Abstract: A dynamic controllable system 10 for moderating energy absorption at the earth's surface includes a series of panel units 110, 610 mounted above the earth's surface over land and water masses. Each panel unit 110, 610 supports rotatable shafts 112, 612, with panels 100, 600 joined to or integrally formed with the shafts 112, 612. Each panel (forcing) 100, 600 has a radiation reflective surface 102, 602 and a radiation emissive surface 104, 604 opposite the radiation reflective surface 102, 602. The panels 100, 602 are selectively rotated into a predetermined one of a plurality of cardinal positions: reflective, emissive and neutral, or into an intermediate position between two of the cardinal positions. The programmable controller 130 receives various data including top of atmosphere satellite data, air temperature and relative humidity at panel units, weather data, time of day, position of panel units, radiation insolation, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector (18) including an outer casing (20) having at least one aperture (22) disposed therein and an absorber (24) disposed within the outer casing (20). The aperture (22) is arranged to receive a beam (16) of solar radiation therethrough so that the beam (16) is incident on the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged in use to absorb the energy of the beam of solar radiation and to thereby convert solar radiation to heat energy to heat a fluid communicated through the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged to be moved by a moving means to promote even heating of the absorber (24).

Abstract: A solar air heating module is provided including an air entrance situated proximate to a bottom of the module and an air exit situated proximate to the top of the module; a back film, having a plurality of conical solar collectors extending perpendicularly therefrom; a front film in contact with the collectors to prevent air from escaping between the entrance and the exit; wherein air, when entering the entrance, passes by the collectors to mix with heated air before reaching the exit. Alternatively the collectors may be aligned wherein each collector is secured to adjacent collectors by plates or a strap to allow the module to be folded or rolled up for storage.

Abstract: The present invention is a solar panel that generates electricity and extracts heat. A set of such panels may be assembled into a blind. The blind may have a frame that can be retrofit on an existing window. Fluid in the panel is heated by incoming solar radiation, causing it to move, constrained by a one-way valve, in one direction. A Tesla Valve may be used as the one-way valve. The moving fluid may pass through a generator, generating electricity. Heat may be extracted from the fluid by a heat exchanger. The heat may be used to heat a building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sun collector comprising a flat absorber body (1) on or in which one or more absorber channels (17) for the flow of a heat transfer medium are configured. In areas which are not occupied by the one or more absorber channels (17), the absorber body (1) of the present sun collector has penetrable openings (4, 10, 13) for sunlight to pass through. The sun collector therefore provides the double function of a sun collector with a partially transparent sun protection device.

Abstract: Passive solar wire screens mount vertically on an edifice. The screens have rods vertically arranged parallel to one another and have wires horizontally arranged parallel to one another. The wires attach to the rods and have first surfaces facing away from the edifice in an upward direction from vertical. The wires also have second surfaces facing toward the edifice in a downward direction from vertical. When the sun has a summer elevation on the horizon, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto away from the wire screens. When the sun has a winter elevation on the horizon, however, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto toward the second surfaces, which in turn passively reflect the solar energy toward the edifice. A concave surface on the wires can also reflect thermal energy back to the edifice.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic receptor mounted on the reflector element by a mounting arrangement to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element The reflector element also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for harvesting solar energy, and more particularly an energy-positive sky lighting system that may provide an integrated energy solution to a variety of commercial buildings. A plurality of skylight modules are provided, each having a plurality of louvers configured to reflect incoming sunlight onto a thermal receiver area on an adjacent louver to heat a working fluid in communication with the louvers (i.e., such that heat transfer is carried out between the thermal receiver and the working fluid), all while allowing control of the amount of daylight that passes through the module. The modules are constructed such that the balance of the solar energy not going into day lighting is captured in the form of thermal heat, which in turn may be applied to building system cooling and heating applications.

