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: A system and a method for controlling the flow rate of a coolant can efficiently cool cooling targets, such as motor, inverter, converter, etc., which are electric and electronic devices requiring to be cooled by water, by estimating an increase in temperature on the basis of traveling conditions of a vehicle and by increasing the flow rate of the coolant. A method of cooling electric and electronic devices in an environmentally-friendly vehicle may include determining whether driving torque or driving torque instruction value is a predetermined value or higher, determining whether regenerative braking torque is a predetermined value or higher, and increasing the flow rate of the coolant by driving a pump when the driving torque, the driving torque instruction value, or the regenerative braking torque is the corresponding predetermined value or higher.

Abstract: Cooling of a meter by liquid flowing in a flow that is reverse from dispensing flow is described. A plurality of tubes is configured to transport a plurality of fluids comprising a first fluid and a second fluid. Dispense valves attached to corresponding tubes are configured to open when the first fluid is dispensed from a pump to a first outlet. Recirculation valves attached to respective tubes are configured to open when the second fluid is transported from the pump to a second outlet. A meter attached to a tube of the plurality of tubes is configured to measure properties of a fluid when the fluid flows through the tube, wherein the fluid is one of the first fluid and the second fluid. The meter is configured to sense reverse flow when the second fluid flows from the outlet section to the inlet section.

Abstract: An energy consumption controller may be communicatively coupled with a plurality of alternative energy sources and an engine. The controller may be configured to manage energy consumption from the alternative energy sources interconnected with the engine and to keep the engine within a desired temperature range. Within the desired temperature range, the engine will start and run at a full load more rapidly than if the engine cooled excessively. The controller may change the selected energy source as required, based on factors such as cost, engine maintenance and testing and/or imminent need of the engine.

Abstract: An electronic control unit is used in an internal combustion engine capable of using a fuel in which ethanol is mixed with gasoline, the cooling fan control apparatus that controls the drive of an electric cooling fan provided in a radiator of the internal combustion engine. This controller performs the drive of the cooling fan after the internal combustion engine is stopped, when an alcohol concentration of the fuel is higher than a predetermined concentration, and that restricts the drive of the cooling fan after the internal combustion engine is stopped, when the alcohol concentration of the fuel is equal to or lower than the predetermined concentration.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement for cooling weld caps of a welding device includes a local cooling pipe having a feed portion through which coolant can flow to the weld caps, and a return portion through which coolant can flow away from the weld caps. The cooling arrangement has at least one sensor and at least one actuator arranged at the cooling pipe. A check device is connected to the sensor and the actuator. The check device is arranged in an immediate vicinity of the sensor and/or the actuator and/or the local cooling pipe, and is adapted to receive measured values of the sensor and to check, based on pre-established criteria, whether the measured values are within a predefined desired range. In response to a negative check result, the check device can drive the actuator in a predetermined manner such that the cooling arrangement is placed in a safe condition.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for cooling a heat source using a refrigerant flow in a heat exchanger. According to some embodiments, a flow property of the refrigerant as it flows through a heat exchanger is measured and based on the measurement a flow distribution rate for the flow of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger is determined. A valve is operated for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger according to the determined flow distribution rate.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided to remove heat generated by one or more electronic systems. The cooling system includes a coolant-based cooling apparatus, redundant pumping units, redundant backup blowers, and multiple separate controllers. The cooling apparatus includes one or more heat exchange assemblies discharging heat from coolant of the cooling apparatus, and the redundant pumping units, which are coupled in parallel fluid communication, separately facilitate pumping of the coolant. The redundant backup blowers are disposed to provide, when activated, backup airflow across the electronic system(s). The multiple controllers control operation of the redundant pumping units and redundant backup blowers based, at least in part, on one or more sensed parameters.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system and a communication method thereof a wireless network may be established between indoor units and a controller or between outdoor units so as to allow communications therebetween, thereby facilitating device addition or device deletion. Also, one or more outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units may be controlled without a dedicated communication line or with using a less mount of the dedicated communication line, and the outdoor units or indoor units may perform communications using one or more communication technologies, such as wireless communication and pipe communication technologies and wireless communication and dedicated line communication technologies, while performing communications with the controller using the wireless communication technology.

