Abstract: A thermal management unit includes a heat sink, which includes a base portion having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The heat sink also includes a first protrusion structure and a second protrusion structure. The first protrusion structure protrudes from the first side of the base portion, and the first protrusion structure includes a plurality of fins. The second protrusion structure protrudes from the second side of the base portion, and the second protrusion structure includes a plurality of ribs.

Abstract: A solar powered smart window includes a light diffuser configured to convert an incident direct solar radiation to a diffusive light toward interior direction, a light diffuser positioner, a driving mechanism, a solar panel, and a control unit. The control unit moved the light diffuser from a predetermined opened position to a closed position and to hold the light diffuser at the closed position with latch mechanism, when the output power of the solar panel exceeds a threshold for over a duration time. The controller releases the latch mechanism and to cause the light diffuser to return to the predetermined opened position when the output power lowers below threshold for over the duration time. A method includes storing a predetermined condition, monitoring the output power, comparing the output power with the predetermined conditions, making decision whether a positional transition is necessary, and causing the transitional transition or maintaining current position.

Abstract: A tile or plate, includes: an upper plate (3) and a lower plate (4); wherein a plurality of heat conducting cavities (6) are uniformly provided between the upper plate (3) and the lower plate (4) via connecting ribs (5). A solar collection layer is provided on an upper surface of the tile or the plate. Two ends of the tile or the plate are connected with each of the plurality of the heat conducting cavities (6) via transverse connecting pipes (23, 37, 42). The transverse connecting pipes (23, 37, 42) of two neighboring tiles are connected by a ferrule (17) or a hose (36) to form an integrated circulation system. The tile or plate has a large day-lighting area and a high energy conversion rate.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of a solar heating system based on absorbing heat from solar radiation through the surface of an exposed tube to a liquid. The heat transfer device makes use of this fluid to transfer heat from the outside of the wall to the inside of the wall. The inside wall is then used to heat air that is passed over it, and that air is then used to heat up a heat storage system.

Abstract: A functional roof construction arrangement for a roof frame of a building, includes a plurality of functional roof modules being assembled together. Each of the functional roof modules includes a module housing and a roof functional unit which includes three different roof functional panel units selectively supported by the module housing at different levels thereof to provide different functions for the building. The roof functional panel units are selectively configured for selectively providing multiple functions of solar energy collection, thermal insulation, sound insulation, wireless network system, and the like.

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: Systems and methods for solar fluid heating in a multi-story building. A system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes solar collectors installed in solar-facing walls of the multi-story building, in which fluid receives thermal energy from the solar collectors. The system also includes fluid storage vessels. The system further includes a circulating pump coupled to the solar collectors to circulate the heated fluid between the solar collectors and the fluid storage vessels on a floor of the multi-story building.

Abstract: A solar light (heat) absorption material which has an excellent solar light (heat) absorbing ability and a simple structure, and may be used as a low-cost and high-performance heat absorption/accumulation material. Also, a solar light (heat) absorption/control building component including the solar light (heat) absorption material that allows for easy change of its solar light (heat) absorption/control ability. The material includes particles dispersed into a liquid medium having a specific heat ranging from 0.4 to 1.4 cal/g/° C. and a melting point of 5° C. or lower. The dispersed particles have L*value of 30 or less as determined by the CIE-Lab color system (light source D65).

Abstract: A heating and cooling system for a building having a passive source of heat energy, a heat sink reservoir to store heat energy in, and a first heat exchange system operating a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius or less and being operatively connected to said reservoir. There is a second heat exchange system operating at a temperature of above 15 degrees Celsius which is also operatively connected to the heat sink reservoir and a thermal mass wall which is connected to the heat exchanger systems. In one aspect, the invention provides a dynamic wall having a first insulating layer on an interior surface of the wall, a thermal mass adjacent to the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer on an outside surface of the thermal mass and a heat exchanger operatively connected to said thermal mass to add or subtract heat from said thermal mass wall.

