed from the outside, is at right angles to the channel plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Innovy
    Inventor: Franklin Hagg
  • Patent number: 8826903
    Abstract: In the heat utilization installation (1) according to the invention several heat sources (2) are included which are provided each with a jet pump (16), (17), (18), (19). The heat sources (2) are connected to a heat carrier circuit system (7) which includes a single, central circulating pump or circulating pump unit (20). The individual jet pumps (16) to (19) are so controlled for the respective heat sources (2), the required operating temperatures with respect to temperature difference between the outlet and inlet and the flow volume are maintained or achieved. With the possibility of independent control of the flow volumes at the various heat sources (2), uniform fluid temperatures as required for a buffer store (22) or heat consumers can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Helmut Bälz GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Günther Thoma
  • Patent number: 8757144
    Abstract: The invention relates to an absorber (40) for a solar panel, provided for containing a heat transfer fluid (42), including first (44) and second (46) plates arranged opposite each other and attached to each other via a plurality of connection points (58, 60), first and second matrices having protruding geometrical shapes (50, 52) formed on the outer surfaces of the first and second plates, respectively, the matrices being offset relative to each other so as to provide a flow path for the heat transfer fluid in the absorber, an inlet (54) and an outlet (56) for the heat transfer fluid arranged at both ends of the heat transfer fluid flow path, respectively, characterized in that at least some of the geometrical shapes have a generally protruding shape with a recess at the center thereof so as to form a cavity (64, 66), and in that at least some of said non-through connection points are provided in at least some of said recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Francois Lalive, Ludmilla Lalive
  • Patent number: 8726586
    Abstract: A constructed enclosure, adjacent to an interior habitable space, uses a microprocessor-based control unit to operate enclosure openings to provide a multi-layer insulation barrier containing or creating heat, or providing a radiant barrier, isolating by open air, a thermal insulating layer from warm exterior surfaces, maximizing insulation values. The enclosed space, through the use of openings, which in one embodiment are windows, skylights and dampers connected to louvers, is heated by radiant exposure or cooled by natural air flow or exhaust fan. Return air is heated upstream from a forced air heating unit by traversing ductwork heated by the enclosure and by direct solar exposure from enclosure windows. Enclosure openings to the habitable interior spaces create air displacement drawing warm air out of the interior and fresh air in through exterior windows. The energy efficient system is tailored for immediate climate specific conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Kirk Russell Stevens, Sheryl O'Reilly Stevens, Kelsey O'Reilly Stevens, Patrick Francis O'Reilly, Jr., Patrick Francis O'Reilly, III
  • Patent number: 8640690
    Abstract: A solar heater includes a plurality of suspended vertical components that cover at least a portion of an interior side of a window and have open top and bottom ends. Each suspended vertical component has a heat absorbing body position within the transparent sheath. The heat absorbing body is located a first spaced distance from the inner sheath surface of a first side portion of the sheath and a second spaced distance from the inner sheath surface of a second side portion of the sheath. The open bottom end of the sheath receives cool ambient air that is heated while passing between the heat absorbing body and the inner sheath surface of the first side portion and between the heat absorbing body and the inner sheath surface of the second side portion. The open top end of the sheath exhausts the heated air to an interior space of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Keith J. McKinzie
  • Patent number: 8590528
    Abstract: A solar collector system is for support in a building opening to furnish heated air to the interior of the building. The solar collector system includes a collector shell supported at the opening and including a front heating chamber, at least one air intake channel and at least one air outlet channel and a fan disposed within the collector shell for providing a closed loop air circulation from the air intake channel, through the heating chamber and to the air outlet channel. The front heating chamber is defined in part by a parabolic reflector having a focal point facing out from the heating chamber. A heat exchanger is disposed within the parabolic reflector for absorbing solar energy directed to the heating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Robert H. Green
  • Publication number: 20130205778
    Abstract: The invention provides a solar power system for use as a solar roofing concept based on an absorber system with a solar thermal absorber and a circulation system for circulating absorber liquid through the absorber and a core system which extracts energy from the absorber liquid and provides hot water to a building. An intelligent controller uses data about external conditions to control the core system, where both current conditions and predicted conditions are taken into account. In preferred embodiments, the system can generate heat, hot water and electric energy to cover the need for a normal household. When excess heat is generated, the thermal energy can be used by an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) machine for electricity production. A forecasting and control unit using external weather measurements in combination with internet weather forecasts will by fuzzy logic calculate the optimum periods of time for use of the heat pump during the colder periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: INNOGIE APS
    Inventor: Kristian Harley Hansen
  • Publication number: 20130199515
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for harvesting solar energy, and more particularly an energy-positive sky lighting system that may provide an integrated energy solution to a variety of commercial buildings. A plurality of skylight modules are provided, each having a plurality of louvers configured to reflect incoming sunlight onto a thermal receiver area on an adjacent louver to heat a working fluid in communication with the louvers (i.e., such that heat transfer is carried out between the thermal receiver and the working fluid), all while allowing control of the amount of daylight that passes through the module. The modules are constructed such that the balance of the solar energy not going into day lighting is captured in the form of thermal heat, which in turn may be applied to building system cooling and heating applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: MBC VENTURES, INC.
