Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising: an active electrochromic layer having optical properties that vary based on an electrical voltage applied to the active electrochromic layer; an integrated energy source integrated within the electrochromic device for generating or storing electrical energy; and a controller operatively coupled to the energy source and the active electrochromic layer for applying the electrical energy generated or stored by the integrated energy source to the active electrochromic layer to achieve the optical properties desired by a user. The described electrochromic device is entirely self-contained and internally produces all the electrical energy necessary for its operation and specifically for the operation of the controller and for controlling the optical properties of the electrochromic layer. In other words, there no external wiring or any kind is required for supplying electric energy to the electrochromic device.

Abstract: A method of modulating the impact of electromagnetic irradiance on the thermal energy budget of a predominantly enclosed space, in some instances buildings, includes providing at least an inner shell and placing a plurality of functional elements in an exterior position relative to an outside facing side thereof. The outside facing surfaces of the functional elements have higher reflectivity in the visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) wavelength range relative to the mid-infrared (MIR) wavelength range. The inside facing surfaces of the functional elements have higher reflectivity in the NIR and MIR wavelength range relative to the VIS wavelength range. The functional elements are least in one degree of freedom spatially adjustable. A thermal carrier medium may be present to increase thermal capacity and to permit transfer of thermal energy.

Abstract: A thermal energy system comprising a first thermal system in use having a cooling demand, and a heat sink connection system coupled to the first thermal system, the heat sink connection system being adapted to provide selective connection to a plurality of heat sinks for cooling the first thermal system, the heat sink connection system comprising a first heat exchanger system adapted to be coupled to a first remote heat sink containing a working fluid and a second heat exchanger system adapted to be coupled to ambient air as a second heat sink, a fluid loop interconnecting the first thermal system, the first heat exchanger system and the second heat exchanger system, at least one mechanism for selectively altering the order of the first heat exchanger system and the second heat exchanger system in relation to a fluid flow direction around the fluid loop, and a controller for actuating the at least one mechanism. An alternative embodiment has a heating demand and uses heat sources.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power plant includes a solar heat collector which collects solar heat and then supplies the solar heat to a heat medium. The power plant includes a heat exchanger which changes a secondary medium into steam by heat exchange with the heat medium. The power plant includes a turbine. The power plant includes a temperature sensor which detects the temperature of the heat medium. The power plant includes and a controller which supplies the heat medium with heat obtained by the conversion of an output variation component having a period shorter than a predetermined value in electricity generated by a wind power generator when the temperature does not satisfy a predetermined condition associated with the driving of the turbine.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an Environmental Optimization System (“EOS”) provides a system for the intelligent control and monitoring of a poultry or livestock house environment through the utilization of a solar thermal collection system, a variety of environmental and livestock behavior sensors, apparatus for controlling the thermal collection and existing interior heating/air conditioning/ventilation (“HVAC”) systems, and Internet or cloud based intelligent control and monitoring capabilities of the system. In various embodiments central sensor data aggregation is utilized to provide improved optimization control for individual structures based on data from multiple structures.

Abstract: A building using solar energy for heating and cooling without any air conditioning equipment is disclosed. The building comprises a fluid channel arranged for a fluid to transfer absorbed solar heat, a solar heat storage bank to store and supply the solar heat, and a mechanism for directing and controlling the flow of the fluid throughout the building. A insulating glass style solar heat collector (IGSHC) and building element comprises a insulating glass or the like; a solar heat absorber is arranged in hollow space of the insulating glass, and separates the space into two subspaces; a fluid channel is connected to the solar heat absorber; the channel connected to a convergent tube; and an air inlet and an air outlet are provided for drawing heated air out from one of the divided subspaces, each of the air inlet and air outlet has a respective cover for closing or opening the air channel.

Abstract: A heliostat capable of collecting light with high efficiency and having reduced manufacturing and installation costs; and a method of controlling the heliostat. The heliostat includes a reflecting mirror configured to reflect sunlight; and a support mechanism configured to tiltably support the reflecting mirror. The support mechanism has a single supporting column and first and second cylinders. The reflecting mirror is supported at its back surface by a supporting column upper end of the supporting column, a first cylinder upper end of the first cylinder and a second cylinder upper end of the second cylinder in a tiltable manner, which are arranged to form a triangle on the back surface of the reflecting mirror. A gimbal bearing connects the supporting column upper end and the reflecting mirror, the gimbal bearing being configured to be tiltable in two axial directions intersecting with each other.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An integrated mounting apparatus, primarily for solar panels and other renewable energy panels, which reduces the need for anchors in the rooftop and provides energy storage and conversion options. The mounting apparatus has a base, sides, a front, a back, and a top. It is generally wedge-shaped. It has a depression designed to fit photovoltaic and solar thermal panels. It has a number of mounting mechanisms, including ballast, tethers, and fasteners. It has a ballast cavity, which, when filled with water, can store energy and inter-change that energy with the building.