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 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 present invention provides a process for absorbing solar energy and, simultaneously having a continuous control of the light admission making it possible to install the device in external openings of buildings and equipment, such as windows, shutters or skylights. The system comprises two frames which support plates of transparent material, between which it is possible to introduce a colourful solution coming from an external reservoir. Both frames are interconnected through a flexible membrane which allows the plates to be pushed against each other, making the window transparent, or pushed away interposing the colourful solution, which will make the window uniform and gradually translucent or opaque. The said liquid comes from a reservoir and the access to the gap between the plates through is obtained by means of a channel that separates the two frames, allowing the liquid to flow evenly into the whole surface, thus being a homogenous and adjustable darkening obtainable.

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.

Abstract: A linear trough concentrates sunlight through a long target window in a greenhouse's roof or north wall. Heat is stored in a geothermal heat bank below the greenhouse's center, where a thermal skirt around the greenhouse reduces heat loss.

Abstract: A structure and method of controlling building temperature are provided utilizing both solar and geo-exchange means.

Abstract: This invention provides a solar fluid heating assembly that generally increases efficiency by reflecting the sun's energy onto heat generating surfaces that face away from the sun. It also provides an aesthetic structure that is readily installed in a variety of outdoor settings and can be used as a boundary fence in certain applications. In an illustrative embodiment, the solar heater comprises one or more conduits and a reflective mechanism, such that in use, heat energy falls onto a front surface of the conduit, thereby heating water or another fluid within the conduit, and heat energy is reflected by the reflective mechanism onto another surface of the conduit, thereby further heating the fluid within the conduit.

Abstract: A solar energy-powered heating and cooling system for buildings, including solar energy tiles attached to a roof or an outside surface of walls of a building, an energy collector used to concentrate energy collected by the solar energy tiles, an energy converter activating solar energy into another form of energy, supply pipes hidden inside cavity floor and/or hollow walls and containing a flow medium, and an intelligent control unit. The solar energy collected by the solar energy tiles is brought to the energy collector and then converted via the energy converter. The energy is instilled into the flow medium that is subsequently transferred to the cavity floor and/or hollow walls via the supply pipes so as to either heat up or cool down the building. The process is controlled by the intelligent control unit.

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.

Abstract: A window with an integral solar heat-absorber is provided in a compact, low-cost package. Two transparent panes are separated from one another to provide a first passageway for receiving a working fluid. The periphery of the panes is secured in a frame in which a heat exchanger is also secured, the heat exchanger having a second passageway for the working fluid and a third passageway for a service fluid. The first and second passageways are coupled to make a working fluid circuit.

Abstract: A solar water heating system, including: (a) a solar heating collector, having: (i) an array of convex lenses; (ii) a panel disposed below the array of convex lenses, wherein the array of convex lenses focuses sunlight on the panel to heat areas of the panel; (iii) a fluid chamber disposed below the panel; and (iv) a plurality of members extending from the panel into the fluid chamber to transfer heat from the panel into fluid in the fluid chamber; (b) a fluid reservoir; (c) a fluid inlet line for moving fluid from the fluid reservoir into the fluid inlet of the solar heating collector; (d) fluid outlet line for moving fluid from the fluid chamber of the solar heating collector to the fluid reservoir; and (e) a pump for moving fluid cyclically through the fluid chamber of the solar collector and the fluid reservoir.

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.

Abstract: An airflow window system that includes at least three glazing layers positioned roughly parallel to each other to define at least two internal airflow cavities within the window system. A first of the glazing layers is adjacent a first of the airflow cavities, a second of the glazing layers is adjacent a second of the airflow cavities, and a center glazing layer is between the first and second glazing layers and separates the first and second airflow cavities. Airflow cavity openings are located adjacent the uppermost and lowermost extents of each airflow cavity, and airflow is enabled through the first airflow cavity between the openings thereof and enabled through the second airflow cavity between the openings thereof. The window system operates as a crossflow heat exchanger capable of supplying fresh outdoor air to an enclosed indoor space, while thermally tempering the incoming fresh air with outgoing indoor air.

Abstract: A building component system includes a building component that is controllable between a first state and a second state in response to a sensed condition. The system may include a sensor on a first side of the building component and a sensor on the second side of the building component. The building component may be a window that is controllable between an opaque state and a clear state by a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) network that senses the conditions on both sides of the window.