Abstract: A method and system of temperature control of heavy hydrocarbons in a consist of rail cars is disclosed wherein waste heat from one or more of the locomotives propelling the train is utilized to heat the heavy hydrocarbons in a consist or ambient air is used to cool the heavy hydrocarbon cargo. The train is typically comprised of tanker cars that can be filled with raw heavy hydrocarbon, not dilbit thus allowing about 20% to about 30% additional heavy hydrocarbon to be transported in each tanker car. The system can keep the heavy hydrocarbon at a first, lower temperature en route and increase temperature to a second higher temperature as the train nears its terminus so that the tanker cars can be quickly emptied of their contents at the receiving terminal without the need to heat the tanker cars at the unloading terminal. The method disclosed herein for heating tanker cars in transit is to utilize waste heat from the locomotive diesel or gas turbine engines which is otherwise exhausted to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A centralized-monitoring apparatus, which centralized monitors a device including a storage, a temperature sensor to detect a temperature therein, and a temperature-variable device to cool or heat inside the storage such that the temperature reaches a set object-preservation temperature, comprises: an input device to be input with first information indicative of a time zone in which the temperature-variable device performing power-saving operation and second information indicative of a set temperature of the time zone; a storage device to store the first-and-second information from the input device; a timing device to measure a current time; and a control device to control the temperature-variable device, based on the first-and-second information and current time, so as to start operation of turning the temperature to the set temperature when the current time reaches a starting time of the time zone, and terminate the operation when the current time reaches an ending time thereof.

Abstract: A server rack includes a baffle control device and a plurality of server cases. Each server case accommodates a server and comprises an air inlet and a baffle located at a side of the air inlet to open or close the air inlet. The baffle control device includes a server monitoring unit and a baffle control unit. The server monitoring unit monitors a power on event and a power off event of the server. When the power on event of the server of a corresponding server case is monitored, the baffle control unit controls the baffle of the corresponding server case to open the air inlet of the corresponding server case. When the power off event of the server of the corresponding server case is monitored, the baffle control unit controls the baffle of the corresponding server case to close the air inlet of the corresponding server case.

Abstract: A cooling system for an indwelling heat exchange catheter includes a heat exchange bath that is configured to receive a conduit that carries saline to and from the catheter. A heating/cooling fluid is in the bath and exchanges heat with the saline. The heating/cooling fluid flows through a heat exchanger that includes a refrigerant and two variable speed DC compressor for removing heat from the refrigerant. A gear pump circulates the working fluid to and from the catheter and is removably engaged with a pump support platform.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus has four fluid ports through which a heat exchange fluid is pumped into and out of the heat exchange apparatus. First and fourth ones of the fluid sorts are on a first side of the heat exchange apparatus and second and third ones of the fluid ports (are on a second side of the heat exchange apparatus. At least two fluid pumps form a double flow circuit fluid pumping device for pumping the fluid in the first direction from the first fluid port to the second fluid port and in the second direction from the third fluid port to the fourth fluid port. One or more of a temperature detecting device, humidity detecting device, and gaseous or liquid state fluid composition detecting device are installed at a position capable of detecting the temperature, humidity, and fluid composition changes of the exchange fluid. The detected signals are used as references for modulating the pumping flow rate of exchange fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of a spill over tank for an evaporator of a HVAC system are described. The spill over tank may be configured to receive a refrigerant directed out of the evaporator. The spill over tank may be configured to have an outlet directing refrigerant in the spill over tank out of the spill over tank and flowing back to a compressor of the HVAC system. The spill over tank may be equipped with a refrigerant level sensor configured to measure a refrigerant level in the spill over tank. The measured refrigerant level in the spill over tank may be used to control and/or maintain a refrigerant level in the evaporator, and/or may be used to control a return refrigerant flow into the compressor of the HVAC system so as to manage an oil return to the compressor.

Abstract: Systems and method for cooling a hydrogen generator of a supplementary fuel system are described. A controller can monitor a power consumption metric indicative of power consumption by the hydrogen generator of the supplementary fuel system. The controller can set, in view of the monitoring of the power consumption metric, a cooling system to a first setting to cool the hydrogen generator at a first rate.

Abstract: A heat exchanger delivers a pressurized dry gas stream cooled to an essentially constant temperature. The gas stream circulates in a coil with a functional part immersed in a liquid fraction of a second gas in a chamber of a corresponding container, whereby a portion of the wall of the container with the chamber contacts a liquid fraction of a third gas, providing a condensation surface for the second gas. The container containing the second pressurized gas is airtight. The condensation surface is dimensioned to allow absorption of a predetermined caloric power by the gas in the chamber without significant variation of temperature/pressure. Included is a monitored variable heater of the bath of the liquid fraction of the residual gas in the container, whereby total caloric power released by the circulating gas to be cooled and by the heater is constantly kept approximately equal to the specified caloric power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and equipment for recovering heat from exhaust gas removed from an industrial process, such as an electrolysis process for the production of aluminium. Heat is recovered by means of an extraction/suction system, where the exhaust gas contains dust and/or particles. The heat is recovered as the exhaust gas being brought into contact with heat-recovery elements. Flow conditions and the design of the heat recovery elements are such that the deposits of the dust and/or particles on the surfaces stated are kept at a stable, limited level. In preferred embodiments, the heat-recovery elements have a circular or an extended, elliptical cross-section and may be equipped with fins or ribs.

