Abstract: In one embodiment, a thermodynamic system includes multiple types of thermodynamic cycles and multiple types of solar thermal fields that provide thermal energy to the thermodynamic cycles.

Abstract: A heat storage system is provided that is capable of being manufactured at lower cost and has higher heat transmission efficiency. A heat storage system includes a heat storage material having a higher specific gravity in a solid phase than in a liquid phase, a heat storage tank for containing the heat storage material, a cooling side heat exchanger arranged at an upper section inside the heat storage tank and for cooling the heat storage material, a heating side heat exchanger arranged at a lower section inside the heat storage tank and for heating the heat storage material, and a wall surface heater for heating a side wall of the heat storage tank.

Abstract: Extra heat in a closed cycle power generation system, such as a reversible closed Brayton cycle system, may be dissipated between discharge and charge cycles. An extra cooling heat exchanger may be added on the discharge cycle and disposed between a cold side heat exchanger and a compressor inlet. Additionally or alternatively, a cold thermal storage medium passing through the cold side heat exchanger may be allowed to heat up to a higher temperature during the discharge cycle than is needed on input to the charge cycle and the excess heat then dissipated to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters, for processes including enhanced oil recovery. A representative system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a water source, a solar collector that includes a collector inlet, a collector outlet, and a plurality of solar concentrators positioned to heat water passing from the collector inlet to the collector outlet, a fuel-fired heater, a steam outlet connected to an oil field injection well, and a water flow network coupled among the water source, the solar collector, the heater, and the steam outlet.

Abstract: A thermal energy store comprising a chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet and a plurality of successive, downstream, gas permeable thermal storage layers disposed between them, each layer comprising gas permeable thermal storage media, the store being configured for gas flow from the gas inlet to gas outlet through the layers for transfer of thermal energy to or from the thermal storage media, wherein at least one of the layers is a valved layer provided with at least one valve operable selectively to allow or prevent at least some gas flow through that layer via the valve so as to bypass the thermal storage media. A control system may selectively alter the flow path of the gas flowing from inlet to outlet in response to the progress of a thermal front, so as to bypass thermal storage layers upstream of the thermal front, where transfer is complete, or downstream thereof, where transfer is minimal.

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant comprises a solar radiation receiver mounted on a tower surrounded by a heliostat field to receive solar radiation reflected by heliostats. A power generation circuit includes a steam turbine for driving an electrical generator to produce electrical power, and water in the power generation circuit is heated directly by solar radiation reflected onto the solar radiation receiver by the heliostat field to generate steam to drive the steam turbine. An energy storage circuit includes a thermal energy storage fluid, such as molten salt, which is capable of being heated directly by solar radiation reflected by the heliostat field. A heat exchanger is also provided for recovering thermal energy from the thermal energy storage fluid. The recovered thermal energy may then be used to generate steam to drive the steam turbine.

Abstract: The cooling fixture for solar photovoltaic panels has a hollow support platform made from thermally conductive metal that contains a heat exchange medium, preferably water. The solar photovoltaic panel is supported atop the platform so that heat absorbed by the panel is transferred to the platform by conduction and through the media by convection. The platform is pivotally supported on a base frame, and can be adjusted to any desired angle by a brace releasably engaging lugs projecting from the edge of the platform. The heat exchange medium is circulated from the top of the platform to the bottom of the platform by a thermo-siphon effect through at least one thin, rectangular duct having at least one fin for cooling the medium by heat exchange with air.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing the process of heat and/or mass transfer operations in packed beds and embodiments of applications of the methods are disclosed herein below. In one instance, the method results in the profile of the quantity representative of the heat and/or mass transfer operation having a propagating substantially sharp front.

Abstract: The present invention relates to profiles for attaching rigid plates, especially photovoltaic modules, to a roof and to a method and system for attaching photovoltaic modules to a roof structure with the help of profiles.

