Particular Fluent Medium Including Radiation Absorbing Material Patents (Class 126/678)
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Patent number: 10767934Abstract: A reactor includes: a heat exchange body including a heat medium channel through which the heat medium flows and a reaction channel through which the reaction fluid flows; at least one structured catalyst supporting a catalyst for promoting the reaction of the reaction fluid and removably installed in the reaction channel; and a holding member including an extending part extending in a direction conforming to an extending direction of the reaction channel and capable of engaging with the at least one structured catalyst, and regulating parts provided in the extending part to regulate a movement of the at least one structured catalyst in the extending direction of the extending part, wherein the holding member is inserted and removed with respect to the reaction channel while holding the structured catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: IHI CORPORATIONInventors: Takuya Yoshinoya, Nobuyuki Honma
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Patent number: 10578341Abstract: A dual-cavity method and device for collecting and storing solar energy with metal oxide particles. Solar radiation irradiates into a light receiving cavity of a dual-cavity, heat-collecting reactor to heat a separating plate and preheat metal oxide particles. The preheated metal oxide particles then enter a reacting cavity. As temperature increases, the metal oxide particles reduce to release oxygen, which discharges through a gas outlet. Reduced metal oxide particles discharge through a particle outlet into a particle storage tank, and then into an oxidation heat exchanger to react with the discharged oxygen discharged to release and transfer stored chemical energy to a medium to be heated. The oxidized metal oxide particles are conveyed into a storage tank, and again enter into a particle inlet of the light receiving cavity. Ambient air controls the gas flow rate in the reactor and the reacting rate in exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITYInventors: Gang Xiao, Tianfeng Yang, Mingjiang Ni, Zhongyang Luo, Xiang Gao, Kefa Cen, Mengxiang Fang, Jinsong Zhou, Zhenglun Shi, Leming Cheng, Qinhui Wang, Shurong Wang, Chunjiang Yu, Tao Wang, Chenghang Zheng
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Patent number: 9038386Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal vector system for solar concentration plants, in particular for parabolic trough solar concentration plants, both for industrial and domestic use, comprising a solid state thermal vector. A preferred solar concentration plant comprises one or more solar collectors (1), an heat exchanger (3-5), a heat accumulator (2) and a connecting pipe circuit, in which a solid state thermal vector is pushed through said circuit by mechanical means (6).Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignees: INTERNEW ELECTRONICS S.R.L., GIORDANO MICHELE DI GIORDANO MICHELE, GEODESK.IT DI DE MARTINO PASQUALEInventors: Pasquale De Martino, Paolo Harabaglia
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Publication number: 20150020793Abstract: The invention relates to a panel-based solar receiver for a thermal solar tower power plant (4), which comprises: a front panel (8), the external surface of which receives solar radiation (2) from the field of heliostats (3), a back panel (9), sealing elements (10) between the panels (8, 9), arranged at the lateral ends of both, an intake collector (5), located in the upper part of the panels (8, 9), where the heat transfer fluid enters the receiver (1) and an evacuation collector (6), located in the lower part of the panels (8, 9), where the heat transfer fluid leaves the receiver (1); wherein the front panel (8), back panel (9) and the two sealing elements (10) form the receiver body (16), which constitutes a passage for the heat transfer fluid (7) to travel through. Each solar tower can contain one or several panel-based receivers (1) and be arranged in series or in parallel, with the same or a different fluid (7) circulating there through.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicants: ABENGOA SOLAR NEW TECHNOLOGIES, S.A., INGENIERIA Y DISEÑO EUROPEO, S.A. (IDESA)Inventors: Paula Llorente Folch, Raúl Navío Gilaberte, Lucía Serrano Gallar, Andrés Castro De Benito, Jorge Villarrica Viñas, Pablo Coca Valdés
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Publication number: 20140311479Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Mikhail MARYAMCHIK, David L. KRAFT, Shengteng HU, Andrew J. MACKRORY, Bartev B. SAKADJIAN
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Patent number: 8789523Abstract: Embodiments provide a solar-thermal receiver comprising: (a) a light-absorbing panel comprising: (i) a light-absorbing outer surface; and (ii) an inner volume configured to admit the flow of heat transfer fluid; (b) an inlet configured to receive heat transfer fluid; and (c) an outlet configured to output the heat transfer fluid from the volume under hydrostatic pressure. Embodiments may include vanes and/or other flow-directing and/or flow-impending structural elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Esolar, Inc.Inventors: Abraham Kribus, Gregg Luconi, Dan Reznik, William Gross
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Publication number: 20140130791Abstract: Solar concentration system with thermo-vector fluid made up of gas-based nanofluids and with suitably shaped receiver element of the solar radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Universita' del Salento - Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'InnovazioneInventors: Arturo De Risi, Marco Milanese, Gianpiero Colangelo, Domenico Laforgia
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Publication number: 20140123646Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: ABENGOA SOLAR LLCInventors: Russell Muren, Luke Erickson