    Inventor: MBC VENTURES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130199516
    Abstract: A system and method of creating and operating a utility structure coupled to a second structure is provided. A utility structure can include a renewable energy source, a control system, water heating system, a communications system, and a solar hot air module. In connection with these features, a utility structure can provide utility access, heated and/or cooled water, and HVAC to the connected structure. A utility structure can be free standing, portable, or attached to another structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: GLOBAL SOLAR WATER AND POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: GLOBAL SOLAR WATER AND POWER SYSTEM, INC.
  • Patent number: 8371287
    Abstract: The solar collector-reflector system includes at least one modular solar panel arranged singly or in an array, each solar panel having a solar collector-reflector assembly, a driver for selective collection or reflection of solar energy, attachment assembly, mounting assembly, ducting and a controller for controlling the solar energy collection and reflection configuration based on the sensed differential temperature between the solar panel or array and a dwelling set temperature. The solar collector-reflector assembly has surfaces that either collect or reflect solar energy, and the solar collector-reflector system utilizes air-to-air heat transfer to provide additional heating to an existing ducting system in the dwelling or reflect solar flux from the roof, thereby reducing heating and cooling energy consumption and costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Lewis W. Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 8356481
    Abstract: A dual hybrid heating apparatus, method of assembly and operation to heat potable water in a tank by heat exchange with a fluid heated by free heat sources—waste heat from heat recovery units and insolation. Once a demand for heated potable water is satisfied, a controller issues commands that cause the fluid to bypass the tank and instead flow to a further heat exchanger. Temperature is monitored downstream—if excessive, then the fluid is sent to a heat dump. A further fluid is heated by heat exchange at the further heat exchanger and then routed to where a parabolic dish solar concentrator vaporizes it to turn a blade of a turbine generator to generate electricity. Heat is extracted from the vapor to form condensate, but the vapor also heats the condensate before being cooled by heat exchange with fluid cooled by a cooling tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Krassimire Mihaylov Penev
  • Publication number: 20120318257
    Abstract: A solar hot air system is provided containing a solar hot air collector and an inlet duct connected to the solar hot air collector and a building fresh air intake. A sensor is connected to the building fresh air intake, configured to measure fan speed and damper position. In addition, a sensor is connected to the inlet duct, configured to measure air volume and temperature. Further, a sensor is connected to the solar hot air collector, configured to measure internal and ambient temperature. A means for calculating a periodic fee to a user based at least in part upon an amount of generated energy is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: REVOLUTION ENERGY, LLC
    Inventors: Clayton Robert Mitchell, Michael John Behrmann, Michael Roscoe Dunn
  • Publication number: 20120312293
    Abstract: A heat collector comprises a transparent glazing exposed to the ambient. The transparent glazing is spaced from a back surface to define a plenum therewith. A plurality of perforations is defined through the transparent glazing for allowing outside air to flow through the transparent glazing into the plenum and substantially maintain the transparent glazing at the ambient temperature, thereby providing for higher thermal efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: CHRISTIAN VACHON
  • Publication number: 20120247454
    Abstract: This invention relates to heating systems and can be used in individual, urban and rural sports and fitness complexes. Bath heating method, including steam production comprises: supplying of cold water and retaining its required level in expansion vessel, the collector is filled with water; the water is heated by solar energy to boiling temperature. Emitted steam with spray is feed into expansion vessel, where precipitates the water spray, and the clean steam is supplied and spared in bathroom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: DARIUS STANKEVICIUS
  • Patent number: 8276580