Abstract: A solar thermal lamp used for heating water inside a tank. The thermal lamp includes a transparent glass bulb with a threaded male coupling for attaching to a female coupling in the tank. The lamp also includes a heat tube with an enlarged water heating condenser. The condenser is received inside the tank. The heat tube can include a copper coil, copper fins, a glass coil, a copper lamp, a glass lamp, and the like for receiving solar energy and conducting the heat to the heating condenser for heating the water inside the tank. Also, the invention can be in the form of a solar thermal globe. The solar globe is self-contained and includes a water tank. Another embodiment of the globe tracks with the daily movement of the sun and change with seasons.

Abstract: A direct flow solar collector and solar hot water system are presented wherein high pressure connections are eliminated to lower installation costs while freeze and stagnation protection is provided by a cooling loop and a continuous circulation protocol. A novel fin design and a modular concept deliver manufacturing, shipping and assembly efficiencies while providing flexibility for customizing the collector configuration.

Abstract: A solar power system comprises a solar receiver, a heated solids storage tank downstream of the solar receiver, a fluidized bed heat exchanger downstream of the heated solids storage tank, and means for transporting solid particles from the fluidized bed heat exchanger to a cold solids storage tank upstream of the solar receiver. The fluidized bed heat exchanger includes a first fluidized bed and a second fluidized bed. Solid particles flow through the fluidized bed heat exchanger and transfer heat energy to heating surfaces in the two fluidized beds. The system permits the solid particles to absorb more energy and permits a constant energy output from the fluidized bed heat exchanger.

Abstract: A solar energy system includes a solar energy receiver and a matrix of pipes containing a working fluid attached to the bottom side of the receiver. The matrix is a plurality of vertically-tilted pipes and at least three horizontal pipes arranged in a specific order and have a defined function. The working fluid absorbs heat and changes from a liquid to a gas. The system further includes a thermal storage tank, which includes a heat storage medium and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger receives evaporated working fluid from one of the horizontal pipes, condenses the working fluid vapor by transferring heat to the heat storage medium. When water is the working fluid, a distilled water storage tank may be connected to the heat exchanger to receive distilled water. When recirculation of the working fluid is desired, condensed liquid from the heat exchanger is flowed to a horizontal pipe.

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: Natural circulation solar system for the production of sanitary hot water having a double circuit (solar and user ones) and provided with an air gap storage tank, realized so that the connection of vacuum pipes is allowed.

Abstract: This application discloses a heat driven liquid self-circulating device, system and method, means the liquid system formed by said devices according to said method can be circulated automatically to transfer the heat without external pump power. The heat driven self-circulating device for heated liquid which used with a liquid heat collector, comprises an airtight container for containing heated liquid, having a wall to separate its outer and inner spaces; said inner space is filled with heated liquid partially and having a upper air/vapor space above liquid level surface and lower liquid space under liquid level surface; a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet and a second outlet arranged on said wall of the container that both first inlet and first outlet are under the liquid level surface in said container, and said first inlet not lower than said first outlet.

Abstract: Concentrating solar power systems and methods featuring the use of a solid-liquid phase change heat transfer material (HTM). The systems and methods include a solar receiver to heat and melt a quantity of solid HTM. Systems also include a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the solar receiver providing for heat exchange between the liquid HTM and the working fluid of a power generation block. The systems and methods also include a hot storage tank in communication with the solar receiver and the heat exchanger. The hot storage tank is configured to receive a portion of the liquid HTM from the solar receiver for direct storage as a thermal energy storage medium. Thus, the system features the use of a phase change HTM functioning as both a heat transfer medium and a thermal energy storage medium.

Abstract: A solar energy system comprising: solar collector having thermo-oil piping and three thermo-oil valves; three tanks each having steam inlet and outlet valves; an electric generator device downstream of the three tanks; and a controller, wherein a flow of thermo-oil is alternatively controllable to flow into each of the three tanks wherein fluid in the three tanks is alternatively heatable to a gaseous phase and providable to the electric generator device for producing electrical energy.

Abstract: A method for operating an indirectly heated, solar-thermal steam generator and to an indirectly heated, solar-thermal steam generator are provided. A heat transfer medium is used in the solar-thermal steam generator. The supply water mass flow M is predictively controlled by a device for adjusting the supply water mass flow M. To this end, a nominal value Ms is fed to the device. A correction value KT, by which thermal storage effects of stored or withdrawn thermal energy are corrected is taken into account by the nominal value Ms.

