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.

Abstract: A solar heating system for a building and other architectural structures including a solar heating system. The solar heating system comprises a solar heating module with an enclosure of panels bounding a plenum. An interior panel is disposed inside the enclosure. A collector panel, which is separated from the interior panel to define a heating chamber, is exposed to, and heated by, solar radiation. Outside air enters the heating chamber though passages in the collector panel, where the air is heated by heat transferred from the collector panel. An air-moving device is coupled with an air outlet from the plenum. The air-moving device applies a negative pressure in the heating chamber effective for drawing the outside air through the passages into the heating chamber and for withdrawing the heated air from the heating chamber through a delivery opening to the plenum for subsequent removal through the air outlet.

Abstract: This passive solar heating invention is designed to be a single or full window installation (for most sliding and double-hung windows) that is the simplest, lightest, and most cost effective answer to the world-wide demand for clean, cheap, renewable energy. The bias in designing this invention was to give the home resident the option of half a window for viewing. If the resident decides the view is inconsequential, then a full size installation will more than double the heat output of ‘Tersol’ or through wall installation, if feasible. Permanent installation would not increase cost, and would provide for a much larger unit with accompanying output.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, including: a highly radiant heat absorbing material placed closely spaced from and generally parallel to an inside surface of a glass panel disposed in a wall or a door so as to form therebetween a plenum, the highly radiant heat absorbing material being at least partially visually clear.

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: The invention relates to a heat pump system (10) comprising a heat pump (5) so arranged as to permit the taking up of thermal energy from outdoor air and the giving off of thermal energy to another medium (20), and an external space (2) adapted to permit heating of the outdoor air by the use of solar radiation (12), the system (10) being so arranged as to conduct the outdoor air to the heat pump (5) via the external space (2). The invention is characterized in that the heat pump system (10) comprises means (3, 6, 7, 7a, 7b, 9) for regulating the flow of the outdoor air to the external space (2).

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

Abstract: A device for collecting rainwater and calories originating from solar radiation in order at the same time to drain the rainwater and generate domestic hot water or heating, capable of being mounted at the base of a roof or on the edge of a balcony, includes an open channel (2) having longitudinal walls and lateral walls (7, 8). The open channel (2) has in cross section a stepped profile including first and second steps. A translucent or transparent cover plate (3) is mounted inside the open channel (2) at the second step while being held by the lateral walls (7, 8) and partly delimits a sealed chamber (2b). A heat exchanger device (12) inside which a coolant can flow is mounted inside the sealed chamber (2b), and the first step defines at least partly a section for the flow of the rainwater.

Abstract: A heat generation and storage device supplements building heating and hot water systems. A roof cap including an air passage is connected to air outlets disposed within the roof structure of a building and to air passages formed by panels mounted over the surface of a building's roof. The roof cap is connected to a vent which either exhausts air to the atmosphere and/or recirculates air to a liquid heat storage tank. Heated air and heated water from the storage tank supplement a building's heating and hot water systems.

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 between the devices.

Abstract: This invention provides novel devices and methods for the heating of air with solar radiant energy. The devices of the present invention feature a housing partitioned into essentially isolated sections wherein the sections are in fluid communication with each other through a plurality of channels located within the partitions. The two unique features of the invention, essentially isolated sections and partitions comprising a plurality of channels, increase the temperature achieved by the solar heater by 1) creating multiple, sequential sections that function independently of each other providing a higher starting temperature in each section and, therefore, a higher final temperature, 2) providing second means of heating the air within the channels located within the partitions and, 3) by virtually eliminating the mixing of incoming cold air with the heated air of the solar air heater.

Abstract: A SOLAR TRACKER FOR THERMAL AND PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS WITH A FORCED AIR SYSTEM, APPLICABLE TO BUILDINGS, with a panel-carrying framework on a dome, whose interior features a heat accumulator, acting as a column; attached to the base of this there is a fan and radiator capable of blowing treated air towards the apartments, it being installed over the stairwell, which acts as a carriage duct, also acting as a fire protection system as it creates centrifugal radial flows, expelling harmful gases on opening doors and windows. The framework tilts on two axes of a spider joint located between two yokes, one of these fixed on the column and the other tilting, this last supporting the framework. Four servo-cylinders, two per axis, cause it to be directed towards the sun. The rows of the framework, arranged on different levels, in the shape of a stepped pyramid, support juxtaposed thermal and photovoltaic panels, it being possible to direct those appropriate towards the sun while the others are shaded.

Abstract: A solar heating system for a building and other architectural structures including a solar heating system. The solar heating system comprises a solar heating module with an enclosure of panels bounding a plenum. An interior panel is disposed inside the enclosure. A collector panel, which is separated from the interior panel to define a heating chamber, is exposed to, and heated by, solar radiation. Outside air enters the heating chamber though passages in the collector panel, where the air is heated by heat transferred from the collector panel. An air-moving device is coupled with an air outlet from the plenum. The air-moving device applies a negative pressure in the heating chamber effective for drawing the outside air through the passages into the heating chamber and for withdrawing the heated air from the heating chamber through a delivery opening to the plenum for subsequent removal through the air outlet.