    Abstract: A solar air heating module provides heated air to a ventilation system. The solar air heating module includes a collector for heating and drawing in outside air and a housing. The collector includes an absorber plate for absorbing incident sunlight and includes a plurality of perforations therethrough. The perforations are distributed across the absorber plate for allowing passage of air into the collector. The collector also includes a collector tray mounted behind the absorber plate. The collector tray includes an output for allowing the passage of air out of the collector. The collector tray is spaced from the absorber plate to define a cavity therebetween in which air can to flow towards the output. The housing is mounted to the collector tray and forms a plenum therewith for receiving air from the output. The plenum is at a lower pressure than that of the outside air. The plenum is connected to the ventilation system. A plurality of modules may be combined to form a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Matrix Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Wilkinson, Vlad Ionescu
  • Publication number: 20120145146
    Abstract: A light absorbing device for heating a medium by means of solar energy, comprising a first and second layer of which at least one is intended for solar energy absorption, forming a space there between in which a first medium is arranged to flow for said heating, and means arranged to allow said flowing, wherein at least one of said layers is flexible such that the surface exposed for solar energy absorption is reducible. The invention also relates to an at least partly flexible building construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Frederic Telander, Arne Moberg, Per Alvestig
  • Patent number: 8191547
    Abstract: A solar-heating system having an inflatable solar collector connected to a housing that can be installed, e.g., in a sash window of a house. The housing has an air blower that draws air from the interior of the house and directs it into the inflatable solar collector, which is positioned outside the window. The collector has a flexible permeable membrane that serves as a transpired absorber of solar radiation. The air flowing through the collector is heated when it percolates through the membrane exposed to solar light. The heated air is returned back to the interior of the house, thereby providing space heating. In certain embodiments, in addition to serving as a transpired absorber, the membrane can also serve as an air filter that removes particles, odor-causing pollutants, and/or allergens from the drawn air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: S-2Tech LLC
    Inventor: Stephen T. Pellegrino
  • Publication number: 20120125320
    Abstract: A method and a related device for providing heat for heating buildings and optionally for heating tap water via a solar collector, in which the solar collector is filled and permeated with a thermal carrier medium in the event of incident solar radiation, in order to heat the thermal carrier medium, and in which the solar collector is otherwise emptied, the thermal carrier medium being collected in a storage reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventor: Klaus Engelhart
  • Publication number: 20120085340
    Abstract: An improved concentrated solar power collector, includes a frame intended to be mounted rotatable to a stand surface, according to a first axis perpendicular to the stand surface, at least one solar concentrator fixed on the frame at a desired angle determined so that the solar concentrator is oriented at between 20 and 70° with reference to the stand surface and reflect or direct sunlight upwardly toward a heat pipe, connected to a steam network including a steam tank carried by the frame, wherein the frame is able to rotate automatically to provide an azimuth-tracking of the solar concentrator following the azimuth of the sun, wherein the steam tank works with a diffusion absorption cooling machine or a hot water heating arrangement, feeding a warm-water tank and an ice/cold-water tank, the warm-water and ice/cold-water tanks being directly connected to a house.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: CSEM CENTRE SUISSE D'ELECTRONIQUE ET DE MICROTECHNIQUE SA RECHERCHE ET DEVELOPPEMENT
    Inventors: Thomas Hinderling, Stefan Reinhard
  • Patent number: 8132374
    Abstract: In regards to the invention titled “External Wall Panel Unit for Saving Energy and External Wall Structure System Using the Same,” there are an external wall panel unit and an external wall structure system for saving energy. The external wall panel unit is attached to an external wall structure (1) of a building to form an external wall of the building, and includes: an external frame (10); a frame rainwater tube (20); a frame duct (30); and a window (40). The external wall structure system using the external wall panel units is installed in such a way that a plurality of the external wall panel units are arranged and mounted vertically and horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Space Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Leem Lee, Hee Sung Kang, Nam Kyu Park, Young A Park, Gi Hong Jeong, Jong Hee Lee, Sung Jin Baek, Seung Bok Leigh
  • Publication number: 20120042870