Abstract: A solar collector system including solar elements connected to form an array for intercepting the sun's radiation, a compression element that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the array, and pairs of cables that run from opposite sides of the array to the compression element to mutually stabilize each portion of the array to which the pair of cables connects. A support structure is provided for securing the array to a fixed structure. A tracking system further provides the system with two degrees of freedom for tracking the array with the sun's movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector (18) including an outer casing (20) having at least one aperture (22) disposed therein and an absorber (24) disposed within the outer casing (20). The aperture (22) is arranged to receive a beam (16) of solar radiation therethrough so that the beam (16) is incident on the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged in use to absorb the energy of the beam of solar radiation and to thereby convert solar radiation to heat energy to heat a fluid communicated through the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged to be moved by a moving means to promote even heating of the absorber (24).

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic assembly which is removably and replaceably mounted on the reflector element. The photovoltaic assembly includes a photovoltaic receptor to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element. The photovoltaic assembly also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.

Abstract: A system and method of arranging a solar cell and reflector to replace a typical solar cell oriented normal to the incoming sunlight inside a module (i.e. parallel to a module's transparent cover plate or opening). The present invention in a preferred embodiment uses a solar cell oriented at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight, and a reflective surface oriented perpendicular to the cell and at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight. The solar cell and the mirror are the same length/size and form a V shape where the angle between the sloped sides is 90 degrees. Any light falling normally on the arrangement will hit the solar cell either directly or after reflection. In another embodiment, two adjacent reflectors can be used making angles of around 60 degrees and around 30 degrees with respect to the cover or opening. An alternate embodiment can include a second reflector added to the base of the cell and reflector pairings also at an approximate 45 degree angle with the cover or opening.

Abstract: Passive solar wire screens mount vertically on an edifice. The screens have rods vertically arranged parallel to one another and have wires horizontally arranged parallel to one another. The wires attach to the rods and have first surfaces facing away from the edifice in an upward direction from vertical. The wires also have second surfaces facing toward the edifice in a downward direction from vertical. When the sun has a summer elevation on the horizon, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto away from the wire screens. When the sun has a winter elevation on the horizon, however, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto toward the second surfaces, which in turn passively reflect the solar energy toward the edifice. A concave surface on the wires can also reflect thermal energy back to the edifice.

Abstract: A solar shutter includes a frame, a plurality of slats pivotably attached within the frame, a plurality of solar cells mounted on the slats and multiple LEDs. The frame has a power storage apparatus for storing power absorbed by the solar cells. Each slat includes a base and a light pervious cover fixed on the base. In an embodiment, the LEDs are mounted on the frame to face opposite ends of the cover. In a further embodiment, the LEDs are mounted on the bases within the slats. The light emitted from the LEDs is radiated into an inside of a building through the covers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy by using solar collectors with multiple closed-cycle thermodynamic engines and/or piezoelectric generators. The solar collectors are configured to collect solar energy and to distribute the collected solar energy in a pulsating manner directly into multiple closed-cycle thermodynamic engines, piezoelectric generators, and the like. The pulsating manner means that the solar energy is allowed to enter into a particular engine or generator periodically, for a predetermined period of time, similar to turning a switch ON and OFF. Advantageously, this enables more efficient use of the collected solar energy.

Abstract: It aims to provide a solar heat collecting apparatus that can efficiently collect energy from solar light. The solar heat collecting apparatus comprises an opened container part 22 that accumulates heat, a closed part 25 that closes the container part 22 and has an opening part 26 to let the collected solar light in, and a light absorbing part 36 that absorbs the solar light dispersed by passing through the opening part 26 so that it is converted into heat.

Abstract: Passive solar wire screens mount vertically on an edifice. The screens have rods vertically arranged parallel to one another and have wires horizontally arranged parallel to one another. The wires attach to the rods and have first surfaces facing away from the edifice in an upward direction from vertical. The wires also have second surfaces facing toward the edifice in a downward direction from vertical. When the sun has a summer elevation on the horizon, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto away from the wire screens. When the sun has a winter elevation on the horizon, however, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto toward the second surfaces, which in turn passively reflect the solar energy toward the edifice. A concave surface on the wires can also reflect thermal energy back to the edifice.

Abstract: A solar collector system including solar elements connected to form an array for intercepting the sun's radiation, a compression element that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the array, and pairs of cables that run from opposite sides of the array to the compression element to mutually stabilize each portion of the array to which the pair of cables connects. A support structure is provided for securing the array to a fixed structure. A tracking system further provides the system with two degrees of freedom for tracking the array with the sun's movement.