Abstract: A sheathing layer spans a supporting surface from which moisture is to be removed. In one exemplary system, ventilation channels extend between opposed ends of the substrate layer, communicating with an outlet opening at one end and with a duct at the opposing end which in turn communicates with an inlet opening at the same end of the substrate layer as the outlet opening. A fan is arranged to circulate air through channels from the inlet opening to the outlet opening to replace humid air in the channels with drier replacement air. In another example, a substrate layer includes ventilation channels communicating only between the supporting surface and an outlet opening. The outlet opening connects to a fan which maintains the channels at a vacuum pressure to withdraw moisture therefrom.

Abstract: A solar roofing panel includes at least one photovoltaic device, including a front structure and a rear structure, and at least one solar collector capable of delivering hot water, including a front structure and a rear structure. The respective front structures of the photovoltaic device and of the solar collector include glass substrates forming a cover that has an upper face, to face an external environment, and an opposed inner face, the respective rear structures of the photovoltaic device and of the solar collector being placed beneath the cover, facing the inner face. The glass substrates have no metal frames and are joined together, or are separated by other transition glass substrates, so as to form a uniform unitary glass cover.

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.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) includes 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. Each of the heat-absorbing units includes two adjacent supporting members (33) and a heat-absorbing plate (35) sandwiched between and buckled with the two supporting members. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel (314) with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel (315) below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) includes 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. Each of the heat-absorbing units includes two adjacent supporting members (33) and a heat-absorbing plate (35) sandwiched between and buckled with the two supporting members. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel (314) with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel (315) below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar air heater comprising—at least one transparent or translucent front panel comprising at least one first flow passage, said first flow passage substantially elongated and extending along the surface of the front panel,—a back panel preferably substantially parallel with the front panel,—at least one heat absorbing element, preferably located between the front panel and the back panel,—at least one air inlet,—at least one air outlet,—at least a second flow passage between the front panel and the heat absorption element, and—at least a third flow passage between the heat absorption element and the back panel, whereby air flowing through the solar air heater from an air inlet to an air outlet will pass at least a first, a second and a third flow passage.

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.

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.

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. A distance between the inlet assembly and the outlet assembly is equal to a longitudinal length of single heat-absorbing unit. 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.

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, 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: 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. A distance between the inlet assembly and the outlet assembly is equal to a longitudinal length of single heat-absorbing unit. 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.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) includes 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. Each of the heat-absorbing units includes two adjacent supporting members (33) and a heat-absorbing plate (35) sandwiched between and buckled with the two supporting members. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel (314) with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel (315) below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) includes 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. Each of the heat-absorbing units includes two adjacent supporting members (33) and a heat-absorbing plate (35) sandwiched between and buckled with the two supporting members. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel (314) with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel (315) below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.

Abstract: A portable solar heater (10) is provided for use with a window (12) of an enclosed space (14) of a building structure or vehicle (16). The portable solar heater (10) includes a sheet metal body (30) and a releasable support (32) to mount the sheet metal body (30) relative to an interior surface (20) of the window (12). The sheet metal body (30) includes a pair of oppositely facing surfaces (34,36) separated by a thickness t of the sheet metal. One of the surfaces (34,36) is a window facing surface (34) and is a highly solar energy absorptive surface.

Abstract: An air type solar system of the present invention has a heat-collecting unit for heating air by solar heat, and a blower fan for blowing the air as a heat medium from the heat-collecting unit. The blower fan is of a large scale, which is capable of: blowing the air at a rate of about 100 to 2000 m3/hour; and rotating by a direct-current generated from solar cells under normal conditions. In addition, the amount of airflow is confined by an automatic electrical control in winter to adjust the temperature of heat-collected air to an appropriate temperature for heating and humidification. Therefore, the air type solar system of the present invention can be appropriately operated in quest of an effective use of the solar cells while there is no need to use any storage cell.