    Abstract: A hot blast heater capable of heating air using solar energy and providing hot air for daily life is provided. The hot blast heater includes a chamber, a lifting part, a control part and a pump. The chamber is configured to form an accommodation space to accommodate air, has an inlet/an outlet which are formed through a lower part and an upper part of the chamber, respectively, such that indoor air is received through the inlet and air inside the chamber is discharged through the outlet, and is formed using light passing material or thermal conductive material. The lifting part is installed lengthwise along two facing sides of the window to lift the chamber such that the air inside the chamber is heated through sunlight or solar heat introduced through the window. The control part controls operations of the lifting part. The pump is installed at the outlet of the chamber to forcedly discharge the heated air inside the chamber to an indoor space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Sang-Hoon LIM, Yong-Heack Kang, Nam-Chun Baek, Jong-Kyu Kim, Hyun-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8097218
    Abstract: A system for generating electricity. The system includes a platform having a top surface. The platform floats on a body of water and includes a plurality of energy modules. Each energy module produces electricity from a different source of energy and is affixed to the platform. Each module contributes produced electricity to the system for storage and distribution. Modules may include wind turbines for generating electricity from wind, water-driven generators for generating electricity from water currents, solar panels for generating electricity from solar energy, an apparatus which floats on water and converts kinetic energy of wave movements into electricity, and an apparatus which extends below the water where the platform is located upon and generates electricity from differences in water temperature at various levels of water depth. An apparatus may be mounted on the platform which produces hydrogen and oxygen gases through a process of electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Manaugh
  • Patent number: 8074639
    Abstract: A panel, for creating a wall/roof of a structure, may consist of a core and an outside lining, and flow-pipes located under corrugations in the lining. Each of a plurality of pipes run from one end of the core to the opposite end, and protrudes outward from those ends. The core may comprise a first side having a female-shaped indentation, and a second side having a corresponding male shaped protrusion, to permit joining together of two or more panels. The ends of alternating flow pipes of one or more panels may be coupled with an adjacent pipe using an elbow, to form a pipe coil in a-heat transfer system. With the help of headers, heat exchangers, and a liquid medium directed to flow through the pipes of a system of rooms, heat management can be accomplished using solar energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Dariusz Dzegan
  • Publication number: 20110277745
    Abstract: This relates to a heating device including a solar energy collector, the solar energy collector transferring collected solar energy to outside air. First collector panels are used to heat outside air which heated air is led to a heater, for example a space heater. Second collector panels are used to transfer solar energy to air led to a heat exchanger of a heat pump. The heat pump transfers the extracted heat to heat storage. The stored heat is added to the air coming from the first collector panels if the temperature of the air coming from the first collector panels is below a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: TATA STEEL UK LIMITED
    Inventors: David Paul Jones, Reginald Geraint Brown
  • Patent number: 8056554
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Nolaris SA
    Inventor: Thomas Hinderling
  • Publication number: 20110265785
    Abstract: It is provided a solar energy module for converting solar radiation to thermal energy. The module includes a thermally insulating element transmissive to solar radiation and having low transmissivity to thermal infra-red radiation, an absorbing element, a sealed enclosure, and a variable portion in the envelope of the sealed enclosure. This portion is adapted for varying the volume available to gas enclosed in the enclosure in accordance with changing temperature of the enclosed gas. Also, it is provided a solar energy module which includes a thermally insulating element, an absorbing surface and liquid pipes for absorbing the solar radiation, and an air duct thermally coupled thereof. The heated liquid and the heated air are usable for a variety of thermal applications. A heat storage may be thermally coupled to the absorbing surface and to the liquid pipes. The air duct has several air valves, and is associated with a controller for regulating air flow through the air duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Shimon Klier, Michael Adel
  • Patent number: 8047200