Abstract: Insolation can be used to heat a solar fluid for use in generating electricity. During periods of relatively higher insolation, excess enthalpy in a superheated solar fluid can be stored in a thermal storage system for subsequent use during periods of relatively lower insolation or at times when supplemental electricity generation is necessary. Enthalpy from superheated solar fluid can be transferred to the thermal storage system so as to heat a storage medium therein, but the enthalpy transfer can be limited such that the superheated solar fluid does not condense or only partially condenses. The remaining enthalpy in the de-superheated solar fluid can be used for other applications, such as, but not limited to, preheating the solar fluid for an evaporating solar receiver, supplementing the input to a superheating solar receiver, industrial applications, resource extraction, and/or fuel production.

Abstract: A thermal energy generation system having a working fluid and a system fluid, including an energy system for heating the working fluid by applying heat thereto, a main heat exchanger assembly for transferring heat from the working fluid to the system fluid, a thermal energy consumption system for receiving the heated system fluid from the main heat exchanger assembly when the temperature of the system fluid is at or above a predetermined temperature, and a thermal energy conservation assembly for receiving the heated system fluid from the main heat exchanger assembly and for reintroducing the system fluid thereto when the temperature of the system fluid is less than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar thermal system which has improved use efficiency, enables heat acquired in a heat-collecting unit to be quickly used for a heating and hot water supply load, and can be operated in a stable manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar water heating system including: a solar collector to which solar heat is collected; a solar collector circulation pipe adapted to circulate an operating medium on which the solar heat collected by the solar collector is accumulated therealong; a thermal storage tank in which the operating medium and the water used for living are heat-exchanged; a hot water circulation pipe communicating with the thermal storage tank; a freezing prevention valve located on one side of the hot water circulation pipe and adapted to be open and closed to allow the water in the thermal storage tank to selectively flow along the hot water circulation pipe; and a controller adapted to control the operation of the freezing prevention valve, thereby preventing the hot water circulation pipe from being frozen and destructed.

Abstract: A boiler for a solar receiver includes a first boiler panel having a plurality of tubes fluidly connecting an inlet header of the first boiler panel to an outlet header of the first boiler panel. The first boiler panel tubes form a first solar receiver surface. A second boiler panel has a plurality of tubes fluidly connecting an inlet header of the second boiler panel to an outlet header of the second boiler panel. The second boiler panel tubes form a second solar receiver surface. The first and second boiler panels are adjacent one another, a portion of the first boiler panel and an end of the first solar receiver surface overlapping an end of the second boiler panel to reduce solar radiation passing between the first and second solar receiver surfaces. A plurality of boiler panels may be arranged in rectangular or cylindrical orientation about a boiler central axis.

Abstract: Solar energy conversion systems and methods use solar collectors and working fluid management systems to provide both efficient and safe operation under a wide range of operating conditions. In one embodiment, a solar collector and at least one fluid accumulator preferably with an integral heat exchanger, and at least two mass flow regulator valves enable working fluid flow into and out of the fluid accumulator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar water-heating-and-cooling system (20) that included a collector array panel (32, 36) having thermosyphon coaxial heating/cooling tubes (52). The disclosed system (20) avoids damaging the collector array panel (32, 36) by filling the tubes (52): 1. only when environmental conditions ensure that damage won't occur,—and/or 2. using a filling method that ensures that damage won't occur. Thermosyphon coaxial heating/cooling tubes (52) disclosed herein may be open both at their upper and lower ends. Tubes (52) that are open at their, lower end enables capturing radiative cooling of liquid present within the tubes (52). A cold water storage tank (46) and cold radiator array (48) included in the water-heating-and-cooling system (20) permits preserving and using the radiative ‘cooling. Also disclosed are coaxial tubes (104, 106) that enable simpler and easier installation of the system (20), and also provide a less architecturally intrusive system (20).