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Publication number: 20130257056Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a method of producing energy from concentrated solar flux. The method includes dropping granular solid particles through a solar flux receiver configured to transfer energy from concentrated solar flux incident on the solar flux receiver to the granular solid particles as heat. The method also includes fluidizing the granular solid particles from the solar flux receiver to produce a gas-solid fluid. The gas-solid fluid is passed through a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the solid particles in the gas-solid fluid to a working fluid. The granular solid particles are extracted from the gas-solid fluid such that the granular solid particles can be dropped through the solar flux receiver again.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: ALLIANCE FOR STAINBLE ENERGY, LLCInventor: Zhiwen MA
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Patent number: 8430091Abstract: A solar heating block, designed for use in assembling solar heating panels in the walls of buildings, has a first compartment and a second compartment within its interior volume. The first compartment contains a translucent insulating material, such as an aerogel. The second compartment, which is inward of the solar heating block from the first compartment, contains a heat-absorbing material. The translucent insulating material allows light to be transmitted through the solar heating block, but reduces heat loss to the exterior of the building from the heat-absorbing material.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventor: Wendell B. Colson
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Publication number: 20130098354Abstract: An array of solar collectors includes dual axis reflectors for directing solar radiation to receivers at focal points of the reflectors. Solar radiation is used to heat a thermal energy storage material, which may be used to generate steam for use in power generation with the aid of a turbine. The dual axis reflectors may pivot about independent axes of rotation, thereby enabling use of the reflectors throughout the year.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: AXISOL INC.Inventor: Ravi K. Kummamuru
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Publication number: 20130081394Abstract: A solar power system includes a solar energy collector that has at least one solar receiver that is operable to carry a working fluid and at least one solar reflector that is operable to direct solar energy towards the at least one solar receiver to heat the working fluid. The working fluid has a maximum predefined operational temperature up to which it can be heated. A first storage unit is connected to receive the working fluid from the at least one solar receiver, and a second storage unit is connected to provide the working fluid to the at least one solar receiver. A power block generates electricity using heat from the heated working fluid. A heater is operable to heat the working fluid to approximately the maximum predefined operational temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventor: Michael L. Perry
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Publication number: 20120325199Abstract: An integrated solar lens and lens system that may be active, a hybrid, or a self-powered system. A solar lens is fabricated and configured to concentrate received solar energy onto a solar sensor material, whereby a medium is provided between the lens and the solar sensor material, such as a fluid and a fluid including micro or nano components including transparent microemulsion balls, and ionized particles. Such balls and particles improve the transducing of the solar energy to heat, and which heated fluid can be circulated throughout a system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: Tyler Sims
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Patent number: 8307821Abstract: A continuous moving bed solar steam generation and storage system is provided to generate steam for production processes after loss or reduction of received solar energy. The system includes a receiver 10 that receives a flowing stream of particulate material 30 that absorbs solar radiant energy 15 as it passes through beams of the energy 15 received from collectors 14. The heated stream of material 30 passes into a first chamber 40 to heat a tube bundle 42 therein. Heat from the particulate material 30 is transferred to the bundle 42, evaporating the water to generate, reheat (RH) and/or superheat (SH) steam 46. The cooled material 30 passes to a second chamber 60. The material 30 is drained from the second chamber 60 and carried to a cyclone 80 in the receiver 10. The material 30 drains from the cyclone 80 to complete the flow cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.Inventors: Glen D. Jukkola, Mark Palkes, Bard C. Teigen
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Publication number: 20120247455Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2010Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: ECHOGEN POWER SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Michael Gurin, Timothy James Held, Jason D. Miller
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Publication number: 20120216853Abstract: The system is an integrated solar energy system which provides solar generated electricity by photovoltaic panels, provides solar generated hot water by solar collector thermal panels and which has a heat recovery ventilation system which can provide heated or cooled air. The system further provides a durable long lasting roof membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2011Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventor: John ROUNTREE
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Patent number: 8230851Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Genie Lens Technology, LLCInventors: Mark A. Raymond, Howard G. Lange, Seth Weiss