Abstract: A solar heating system for use in combination with a forced draft heating system for heating ventilation air of a building. The solar heating system includes a solar collector assembly for heating a liquid circulated through the assembly. The heated liquid is stored in an insulated storage tank where it can be circulated through a heat exchanger positioned in an air duct of the forced draft heating system as need to heat air flow through the duct. The use of a liquid as the heat transfer fluid and providing a storage facility for heated liquid permits the heating system to operate for a period of time after the sun sets or becomes ineffective in providing solar radiation until the heat stored in the liquid becomes exhausted. To increase the heat storage capacity of the liquid, one or more heat sinks can be utilized to absorb excess heat from the liquid and then transfer the absorbed heat back to the liquid when an opposite thermal gradient exists.

Abstract: There are disclosed a honeycomb structure which is preferably usable as a filter, for example, for trapping particulates in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, boiler or the like or for filtering liquids such as city water and sewage and in which an increase of a pressure loss at a use time is inhibited. A honeycomb structure 1 comprises: two end surfaces 5 consisting of first and second end surfaces; a porous body 2 in which a plurality of fluid channels 3 extending to a second end surface 5b from a first end surface 5a are formed; and plugging members 4 for plugging end portions 6 on end surfaces 5 side of the fluid channels 3.

Abstract: This invention absorbs available heat from the flue gas of an existing building's heating system and heat from the sun. The heat is absorbed and stored in a heat-collecting sphere of special design. The absorbed heat collected in the sphere is transferred, by the conventional refrigeration cycle, to the heat exchanger located at the air inlet to the building heating system. The refrigerant liquid is sprayed into the collecting sphere, as it absorbs heat, it evaporates and changes into a gas. The refrigerant compressor transfers the gas from the heat-collector to the heat exchanger. The existing heater fan draws air across the heat exchanger finned coil removing heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant gas gives up heat and is condensed. The heated air combines with the existing furnace air to heat the existing building. The refrigerant liquid from the heat exchanger is transferred to the heat-collecting sphere spray nozzles.

Abstract: An apparatus for pre-heating ventilation air for a building. The apparatus includes a first sunlight-absorbent collector panel on the building. The panel is exposed to ambient air and defines a first air collection space between itself and the building. The first sunlight-absorbent collector panel has a plurality of air inlet openings to allow the ambient air to pass through the openings to the first air collection space. A second sunlight-absorbent collector panel on the building is adjacent the first sunlight-absorbent collector panel and defines a second air collection space between itself and the building. The second sunlight-absorbent collector panel has a plurality of air inlet openings to allow air to pass through the openings to the second air collection space. A glazing covers the second sunlight-absorbent collector panel and defines an intermediary air flow chamber between itself and the second sunlight-absorbent collector panel.

Abstract: This invention provides buildings with a modular air conditioning system that utilizes solar energy for heating air. This invention contains a solar collector assembly, an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly. The solar collector assembly further comprises a transparent panel, a heat-absorbing set and a support base, and forms paths for heating the air, wherein the heat-absorbing set is made of several simple, light-weight modular heat-absorbing units to form several heat-absorbing channels. Such a design not only can fully utilize the heat-absorbing space on the roof and save the cost for being displayed in marketing channels, but also can be constructed by the users in accordance with their own needs, so as to save cost in modularization. The inlet and outlet assemblies communicate to the heat-absorbing channels in the solar collector assembly and are respectively connected to the pipes and paths leading into and out of the buildings.

Abstract: This invention provides buildings with a modular air conditioning system that utilizes solar energy for heating air. This invention contains a solar collector assembly, an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly. The solar collector assembly further comprises a transparent panel, a heat-absorbing set and a support base, and forms paths for heating the air, wherein the heat-absorbing set is made of several simple, light-weight modular heat-absorbing units to form several heat-absorbing channels. Such a design not only can fully utilize the heat-absorbing space on the roof and save the cost for being displayed in marketing channels, but also can be constructed by the users in accordance with their own needs, so as to save cost in modularization. The inlet and outlet assemblies communicate to the heat-absorbing channels in the solar collector assembly and are respectively connected to the pipes and paths leading into and out of the buildings.

Abstract: A solar heat collector constructed of non-conducting laminated and corrugated material to form a collector container with a bottom panel, a plurality of end panels that include a plurality of attached plenums with air inlet and exiting apertures and distribution apertures for air flow over and under an absorber plate. A plurality of side panels include longitudinally folded supports for an absorber plate held in place by bonding attachment to longitudinal side and underlying center supports extending upward from the bottom panel. The conductive absorber plate is positioned vertically to allow air flow space between the plate and a cover and air flow space below the plate parallel to the centerline. In another embodiment, end and side panels including the end plenums and side supports are co-extensive panels of a common multi-panel blank that is folded to form the container bottom, ends and sides.