Abstract: A building integrated thermal electric hybrid roofing system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of metal battens having a longitudinal channel mounted horizontally onto a plurality of wooden battens, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted on the longitudinal channels, a plurality of solar electric roof tiles mounted on the plurality of metal battens and connected in series to form a string, an inverter connected to each of the strings, a heat exchanger connected to the thermal tubing, and a pump connected between the thermal tubing and the heat exchanger. The plurality of solar electric roof tiles generates DC electricity from solar energy and the inverter converts the DC electricity to AC electricity to feed to a utility grid. The plurality of metal battens collects the solar energy and converts into thermal energy through running the liquid which is extracted to the heat exchanger resulting in producing domestic hot water.

Abstract: A solar water heater including a heat separator containing either a single partition wall that connects in parallel colder water entering all-glass evacuated tubes with hotter water exiting the same all-glass evacuated tubes, or a number of partition walls that connect in series colder water entering each all-glass evacuated tube with hotter water exiting each all-glass evacuated tube. As water in the evacuated tubes is heated by solar radiation, a hydrodynamic head is created which forces the hot water in the evacuated tubes to flow automatically into the hot water compartment(s) of the heat separator(s) and subsequently through an insulated pipe to a water tank without requiring a pump. The cool water in the water tank flows automatically through an insulated pipe back into the cool water compartment(s) of the heat separator(s) in order to preserve flow continuity.

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.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed that utilize waste heat from one or more aeroderivative turbines to provide backup thermal energy for a parabolic trough concentrating solar power (CSP) plant.

Abstract: A solar collector is provided that is formed from relatively thin polymer sheet(s). The sheet(s) are welded together to integrally define a storage tank, a plurality of fluid flow channel (e.g. risers), and other desired features within the collector. The storage tank is located at a first end of the panel and a heat exchanger is provided within the storage tank. The heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat from the storage tank to a target fluid (such as water) that is to be heated or preheated by the collector. The collector is arranged so that when it is installed, the collector may be positioned with the storage tank located generally above the fluid flow channels. The storage tank and the fluid flow channels are arranged such that when the collector is installed and filled with a working fluid, a thermosiphon effect will cause the collection of hot water within the storage tank.

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.

Abstract: The solar installation (10) according to the invention having a collector array (K) and a heat storage container (20) has a drain-back holding device (24) which is integrated with a heat exchanger (22), which is located in the container (20), in that its upper area has an expansion and return volume. It is preferably in the form of an integral pipe coil (R), which is a smooth-pipe helix with a uniform gradient. Furthermore, a second heat exchanger (34) can be arranged, coaxially with respect to it. The pipe coil (R) has means, at least in the lower area, for reducing the free flow cross section in the pipe interior (32), specifically cylindrical or profiled, fixed or moving filling bodies (30) which, for example, are individual bodies, which are closed at the end, with a standard form which promotes swirling, and/or which may be composed of a material of high thermal capacity, such as steel, stone, ceramic or the like.

Abstract: There is provided an evacuated tubular solar collector with an eccentric type manifold flange capable of changing flow of a heating medium and improving the electric heat performance of a manifold by employing an eccentric end cap with a fluid path and a baffle in the manifold and improving the structure of the manifold. The evacuated tubular solar collector may comprise an evacuated tubular solar collector; a manifold being installed at an upper position of the evacuated tubular solar collector and including a number of heat dissipation holes; eccentric end caps attached to both sides of the manifold, the eccentric end cap including a fluid path; and a baffle attached to an exit of the fluid path through which a fluid flows into. The fluid path and the baffle may be positioned tilted, thereby to improve uniform transfer of heat in the evacuated tubular solar collector.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a first tank and a second tank thermally interfaced with the first tank. A pump is connected between the first tank and the second tank to move a fluid from the first tank to the second tank. A first heat exchanger includes a heat-exchanging portion that is located within the first tank. A second heat exchanger includes another heat-exchanging portion that is located within the second tank.