    Abstract: A hybrid solar heat collector within a translucent dome structure includes a tubular frame, forming a first fluid path, and a transverse hose winding in a spiral inside and outside alternating legs of the frame to form a second fluid path. The first fluid path is connected to a reservoir in which a heater that is turned on to heat a fluid in the first fluid path when its temperature falls below a threshold. The reservoir is located within the dome structure and is configured to readily heat the space within the dome structure, so that the freezing of fluids within the heat collector is prevented. The translucent dome structure is provided with a layer having an opacity that is increased in response to an increase in temperature above a different threshold level, so that the boiling of fluids within the heat collector is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: B. Michael Flaherty
  • Patent number: 8042534
    Abstract: A solar servo control tracking device is disclosed. The device includes: an integrated control device having a solar cell sensor unit detecting luminance at a solar azimuth, and an integrated control panel transmitting a control signal at a maximal solar azimuth, calculated by comparing a solar azimuth from the luminance at a solar azimuth; and solar tracking devices, respectively having a tracking device controller receiving the control signal via a wireless link, a high torque driving unit with an AC single phase inductor to generate driving torque by the control signal from the tracking device controller, solar module assemblies driven by the high torque driving unit to track the solar azimuth in accordance with the control signal, and an operating angle sensor unit installed to the high torque driving unit to detect operating angles of the solar module assemblies that track the sun by the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: SDN Company Ltd
    Inventors: Kee Hyok Choi, In Cheol Lim, Hyun Woo Kim, Hyeok Jae Woo, Kyoo Jae Shin
  • Publication number: 20110232633
    Abstract: A complete energy and water integrated building in a number of modules that may be usable together. The prime module is a solar collector-roof focuses sunlight on inverted strips of fluid-cooled photocells. A second module uses the heated photocell cooling-fluid as winter heating or to charge a heat storage device. A third module uses the heat from photocell cooling to concentrate a liquid desiccant. Water vapor is condensed to liquid water in this module. The concentrated desiccant is used to dry air (humidity extraction). External source of water enables the production of ‘added’ distilled water to increase the reserves of water within the building's water recycle system. Module 5 is a greenhouse with controlled insulation. This module is from liquid foam insulation technology that is in public domain and an invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel D. De Lima
  • Publication number: 20110203576
    Abstract: In the heat utilization installation (1) according to the invention several heat sources (2) are included which are provided each with a jet pump (16), (17), (18), (19). The heat sources (2) are connected to a heat carrier circuit system (7) which includes a single, central circulating pump or circulating pump unit (20). The individual jet pumps (16) to (19) are so controlled for the respective heat sources (2), the required operating temperatures with respect to temperature difference between the outlet and inlet and the flow volume are maintained or achieved. With the possibility of independent control of the flow volumes at the various heat sources (2), uniform fluid temperatures as required for a buffer store (22) or heat consumers can be maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Hans Günther Thoma
  • Publication number: 20110120449
    Abstract: An air heating system is for use with a mechanism for flowing air. The system includes a plenum and a solar absorber. The solar absorber defines a first boundary of the plenum. The solar absorber is permeable to air. The mechanism for flowing air is for pulling air into the plenum through the permeable solar absorber. The plenum has an axial direction, wherein along a cross section of said plenum normal to the axial direction the permeable absorber has an average shape that is substantially convex when the permeable absorber is viewed from outside of the plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas D. Ryan
  • Patent number: 7896000
    Abstract: An integrated, modular solar collector comprising an array of solar collection devices, wherein the array of solar collection devices is mounted in a frame providing for air flow, piping and/or electrical connections between the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: YourSolarHome Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Nikiforov, Richard Kirkpatrick
  • Publication number: 20110041835
    Abstract: A solar heat exchanger assists an air-to-air heat pump by introducing warm solar solution into thermal contact with the saturated vapor, thereby enabling the refrigerant to extract more heat at low ambient temperatures. Thus, the air-to-air heat pump is able to achieve improved heating ability at lower temperatures. The solar heat exchanger may run simultaneously and in parallel with the heat pump to thereby improve the efficiency of the heat pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: JAMES WAYNE BLEVINS
  • Publication number: 20110021133