Abstract: Passive solar wire screens mount vertically on an edifice. The screens have rods vertically arranged parallel to one another and have wires horizontally arranged parallel to one another. The wires attach to the rods and have first surfaces facing away from the edifice in an upward direction from vertical. The wires also have second surfaces facing toward the edifice in a downward direction from vertical. When the sun has a summer elevation on the horizon, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto away from the wire screens. When the sun has a winter elevation on the horizon, however, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto toward the second surfaces, which in turn passively reflect the solar energy toward the edifice. A concave surface on the wires can also reflect thermal energy back to the edifice.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for modulating the temperature of an enclosure includes a thermal storage means on a roof portion, and panels positioned above the thermal storage means. One panel is fixed in position, either over the thermal storage means or adjacent thereto. A pair of movable panels are arranged at different levels from the fixed panel and are adapted to move with respect to sides of the fixed panel to cover or expose the thermal storage means for solar heating during the day or cooling at night.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insolation shield (3) which is arranged to be placed in connection with a building (1) to suppress solar radiation incident on the building. The insolation shield (3) comprises at least one shield element (8). At least one shield element (8) of the insolation shield (3) comprises at least one solar energy converter (4) to conduct incident solar energy to a target of consumption and/or storage. The insolation shield also comprises at least one control means (10) which is arranged to control the position of said at least one shield element (8) on the basis-of the direction of-incident beams on the control element (10).

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

Abstract: A solar absorber-reflector is provided for solar heat transmission into a heat absorbing chamber and/or repelling back of solar heat resulting from incident solar radiation. The solar absorber-reflector is also suitable as a passive thermal control material for space applications, and consists of several layers. The minimal configuration includes three basic layers: a layer with a selective solar radiation absorbing surface, having high absorptance of solar radiation and low thermal emittance; a layer with a light-reflecting surface facing a direction opposite to the selective solar radiation absorbing surface; and a polymer film being transparent to visible light and possessing high thermal emittance, with a heat-emitting surface facing the same direction as the light-reflecting surface.

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

Abstract: A window/light shelf system enhances the daylight illumination with no glare. The air space between the double panes of the window is enlarged, and a mini blind-like, light reflective or absorbing, low transparent glass plates unit is integrated in the middle to control the daylighting and to eliminate the glare. With the light reflective unit open and closed per solar/climate conditions, the system serves as a window, a light shelf with no glare, a solar heating source in the winter, and a solar heat reflector in the summer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for capturing solar energy and transferring it onto a receiving medium to be heated. The device comprises a multiplicity of blades (16), mutually spaced and tiered up to form a screen (10) with an external surface (18) for exposure to the sun radiation and an internal surface (20) for being arranged on the side of the receiving medium (12), the blades defining between them a multiplicity of air channels (22) extending from the external surface (18) to the internal surface (20), closing means being provided for immobilizing the air contained in the channels, the blades being transparent or translucent, with low capacity for absorbing the sun radiation and low thermal conductivity, being made from a lap of thin material, and having an outline with an end part bordering the internal surface of the screen.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power source includes a shadowing timer comprising at least one shadowing member (i.e. vane element) secured proximal to an array of photovoltaic solar cells electrically connected in series. The shadowing members are arranged such that they shadow individual solar cells or rows of cells as the sun moves through diurnal and annual cycles. The shadows cast by two or more vanes can modulate the array output power on two independent time scales: time of day and time of year. Because the individual solar cells are connected in series, a small shadow significantly reduces the array output power, thus enabling fine-scale temporal control.

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: The device for collecting solar energy and transferring it to a reception body to be heated includes a plurality of parallel profiled elements and a closure mechanism. The profiled elements are spaced apart and superposed in order to form a curtain having an outer face suitable for being exposed to solar radiation and an inner face suitable for being located on the reception body side. The profiled elements have two reflecting faces and a shape such that when the inner face is vertical, the profiled elements slope downwardly from the inner face to the outer face. The profiled elements define a plurality of air channels directed upwards from the outer face to the inner face when the inner face is vertical. The profiled elements and the two reflecting faces thereof are formed of an insulating material so as not to conduct heat from the outer face to the inner face.