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Publication number: 20120151917Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a steam power plant, wherein solar energy can be very flexibly and very efficiently coupled into the water steam circuit of the steam power plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Bjoern Ungerer, Ewald Kitzmann, Volker Schuele
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Publication number: 20120102950Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.Inventor: CRAIG S. TURCHI
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Publication number: 20120097152Abstract: A solar heating block, designed for use in assembling solar heating panels in the walls of buildings, has a first compartment and a second compartment within its interior volume. The first compartment contains a translucent insulating material, such as an aerogel. The second compartment, which is inward of the solar heating block from the first compartment, contains a heat-absorbing material. The translucent insulating material allows light to be transmitted through the solar heating block, but reduces heat loss to the exterior of the building from the heat-absorbing material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: HUNTER DOUGLAS, INC.Inventor: Wendell B. Colson
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Publication number: 20120097153Abstract: Specific fluid, which is a site of energy conversion, characterized in that it comprises water, strongly scattering mineral powder, in general calcium carbonate, antifreeze and/or a colorant, a surfactant and an antifoam, the powder having a concentration by mass of between 1% and 3% and a median particle size of between 0.8 and 10 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicants: OMYA DEVELOPMENT AGInventors: Yves Didier Gotteland, Maurice Husson, Jean-Paul Longuemard
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Publication number: 20120055462Abstract: The present invention is a method for storing solar collected heat and using the stored heat to produce power, comprising the steps of diverting solar heated fluid at a temperature greater than a predetermined power plant block (PPB) nominal temperature from a heat transfer circuit; transferring heat from the diverted solar heated fluid to a portion of a liquid water storage medium maintained at a temperature significantly less than the predetermined PPB nominal temperature and thermally storing the heated portion; and transferring heat from the heated liquid water storage medium to a fluid during periods of decreased solar radiation levels, whereby to produce power by means of said heated heat transfer fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Ormat Technologies Inc.Inventor: Dov BERGER
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Patent number: 8127758Abstract: An aerospace platform includes a structure having a cavity and a light-transmissive portion that exposes the cavity to sunlight. The aerospace platform further includes a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system includes a fluid-carrying, thermally absorptive structure within the cavity, and a solar collector for collecting light transmitted through the light-transmissive portion and focusing the collected light onto the absorptive structure. The thermally absorptive structure has a high surface absorptivity that retains thermal energy when exposed to solar irradiance and heats fluid contained therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Shailesh Atreya, Michael F. Stoia, Tina R. Stoia, Russell K. Jones
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Publication number: 20120042651Abstract: A solar thermal power plant is provided. The solar thermal power plant includes a solar collection system configured for utilizing incident solar radiation to heat a heat transfer fluid (HTF) and a power block configured for utilizing the heated HTF to generate power. The solar collection system includes a plurality of pipes for carrying HTF characterized by a first degree of permeability to hydrogen, at least some of the pipes including portions exposed to the atmosphere, and including a membrane made of a material being characterized by a second degree of permeability to hydrogen, the second degree of permeability being higher than the first degree of permeability to hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2009Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventor: Menashe Barkai
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Publication number: 20120037150Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventor: Cyrous Gheyri
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Publication number: 20120017590Abstract: This invention relates to a solar furnace. In particular, this invention relates to a solar furnace which is capable of raising the temperature of transfer medium. In use, the heated transfer medium can be used to generate electricity or put to other work, such as, for example, air conditioning, pasteurisation or desalination. In fact, for any situation that requires a source to generate work or power. The present invention describes a solar furnace for raising the temperature of a heat transfer medium, comprising a lens array for admitting incident thermal and solar energy onto a reflector portion and a pressure vessel. The reflector portion being generally shaped so as to concentrate said solar energy onto said pressure vessel. The pressure vessel having an inlet through which said heat transfer medium is injected and a central core which defines a continuous heat transfer path for said heat transfer medium to contact the surface of said pressure vessel and exit said pressure vessel at an outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2009Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventor: Brian Howard