    Abstract: A ventilation system includes a turbine positioned on a building structure, wherein the turbine is configured to create a low pressure area in the building structure. A first air flow path is positioned between the turbine and an interior of the building structure, and a second air flow path is positioned between the turbine and a thermal source. The ventilation system further includes a means for independently controlling a rate of air flow within the first and second air flow paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Arthur Louis Zwern
  • Publication number: 20110017679
    Abstract: A water processing system includes a water collector to deliver unpurified water to a first container, and a water purifier to purify the water in a second container. A thermal scavenging device extracts heat from a thermal source to heat the purified water, wherein the heated water is stored in a third container, and wherein the first, second, and third containers comprise identically sized containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Arthur Louis Zwern
  • Publication number: 20100300430
    Abstract: An active thermoregulation system without motivity and the method thereof are provided. The system includes a gas source, a regular closed space (1A), and an exhaust device without motivity (1B), a first connecting device (1G) and a second connecting device (1F). In the process of use, the regular closed space (1A) is separated from the external environment. The exhaust device without motivity (1B) includes a blade and a corresponding suction opening, which makes the exhaust device without motivity (1B) connect with the regular closed space (1A). During working process, by utilizing the temperature difference between the natural wind of the external environment and the regular closed space (1A), the blades of the exhaust device without motivity (1B) is driven to rotate. A low pressure is formed at the suction opening, and thus the air of the suction opening is extracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Jianning Peng
  • Publication number: 20100206297
    Abstract: A solar air heating module provides heated air to a ventilation system. The solar air heating module includes a collector for heating and drawing in outside air and a housing. The collector includes an absorber plate for absorbing incident sunlight and includes a plurality of perforations therethrough. The perforations are distributed across the absorber plate for allowing passage of air into the collector. The collector also includes a collector tray mounted behind the absorber plate. The collector tray includes an output for allowing the passage of air out of the collector. The collector tray is spaced from the absorber plate to define a cavity therebetween in which air can to flow towards the output. The housing is mounted to the collector tray and forms a plenum therewith for receiving air from the output. The plenum is at a lower pressure than that of the outside air. The plenum is connected to the ventilation system. A plurality of modules may be combined to form a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Brian WILKINSON
  • Publication number: 20100205963
    Abstract: A small scale, concentrated solar power generation system includes a solar field of parabolic reflectors that may be located in proximity to load centers such that waste heat from the generation system may be employed in distributed, auxiliary applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Danny F. Ammar
  • Patent number: 7757687
    Abstract: A solar air conditioning apparatus includes an inlet assembly (20), an outlet assembly (30), a solar collector assembly (10), connecting assemblies (50) and joining members (40). The solar collector assembly includes a plurality of parallel connected solar collectors (11) disposed between inlet units (22) of the inlet assembly and outlet units (32) of the outlet assembly. The solar collector includes a plurality of series connected solar collecting units (12). The solar collecting unit has a bottom plate (12d), a heat-absorbing plate (12f), a brace plate (12g) and a transparent panel (12a). The bottom plate and the heat-absorbing plate respectively have first and second fastening structures (123, 124) and first and second clasping structures (121, 122) for joining the solar collecting units together. The connecting assemblies series connecting the solar collecting units, the inlet and the outlet assemblies. The joining members parallel connecting the inlet units and the outlet units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Xin-Jian Xiao
  • Patent number: 7753048
    Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) comprises a solar collector assembly (30), an inlet assembly (10) at an entrance of the solar collector assembly, and an outlet assembly (50) at an exit of the solar collector assembly. The solar collector assembly includes a heat-absorbing set (31) and a transparent panel (38) being assembled to a top of the heat-absorbing set. The heat-absorbing set comprises a plurality of heat-absorbing units (32) engaged with each other. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Xin-Jian Xiao