Abstract: A venetian blind type solar heater. The top outer half of the slats are coated with a heat absorbing material while the rest of the slats are coated with a non-heat absorbing material. Thermal conduction in the metal slats heats the entire slat. The distance between the slats are half the width of the slat so that the slats overlap. The number of slats increases thereby increasing the total surface area available for heat transfer to the inside room air by convection and thermal radiation. When the orientation of the slats are reversed the heat absorbing surface area is shielded from outside solar radiation and any stray inside room radiation.

Abstract: A control for a solar-heating and ventillation-cooling air type solar system has temperature sensors, dual air distribution valves, valve actuators and a fan-integrated into a single module that is removably mounted together with a modular solar system enclosure. The control senses the interior space temperature and the exterior enviornment temperature, and determines and effects a solar system operating mode to provide a comfort function in all seasons. The control provides recirculation heating, direct heating, ventillation cooling and cool conservation, or variable combinations thereof.

Abstract: A carbon/carbon system is provided for collecting, storing and/or dissipating heat in a building structure. Carbon/carbon panels are used to collect heat generated by solar energy and other heating sources. The panels are interconnected either directly to each other or using heat transfer conduits. The heat collected by the carbon/carbon panels is transferred to heat storage areas or to areas for immediate use using heat transfer conduits.

Abstract: A solar collection system and method having means for receiving solar radiation through a main refractive interface and means for internally reflecting at least once, at least a portion of the received solar radiation. The refractive medium may be liquid, gel or solid. The device may be integrated with a photovoltaic device, photohydrolytic device, a heat engine, a light pipe or a photothermal receptor.

Abstract: A solar cell module according to the present invention includes at least a base material, a first insulating material formed on the base material, a photovoltaic element set including a plurality of photovoltaic elements formed on the first insulating material, and a second insulating material formed on the photovoltaic element set. The base material has an L or W shape. In one embodiment, the base material has an L section shape, and a bent portion is formed in a portion where no photovoltaic element is arrange. In another embodiment, the photovoltaic element set includes a wiring material for electrically connecting the photovoltaic elements, and a bent portion is formed in a portion where the wiring material is arranged. Power generation and heat collection efficiency are increased, and optical deterioration of a non-single-crystal semiconductor are decreased in the present solar cell modules.

Abstract: To provide an inexpensive air-conditioned construction of floor and ceiling, by using as a heat accumulating agent water which is friendly to the human body and nature, and using a heat source solar energy or outside air temperature. The construction of the invention comprises a floor body and a ceiling body formed by a plurality of space portions and filled up with water, sunlight intercepting sections for permitting the contains to receive the sunlight, heating sections provided below the sunlight intercepting sections, outside air temperature receiving sections or outside heating means provided in place of the sunlight intercepting sections, and cooling sections provided above the outside air temperature receiving sections.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system, in which two separated arrays of refracting elements disperse incident sunlight and concentrate the sunlight onto solar energy converters, such that each converter receives a narrow portion of the broad solar spectrum and thereby operates at higher efficiency.

Abstract: A system for heating and ventilating a building which includes a generally peripheral foundation element which supports the external walls of the building. Room air is heated and circulated below the floor and up through floor openings at the external wall. A barrier is connected to the foundation wall so as to span the area enclosed by the foundation wall at a level beneath the floor. Exhaust air is conducted to a region beneath the barrier for surface-enlarged contact with the underside of the barrier. The foundation element and/or the base that supports the foundation element is permeable to air along essentially its full length beneath where the foundation element connects with the barrier and exhaust air flows out through the foundation element or its supporting material while effecting an exchange of heat therewith.

Abstract: A refractive energy window system which uses light energy to heat the air. The system has a solar panel which focuses the light energy on the air when the air passes through the solar panel. A frame structure is used to support and hold the solar panel. The frame has an input section which draws the air into the solar panel and an output section which outputs the air after the air has passed through the solar panel and has been heated by the light energy.

Abstract: An unglazed transpired solar collector using solar radiation to heat incoming air for distribution, comprising an unglazed absorber formed of low thermal-conductance material having a front surface for receiving the solar radiation and openings in the unglazed absorber for passage of the incoming air such that the incoming air is heated as it passes towards the front surface of the absorber and the heated air passes through the openings in the absorber for distribution.

Abstract: A solar collector for use in association with a building, the system having a concave mirror located on the exterior of the building and defining a focal point, a moveable mounting for moving the mirror to aim it directly at the sun at least over a predetermined period of the daylight hours, a secondary reflector located at the focal point of the concave mirror to receive the sun's rays reflected from the mirror means, an opening in the concave mirror to receive a concentrated beam of the sun's rays reflected from the secondary reflector, a third reflector located on the convex side of the concave mirror to receive the concentrated beam of the sun's rays from the secondary reflector reflected through the opening, and to redirect it along a heat storage path, a support connected to the concave mirror to receive the redirected beam, the support passing from the exterior to the interior of the building, an energy conversion system within the building interior to receive the redirected light beam from the mirror