Abstract: An object is to provide a heating tank capable of highly efficiently heating a target to be heated and having high safety and reliability, and a hot water storage tank. The heating tank in which the target to be heated is stored and which heats the target to be heated by a circulated refrigerant of a heat pump, for example, the hot water storage tank which is heated by the circulated refrigerant of the heat pump to produce hot water in the tank includes a heat exchanger in which a wall surface of a tank main body is partially secured to peripheral edge portions and inner portions of two metal plates and in which non-secured portions swell to constitute a refrigerant passage closed except an inlet and an outlet. A thickness dimension of one metal plate is set to be larger than that of the other metal plate, and the one metal plate is arranged on the inner side of the other metal plate.

Abstract: A high-efficiency solar radiation collection and conversion system is described. An array of evacuated collector tubes each includes two or more inner heat pipes that capture the solar energy and conduct it as heat through a condenser portion into a manifold that operates as part of a closed-loop circulation system. In another part of the loop, a heat exchanger transfers the heat into a hot-water holding tank or otherwise applies the heat energy in the circulating fluid.

Abstract: A lightweight and low cost solar water heating apparatus which is comprised of an insulated container with a transparent cover enclosing a folded tank is provided. The tank is comprised of a lightweight material which is folded into a shape that allows any seams in the material to be held above the surface of fluid within the tank. The folded tank further contains a working fluid which absorbs solar energy when the tank is exposed to sun light through the transparent cover. A length of lightweight pipes is coiled in a serpentine fashion within the folded tank and is surrounded by the working fluid. Pressurized supply water flows through the serpentine length of pipe and absorbs heat from the working fluid as it travels through the folded tank. The heated supply water is then used as pre-heated supply water for a standard hot water heater.

Abstract: Delivering heat from modem high temperature solar collectors to hot water storage tanks is more effectively done using unpressurized when cold, self-pressurized on heat up, automatic air eliminating, higher temperature fluid loops. A pressurizing valve, an overflow reservoir and a vacuum relief valve are used. Non-toxic water/antifreeze mixtures are pressurized up to about two atmospheres resulting in a 265° Fahrenheit boiling point. Loss of circulation under full sun results in solar collector boiling under pressure. The steam generated in the solar collector is condensed in the pressurized liquid-to-air radiator, a steam heat pipe, and water is returned to the solar collector to keep it completely full of fluid and steam. A set of pressure-actuated air dampers on the solar collector can also be used to shed the excess solar collector heat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating service water and providing heat for the heating of buildings, if required, including a first heat source, a storage tank, and a service water heat exchanger for heating service water, where a simple, robust and efficient system is attained by connecting the first channel of the service water heat exchanger in parallel with the storage tank and by providing a control device, which controls the first circulator pump and the second circulator pump in such a way that in a first operational state the mass flow of the heat transport medium through the first heat source is greater than the mass flow of the heat transport medium through the first channel of the service water heat exchanger, and that in a second operational state the mass flow of the heat transport medium through the first heat source is smaller than the mass flow of the heat transport medium through the first channel of the service water heat exchanger

Abstract: A solar collector is provided that is formed from relatively thin polymer sheet(s). The sheet(s) are welded together to integrally define a storage tank, a plurality of fluid flow channel (e.g. risers), and other desired features within the collector. The storage tank is located at a first end of the panel and a heat exchanger is provided within the storage tank. The heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat from the storage tank to a target fluid (such as water) that is to be heated or preheated by the collector. The collector is arranged so that when it is installed, the collector may be positioned with the storage tank located generally above the fluid flow channels. The storage tank and the fluid flow channels are arranged such that when the collector is installed and filled with a working fluid, a thermosiphon effect will cause the collection of hot water within the storage tank.

Abstract: Solar thermal collector body in the form of an integrally extruded or continuously cast panel including as an integral part of its cross-sectional profile a tubular hollow body adapted for the flow therethrough of a flowable heat carrier medium, including ends which permit the inflow of cold heat carrier medium and the withdrawal of the heated heat carrier medium respectively. The hollow body (1) is used as part of a solar collector Solar thermal collector including a collector box having a bottom area and side walls (13) and optionally a cover (16) allowing the entry of solar radiation into the box and forming a barrier against the escape of thermal radiation from inside the box wherein in a space above the bottom surface one or more thermal collector bodies (1) adapted for the through flow of a flowable, solar heat absorbing heat carrier medium is accommodated and is connected or connectable to feed and withdrawal ducts respectively for the heat carrier medium.