Abstract: An air type solar system of the present invention has a heat-collecting unit for heating air by solar heat, and a blower fan for blowing the air as a heat medium from the heat-collecting unit. The blower fan is of a large scale, which is capable of: blowing the air at a rate of about 100 to 2000 m3/hour; and rotating by a direct-current generated from solar cells under normal conditions. In addition, the amount of airflow is confined by an automatic electrical control in winter to adjust the temperature of heat-collected air to an appropriate temperature for heating and humidification. Therefore, the air type solar system of the present invention can be appropriately operated in quest of an effective use of the solar cells while there is no need to use any storage cell.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained, solar powered heating and cooling system for a building. The collector has an insulated heating chamber, and a light transmissive cover and a thermostatically controlled vent. The chamber contains absorptive columns standing on the floor. An internal liquid conduit exposes the liquid to the heat within the chamber. The collector is connected to a remote thermal reservoir such that a liquid circuit and a separate gas circuit both circulate heated fluid to the reservoir. Heat can be stored in any of a liquid reservoir, thermal mass reservoir and gas reservoir. Wind powered generators and photovoltaic cells provide power for the system or other applications. The thermal reservoir has heat exchangers which deliver stored heat to the building or operate a heat operated refrigeration machine (e.g., a liquid absorption chiller). Additional self sustaining power sources may optionally be incorporated into the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is a convective airflow dryer system for coffee beans and other such crops, that includes a removable materials container. The removable, stackable container has at least one interior airway structure extending from, preferably, the bottom or sidewall surface to about the top of the container. The airflow structure is configured to freely admit, flow and transfer air, including moisture ladened air, through a port or vent in the bottom or sidewall, over its length and breadth into and out of the coffee beans or other crops or materials being dried, and out the top of the container. The dryer system and the containers are configured for directing the full airflow of the dryer system through the container or set of interconnected containers when in place, and to easily remove the containers from the dryer for emptying, refilling and reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhanced heat and moisture exchange between make-up and exhaust air streams includes a housing having an exterior wall defining an interior channel through which air streams may pass and a water vapor permeable barrier disposed within the interior channel so as to partition the interior channel into a plurality of subchannels. At least a portion of exterior wall of the housing comprises a light-transmitting material. The exchange apparatus may be implemented as a modular panel which can be integrated into the exterior walls or facade of a structure. Also disclosed is a preheating apparatus in fluid communication with one of the subchannels of the exchanger apparatus. The preheating apparatus also includes an exterior wall defining an interior channel and having at least a portion of the wall formed of a light transmitting material. One or more energy absorbing heating elements are disposed within the interior channel of the preheating apparatus.

Abstract: A device utilizing solar energy, including four supporting-moving mechanisms moving and adjusting collectors in more than one direction connected to a frame, the supporting-moving mechanism is also connected to a fix base surface, an absorbing plate black colored and with pyramidal or wedge shape is placed on an insulating plate laying on the base plate of the plane collectors placed on the frame, translucent covering plate covers all the surface, baffles between the base plate and translucent covering plate perpendicular to the base plate and parallel to each others provide an air current path, the farthest baffles form side walls, opposite to the inlet of the air current path installed with filter an outlet is provided, the inlet of the air pump house is connected to the outlet to which a device utilizing the heat energy is connected.

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: 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: There is provided the combination of a corrugated solar collector panel and a building surface to which it is attached, in spaced relationship. At least some of the panel corrugations are flat and located such that they face in the general direction of the sun during at least a portion of the daylight hours. Generally uniformly distributed apertures are provided in the panel, and specifically at flat areas in the corrugations. The combination further includes photovoltaic cells mounted to the corrugations at flat portions thereof containing the apertures, with the cells being supported substantially parallel with and adjacent to but spaced apart from the flat surfaces, thus leaving air passages between the photovoltaic cells and the solar collector, whereby air can enter and leave the enclosed space by flowing through the air passages and along the undersides of the photovoltaic cells, thus removing excess heat build-up from the voltaic cells.

Abstract: In a solar collector assembly, one or more absorber tubes are made up of a plurality of discarded metal can bodies in end-to-end relation, one or more collector tubes are made up of a plurality of discarded transparent pop bottles arranged in end-to-end relation to one another and in surrounding relation to the absorber tubes. A blower is positioned in one of the absorber tubes to force air through the absorber tube and through a discharge conduit into a space to be heated.

Abstract: A modular panel system for constructing buildings. Panels are made from column structures which form fit so that they slide together to create the panel. Panels are specially constructed so that they serve as air conduits, through which air, both to and from the living space of the modular panel home passes. For use in cool weather, cool air is drawn from the living space into the wall panels of this invention, transferred to a solar panel air system where it is heated. The heated air is then transferred from the solar panel system into other wall panels of this invention and through these wall panels and into a specially designed heat collection floor panel. The heat collection floor panel receives the solar panel heated air which in turn heats a storage material in the floor panel and then is expelled into the living space for heating thereof. Once in the living space the air is cooled down and is drawn back into return wall panels.

Abstract: A xenon arc lamp (10, 12) used as a high intensity light source for a liquid crystal light valve projector includes a cold mirror (16) that reflects visible reading light (18a, 18b) to the liquid crystal light valve and transmits infrared light to a heat transfer unit (20) that is arranged to remove heat from the projector. The heat transfer unit (20), positioned adjacent the back of the cold mirror, is formed by a group of wire grids (50,52,54,56) that are mutually parallel and spaced close to one another with the openings of the grids displaced so as to be out of alignment with one another from grid to grid. The grids are mounted in a housing (28,30,34) which includes a heat reflective backup plate (62) on the far side of the grids and a cooling gas is caused to flow through the housing and over the grids to remove the heat transferred to the grid from the infrared radiation.