Abstract: A solar collector system (10, 30, 82, 82?, 171) includes a photovoltaic means (24, 174) for conversion of solar energy into electrical energy and a pathway/conduit (22, 94, 94?, 94?) for thermal transfer fluid which is in thermal communication with the photovoltaic means (24, 174). A shaped solar concentrator surface (12, 58, 58?, 173) may have at least one focus and the pathway/conduit (22, 94, 94?, 94?) may be disposed at the focus. The shaped solar concentrator surface (12, 58, 58?, 173) may be comprised of roof cladding material (58?) which is integrally formed to support the conduit (94) at the focus. Alternatively, the concentrator surface (173) may be disposed in a trough of corrugated roof cladding, with a transparent or translucent cover (98) over the top. The covers may be domed covers having an axis of curvature which substantially aligns with the roof gradient. A roofing structure comprises intersecting first (48) and second (50) roofing planes.

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: A solar panel frame assembly including a plurality of corner pieces and side extension pieces is disclosed. Each corner piece and side extension has an inner and outer side which terminate at their respective ends. The pieces interlock with each other at their ends to form a frame around the periphery of a solar panel. Adjacent corner pieces also interlock with each other along their outer sides so that a plurality of adjacent framed solar panels can be connected together to form an array of framed solar panels. A method for forming an array of connected and framed solar panels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar air heating system for a building having a vertical, south-facing wall. The system has a perforated panel covering the wall. Vertical frame members fasten the panel to the wall to space the panel a short distance away from the wall and to form an air channel between the wall and panel. There is an air collecting space at the bottom of the channel, adjacent the wall. An air inlet in the wall connects the air collecting space to the interior of the building. A fan in the inlet draws outside air into the channel through the perforations in the panel, from the channel into the air collecting space, and from the air collecting space into the building through the air inlet.

Abstract: A method of air-conditioning a building with low heat loss, having the following steps: providing a fresh-air/outgoing-air system for feeding fresh air through a heat accumulator being located beneath said building and extracting said outgoing air through the heat accumulator; routing the fresh-air and the outgoing air in first and second tubes, where the first tubes are nested in the second tubes so as to recover heat energy present in the outgoing air.

Abstract: A structurally integrated solar collector. Roof and wall covering components are integrated with solar collectors to permit solar energy to be converted to heat, electricity and hot water for use within a building. A roof truss is described that additionally captures sunlight for illuminating a building. The roof and wall components are adaptable to heating and cooling seasons so as to minimize the loss of air-conditioned air in the summer time and to maximize solar heating during cold months. Solar energy captured by a structurally integrated solar collector can be directly converted to electricity through use of photovoltaic materials or by harnessing airflow through structurally integrated solar collector to obtain electricity through mechanical conversion.

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: Solar water heaters may include a solar collector in a decorative structure, and solar collectors comprising a coil of tubing are adapted to be disposed in a decorative structure such as a wishing well. In one embodiment, a solar water heating system comprising a decorative structure and a coil of tubing disposed within the decorative structure, the coil having a helical shape and being oriented with its axis disposed generally vertically. In another embodiment, a method comprises the steps of providing a coil of tubing, the coil having an axis and the tubing of the coil being radially spaced from the axis; disposing the coil in a location receiving sunlight with the coil axis oriented generally vertically; and causing fluid to flow through the coil.

Abstract: A structure or enclosure with a solar energy absorbing system, arranged so that at least one wall faces the sun and at least one wall is shaded. The structure has a thermal switch between the solar energy absorbing unit and a solar energy storage unit. The structure has a thermal switch between the solar energy storage unit and the interior. The structure has a thermal switch between the shaded wall of the structure and a heat dissipating heat sink. The thermal switch between the solar energy absorbing unit and the solar energy storage unit is modular and is replaceable with other thermal switches having different temperature set points. The thermal switches control the temperature of the interior of the structure in varying climates and sunlight conditions to within a desirable and limited range.