Abstract: A solar water heater has a rotationally-molded water box and a glazing subassembly disposed over the water box that enhances solar gain and provides an insulating air space between the outside environment and the water box. When used with a pressurized water system, an internal heat exchanger is integrally molded within the water box. Mounting and connection hardware is included to provide a rapid and secure method of installation.

Abstract: A water pre-heating arrangement, incorporating with a water heating system including a water heater, includes a heat exchanger for guiding water to flow from a water source to a water tank, and a solar energy collecting device having a solar energy collecting surface mounted to the heat exchanger wherein the solar energy collecting surface is adapted for collecting and transforming solar energy into heat energy to increase a water temperature in the heat exchanging unit so as to pre-heat the water in the heat exchanging unit before entering into the water tank. Therefore, the water heater powered by a fossil fuel heats up the water in the water tank from the pre-heated temperature to a predetermined temperature while being energy effective.

Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.

Abstract: A heat storage device comprises a heat storage tank 2 charged with a heat storage material 1 for storing the heat supplied from the outside, and a heat exchanger 3 for executing an injection and an extraction of heat between the inside of the storage tank 2 and the outside by the heat exchange between the heat storage material and a heat transfer medium. The heat exchanger 3 is disposed so as to execute a heat exchange between the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank 2 and the outside, and suppresses the natural convection of the heat storage material 1 of the outer portion 2b by, for example, dispersing a liquid-absorbent material 5 in the outer portion 2b surrounding the central portion in the heat storage tank 2, whereby reduces the influence of external environment on the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank, thereby suppressing the heat loss toward the outside.

Abstract: A solar energy collection and storage system uses the radiation from the sun to heat a liquid in a collector and uses an enclosure with a vacuum to contain the collector, pump, pipes and storage tank to provide maximum insulation and minimum heat loss. Also, the vacuum within the enclosure is continuously maintained by a vacuum pump. A heat exchanger is included inside the storage tank. The heat exchange is connected by pipes with an external pump to an external hot water heater, heat pump or boiler which is outside the enclosure. The heat exchanger and external hot water heater would use water as is common to transfer the heat or energy to a location outside the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention was achieved in order to provide a solar thermal system, wherein using a small amount of water as a medium, solar thermal energy can be largely and efficiently collected as latent heat of saturated steam or superheated steam with 1 atmospheric pressure, and the generated saturated or superheated steam is automatically transported to be stored with ease and certainty, so that the light weight and downsizing of the apparatus are achieved, and that the apparatus can be easily designed, produced and maintained, resulting in a substantial reduction in cost, which comprises a steam generating chamber to evaporate droplets by solar heat therein, being formed between an absorbing body and a heat insulation case, and a droplet supply means to supply droplets into the steam generating chamber, wherein steam generated in the steam generating chamber is used as a heating medium.

Abstract: A heat storage device comprises a heat storage tank 2 charged with a heat storage material 1 for storing the heat supplied from the outside, and a heat exchanger 3 for executing an injection and an extraction of heat between the inside of the storage tank 2 and the outside by the heat exchange between the heat storage material and a heat transfer medium. The heat exchanger 3 is disposed so as to execute a heat exchange between the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank 2 and the outside, and suppresses the natural convection of the heat storage material 1 of the outer portion 2b by, for example, dispersing a liquid-absorbent material 5 in the outer portion 2b surrounding the central portion in the heat storage tank 2, whereby reduces the influence of external environment on the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank, thereby suppressing the heat loss toward the outside.

Abstract: A heat storage apparatus for a temperature range of about 10 to 95 degrees Celsius, especially for solar installations, heat pumps, boilers or the like and for extraction of heat for the operation of a room heating installation and/or an installation for water for use, consists of a low-temperature latent heat storage device and a downstream water reservoir. In that case, the fresh water feed for the installation for water for use runs, for preheating, through the low-temperature latent heat storage device before entry into the water reservoir and the return of the heat exchanger runs, for further cooling down of the return flow to the lowest possible temperature level, through the low-temperature latent heat storage device after exit from the water reservoir.