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Publication number: 20120017888Abstract: The present invention is a solar energy device that uses an improved light collector to collect sunlight. The improved light collector is a translucent, and preferably transparent, solid sphere. The light collector transmits sunlight that is incident thereon and emits the light to a focal point on the other side of the sphere. An energy-receiving medium is located at or near the focal point of the emitted light and absorbs energy from the emitted light. The energy-receiving medium uses the energy from the emitted light in accordance with the desired function of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventor: Jorge A. Garza
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Patent number: 8082916Abstract: A solar heating block, designed for use in assembling solar heating panels in the walls of buildings, has a first compartment and a second compartment within its interior volume. The first compartment contains a translucent insulating material, such as an aerogel. The second compartment, which is inward of the solar heating block from the first compartment, contains a heat-absorbing material. The translucent insulating material allows light to be transmitted through the solar heating block, but reduces heat loss to the exterior of the building from the heat-absorbing material.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.Inventor: Wendell B. Colson
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Publication number: 20110297144Abstract: In the active type textile based air heater solar collector, as solar energy absorber plate a black single layered homogenous non woven textile surface (fabric) has been used instead of black metallic, ceramic, plastic or composite plates, nets, mats, woven or knitted fabrics and passing of the air to be heated through this textile surface has been achieved. The movement of the air in the collector and the transportation to the space to be heated or drying medium is provided by a fan which is connected to output or input side of the collector. It is also possible to connect two fans both input and output sides of the collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventor: Isik Tarakçioglu
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Publication number: 20110277471Abstract: A method for storing heat from a solar collector CSTC in Concentrating Solar Power plants and delivering the heat to the power plant PP when needed. The method uses a compressed gas such as carbon dioxide or air as a heat transfer medium in the collectors CSTC and transferring the heat by depositing it on a bed of heat-resistant solids and later, recovering the heat by a second circuit of the same compressed gas. The storage system HSS is designed to allow the heat to be recovered at a high efficiency with practically no reduction in temperature. Unlike liquid heat transfer media, our storage method itself can operate at very high temperatures, up to 3000° F., a capability which can lead to greater efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: Research Foundation of the City University of New YorkInventor: Reuel Shinnar
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Publication number: 20110232630Abstract: An integrated solar and wind hybrid energy generating system is capable of converting a solar collector to a wind deflector to increase wind catching area for the wind turbine during the nighttime and on overcast days and exchangeable between modes of Stirling cycle and reversed Stirling cycle for electricity generation and environmental control. During the sunny days, the system concurrently derives energy from both wind and solar energy sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventor: Jason Tsao
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Patent number: 7946286Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Genie Lens Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark A. Raymond, Howard G. Lange, Seth Weiss
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Publication number: 20110114084Abstract: A heat recovery installation using solar energy includes a three-channel plate, in which the first channel layer, viewed from the outside, alternately discharges used air and supplies fresh air. The third channel layer, viewed from the outside, ensures the supply of used air and the discharge of fresh air, while in the second channel layer, viewed from the outside, the heat exchange between the used and fresh air takes place according to the counterflow principle. In order to produce this flow, small apertures are provided in the second and third plates, viewed from the outside, of the three-channel plate, as a result of which the flow in the channel layer, viewed from the outside, is at right angles to the channel plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: INNOVYInventor: Franklin Hagg
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Publication number: 20110005514Abstract: A solar heating apparatus, which includes a panel having one or more layers or a group of such layers, wherein one or more layers among such a group of layers constitutes a transparent medium. The panel includes at least two other layers among the group of layers, which constitute a reflective medium. The panel additionally includes one or more spaces formed between the layers and at least one other space formed between the other layers. A heat transfer fluid can be located within the space between the layers. The heat transfer fluid contains heat-absorbing particles, which are suspended in the heat transfer fluid and subject to a flow-force through the panel in a direction against a force of gravity. The heat-absorbing particles are held in light in the panel via a balance of a flow-force and the force of gravity. The heat-absorbing particles drift to the bottom of the panel when the flow-force stops.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventor: Alex Nugent