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 device for transferring heat between a panel heated by solar radiation and a wall surface, including an insulating plate mounted parallel between the panel and the wall surface, to define a closed external space between the panel and the insulating plate, and a closed internal space between the insulating plate and the wall. An air circulator is interposed between the external space and the internal space and can be put selectively in an open state allowing circulation of air between the external space and the internal space, and thus allowing thermal transfer between the panel and the wall, and a closed state preventing circulation of air between the external space and the internal space, and thus preventing thermal transfer between the panel and the wall.

Abstract: A solar system house having a solar-heat collecting portion on a roof, a solar-heat collecting duct communicated with the solar-heat collecting portion; and a handling box connected to the solar-heat collecting portion. The handling box includes a back-flow damper that prevent a back-flow toward the solar-heat collecting duct, an air-flow change damper that allow selection between a descending duct and an exhaust duct opened to the outside, a solar-heat collecting fan positioned between the back-flow chamber and the air-flow change damper, and a driving motor for rotating the solar-heat collecting fan in the handling box, which is a direct current (DC) motor to be driven by a solar-battery and a rechargeable battery electrically connected to the solar-battery.

Abstract: An energy system for buildings uses solar absorbers, heat exchangers and heat accumulators, and has the following features to improve the thermal balance of the building: the solar absorber has tubes or pipes laid to form meanders between the roofing and an insulating layer arranged thereunder; the solar absorber is subdivided into at least two zones each with its own liquid circulation system; there is arranged below the building a solid heat-accumulator to which heat can be supplied or removed using embedded tubes or pipes; the heat accumulator is subdivided into at least two zones, i.e.

Abstract: The facade unit (1) has three plate sections (2, 3, 4). The intermediate space (5) facing the building interior is filled with gas, the exterior intermediate space (6) being filled with a circulating liquid (7) which is dyed or pigmented in such a way that it absorbs infrared light but is at least partially transparent for visible light. This ensures that the building interior is well shaded from heat radiation and provides and efficient means of acquiring heat energy. The efficiency can be increased further by various methods.

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 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: Low-cost off-peak electric energy or electric energy from natural energy sources is used for heating of cooling of system air, which is moved in a closed circuit to heat or cool the energy storage medium of permeable concrete and sized gravel in the exterior walls of the structures. The heated or cooled system air is pressurized by a blower, and is moved horizontally outward through the energy storage medium, to store energy therein, as heat or cold. When stored heat or cold is required inside the structure, system air is moved horizontally, inward, through the energy storage medium, and is heated or cooled thereby, thus moving heat or cold to the material forming the interior surfaces of the exterior walls. Those surfaces then provide radiant heat transfer and convection heat transfer, with materials of the interiors of the structure, and with contents and occupants thereof. The energy storage walls are constructed of large energy storage blocks, lapped for added strength.

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 heat collecting panel having three stacked compartments enclosed within a frame. A pair of similar spaced apart parallel clear plastic sheets form the top and bottom of the uppermost compartment. The middle compartment is formed by the bottom sheet of the uppermost compartment and a similar parallel spaced apart sheet. A metallic heat absorption sheet lies parallel to the bottom sheet of the uppermost compartment and is spaced between the top and bottom sheets of the middle compartment. The upper side of the metallic sheet is covered with a black coating. The lowermost compartment is formed by the bottom sheet of the middle compartment and a similar parallel spaced apart sheet lying beneath the bottom sheet of the middle compartment. The five sheets of the solar heat collecting panel may be either flat or contour-profiled.

Abstract: An article adapted for selectively utilizing solar radiation comprises an absorptive surface and a reflective surface, the absorptive surface and the reflective surface oriented to absorb solar radiation when the sun is in a relatively low position, and to reflect solar radiation when the sun is in a relatively high position.

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 vehicular driveway pad is arranged to include a solar collector panel positioned adjacent thereto in a spaced relationship, having a first fluid conduit directed from the solar collector panel and a serpentine second conduit path under the driveway to effect heating thereof, with the serpentine path having radial stabilizer fins mounted to an exterior surface of the serpentine path for communicating and transmitting heat from the second conduit to the driveway. Metallic plates arranged in a spaced relationship relative to the driveway path projecting therethrough and in mechanical communication with the serpentine path of the second conduit is arranged to enhance heat flow to assist in melting snow and ice relative to the driveway pad.