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Publication number: 20100154783Abstract: A solar heating block, designed for use in assembling solar heating panels in the walls of buildings, has a first compartment and a second compartment within its interior volume. The first compartment contains a translucent insulating material, such as an aerogel. The second compartment, which is inward of the solar heating block from the first compartment, contains a heat-absorbing material. The translucent insulating material allows light to be transmitted through the solar heating block, but reduces heat loss to the exterior of the building from the heat-absorbing material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2007Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventor: Wendell B. Colson
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Publication number: 20100132696Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to solar heating systems, storage tanks with heat exchanger that may be used in a solar heating system, methods of constructing solar collection panels, methods of installing solar collection panels, methods of manufacturing and selling solar heat exchange systems, and methods of distributing solar heat exchange system manufacturing facilities. The solar collection panels and heat exchangers may comprise envelope-type configurations wherein one or more dimples are formed in an exterior surface of the solar collection panels or the heat exchangers. The solar collection panels and heat exchangers may have a variety of different shapes and sizes, and may be colored, such as by painting the solar collection panels or heat exchangers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2008Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventor: Auguste Lemaire
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Publication number: 20100083952Abstract: Solar collectors heat and self pump heat transfer fluid at reduced system pressure without mechanical intervention for heat exchange with hot water in a storage tank. Slugs of hot fluid are pumped by steam bubbles formed in solar collector tubes through an upper manifold and an exit-tube into an upper hot fluid reservoir. Hot fluid flows downward through a heat exchanger at the tank. Cold fluid returns to a lower reservoir. Vapor flows from the upper reservoir and is condensed by cooler water and walls of the lower reservoir. The cool fluid returns from the lower reservoir to a lower manifold supplying the collector tubes. Below ambient pressure is automatically established in the system. When heat build-up increases pressure in the system, fluid flows to a third closed variable volume reservoir. A float valve in the bottom of the third reservoir allows liquid to return to the system when it cools.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventor: Arnoud van Houten
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Publication number: 20100043434Abstract: The invention relates to a system for converting solar energy into mechanical or electrical energy, comprising: means for concentrating the solar radiation from the sun at a given focal point, collector means for receiving and accumulating the solar radiation originating from the concentration means in order to accumulate thermal energy, and means for converting the thermal energy accumulated in the collector means into mechanical energy. Subsequently, the mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy using a conventional generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventors: Jose Vicente Garcia Ortiz, Jose Ignacio Gonzalez Toledo
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Publication number: 20100043779Abstract: A solar receiver unit comprises a generally tubular body having an internal passage for conducting a heat-transfer fluid, and an inlet chamber for receiving concentrated sunlight from a solar reflector when in use. The inlet chamber is shaped to direct reflection of concentrated sunlight at least one time in a direction that provides the reflected sunlight with an additional opportunity to heat the heat-transfer fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventor: John Carroll Ingram
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Patent number: 7610910Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Osman Ahmed
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Patent number: 7063126Abstract: A roofing panel (13) incorporating a heat exchange assembly is described, the roofing panel including: an internal fluid passageway (51) formed between a pair of spaced substantially parallel internal sheets (16, 17) for the passage therethrough of a fluid; respective external passageways (52, 53) formed between each internal sheet and a respective external sheet (21, 20) spaced from and substantially parallel to a respective internal sheet, and spacing ribs (18, 22, 24) between the sheets and forming with the sheets a plurality of fluid conduits (19) within the fluid passageway and a plurality of external conduits (23, 25) within the external passageways; wherein the panel is sealed at the sides thereof by the spacing ribs and is open at the ends thereof to provide access to the conduits which extend from one end of the panel to the other end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Inventor: Geoffrey R Morris
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Patent number: 6696637Abstract: An array of elongated concave parabolic trough-shaped reflectors is disclosed. The orientation of the array is biaxially kept essentially perpendicular to rays of the sun by an optical control such that sunlight is reflected and concentrated along a focal line of each elongated reflector by which (a) water in a tube disposed at the focal line is heated by reflected line focused sunlight impinged thereon and/or (b) line focused reflected sunlight is optically transformed into point focused reflected sunlight using Fresnel lenses from which electricity is generated using solar cells upon which the point focused reflected sunlight is impinged.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: The Sun Trust, L.L.C.Inventor: Paul Lawheed
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Patent number: 6498290Abstract: An array of elongated concave parabolic trough-shaped reflectors is disclosed. The orientation of the array is biaxially kept essentially perpendicular to rays of the sun by an optical control such that sunlight is reflected and concentrated along a focal line of each elongated reflector by which (a) water in a tube disposed at the focal line is heated by reflected line focused sunlight impinged thereon and/or (b) line focused reflected sunlight is optically transformed into point focused reflected sunlight using Fresnel lenses from which electricity is generated using solar cells upon which the point focused reflected sunlight is impinged.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: The Sun Trust, L.L.C.Inventor: Paul Lawheed
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Publication number: 20020112719Abstract: A solar energy system comprises a solar absorber in the form of a solar boiler tank with a lower working liquid region having a liquid inlet and filled with a working liquid capable of boiling under a predetermined pressure, and an upper vapor accumulation region having a vapor outlet for withdrawing from the tank a vapor created in the tank. The system further comprises vapor utilization means associated with the vapor outlet. The solar boiler tank has at least one transparent window to receive and pass towards the working liquid highly concentrated solar radiation. The system also comprises means for controlling the pressure of vapor in the vapor accumulation region to make the working liquid boil at the predetermined pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Applicant: Yeda Research and Development Co., Ltd.Inventor: Amnon Yogev
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Patent number: 6407328Abstract: A photovoltaic device for converting radiation energy into electric power, includes a front side exposed to radiation from a radiation source, a backside; and a cooling unit having a liquid medium, e.g. water, arranged between the front side and the radiation source. The liquid medium is surrounded by an envelope, and forms with the envelope a selective filter allowing passage of radiation useful for the photovoltaic effect and converting the longer wave radiation into hear which is immediately dissipated to substantially prevent heating of the photovoltaic module.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: PowerPulse Holding AGInventor: Jürgen Kleinwächter
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Patent number: 6399367Abstract: A system and apparatus for growing plants is disclosed. The system includes a first thermal panel with multiple flow channels, the thermal panel being located between a growing space and a light source. A cooling fluid is circulated in a countercurrent flow pattern (i.e. in at least two different directions). The channels may be connected to one or more headers, which serve as a fluid manifold to deliver fluid and collect fluid from the flow channels. Growing closely spaced plants from seed or cuttings to transplants for the field or a greenhouse is one application of this system.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Clemson UniversityInventors: Robert Pollock, Jeffrey W. Adelberg, Charles Fox, Gianpaolo Bonaca
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Patent number: 6216688Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Dietrich Schwarz
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Patent number: 6018122Abstract: To provide a tracking-type solar module capable of high-performance sunlight-tracking with a simple configuration while simultaneously performing highly effective cooling of a solar cell, a solar cell is movably installed within a transparent cooling tube and is connected to a motor with a crank. A position detecting sensor is also installed inside the transparent cooling tube. Sunlight is refracted by a cooling medium filled inside the transparent cooling tube and is converged on the inner surface of the transparent cooling tube. The position detecting sensor detects the position at which sunlight is converged and the sunlight is tracked by the motor moving the solar cell to that position. Simultaneously, the cooling medium inside the transparent cooling tube directly cools the solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kouetsu Hibino, Kyoichi Tange, Tomonori Nagashima
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Patent number: 6014967Abstract: A solar collector having a radiation absorber (1) has a number of channels for conducting heat receiving liquid, said channels accommodating particles for capillary effect to lift the liquid to effectively sweep the sun-facing surface layer of the absorber. The solar collector is started after a prolonged operation standstill by driving a liquid pump (7) intermittently by a control unit (13) acting according to a clock-controlled program. In the intermittent start-up phase, first the pump (7) is driven for 2-4 minutes, thereafter it is shut down for a time span of about 20-60 seconds, and this is repeated two or three times before a continuous operation phase is started. Thereby air in the absorber (1) channels is expelled more rapidly.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1998Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: John RekstadInventors: John Rekstad, Bard Bjerke, Michaela Meir
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Patent number: 6015950Abstract: A solar energy conversion system, in which two separated arrays of refracting elements disperse incident sunlight and concentrate the sunlight onto solar energy converters, such that each converter receives a narrow portion of the broad solar spectrum and thereby operates at higher efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Inventor: Alexander K. Converse