Abstract: Cooling apparatuses are provided to facilitate active control of thermal and fluid dynamic performance of a coolant-cooled cold plate. The cooling apparatus includes the cold plate and a controller. The cold plate couples to one or more electronic components to be cooled, and includes an adjustable physical configuration. The controller dynamically varies the adjustable physical configuration of the cold plate based on a monitored variable associated with the cold plate or the electronic component(s) being cooled by the cold plate. By dynamically varying the physical configuration, the thermal and fluid dynamic performance of the cold plate are adjusted to, for example, optimally cool the electronic component(s), and at the same time, reduce cooling power consumption used in cooling the electronic component(s). The physical configuration can be adjusted by providing one or more adjustable plates within the cold plate, the positioning of which may be adjusted based on the monitored variable.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a single flow circuit, at least one fluid pump, and a periodic fluid direction-change operative control device for periodically changing the flow directions of the pumped fluid in a first or second direction.

Abstract: Techniques involving management of a heat transfer device are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes a housing, a heat-generating device disposed within the housing, and a heat transfer device disposed within the housing. The heat transfer device has a powered active cooling device. The device also includes one or more modules that are configured to adjust operation of the powered active cooling device based on a likely orientation of the heat transfer device.

Abstract: A system for operating a cooling loop associated with a space and including at least one cooling coil and cooling fluid supply, the system including: a grain sensor positioned with respect to the space and providing a value indicative of the amount of moisture in the space; at least one pump fluidly coupled across the coil; at least one flow limiter fluidly coupled to the coil and limiting a flow of cooling fluid between the cooling fluid supply and the coil; and at least one controller electrically coupled to the flow limiter; wherein, the at least one controller selectively operates the flow limiter responsive to the value indicative of the amount of moisture in the space and the pump re-circulates cooling fluid independent of the cooling fluid supply dependently upon the flow limiter.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided that provide for cooling of a vehicle rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). A cooling system is coupled to the RESS, and is configured to cool the RESS. A control system is coupled to the cooling system, and is configured to determine whether the RESS is charging, determine whether the vehicle is in a propulsion ready state, and initiate cooling of the RESS if the RESS is not charging and the vehicle is not in the propulsion ready state, provided further that one or more conditions are present that would promote faster than desired capacity loss for the RESS.

Abstract: A method, system, and control system for operating a HVAC system having one or more variable-speed components is provided. The method includes running the one or more variable-speed components at a first setpoint, and determining that the first setpoint generates a response having an intensity above a threshold. The response includes a vibration, a noise, or a combination thereof. The method further includes logging the first setpoint into a list of setpoints to avoid. The method also includes, in response to determining that the first setpoint generates the response having the intensity above the threshold, adjusting the one or more variable-speed components to a second setpoint.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods related to an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) fluid mover that includes emitter and collector electrodes energizable to motivate fluid flow therebetween. Ozone reducing catalyst bearing heat transfer surfaces may be disposed downstream of the emitter electrode in a flow path of the motivated fluid flow. A controller may be configured to, at respective times throughout the operating life of the EHD fluid mover, selectively employ at least one ozone reduction enhancement response selected from a set of responses. One response includes triggering a conditioning mechanism to apply an additional, but at least partially consumable, ozone reducing catalyst to a surface of the emitter electrode.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles provide for cooling of a vehicle rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). A control system is coupled to the RESS, and is configured to cool the RESS. The control system includes a passive cooling system for cooling the RESS, an active cooling system for cooling the RESS, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the passive cooling system and the active cooling system, and is configured to determine whether conditions are present for effective use of the passive cooling system, initiate cooling of the RESS using the passive cooling system if it is determined that the conditions are present for effective use of the passive cooling system, and initiate cooling of the RESS using the active cooling system if it is determined that the conditions are not present for effective use of the passive cooling system.

Abstract: The method of controlling the saturation level of a gaseous state fluid generated at an outlet of a gaseous state fluid generation system comprises measuring a reference parameter of the fluid other than the saturation level itself, with the reference parameter being representative of the saturation level, and selectively superheating the fluid as a response to the measured reference parameter until the reference parameter falls within an acceptable range of reference parameter values.

Abstract: An electric vehicle battery heater includes a housing having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. A heating element is positioned within the housing in a heat transfer relationship with coolant for transferring heat to an electric vehicle battery. A thermistor is positioned in the housing to output a signal indicative of a temperature of the battery coolant. A controller energizes the heating element when the signal represents that the coolant temperature is less than a predetermined lower limit.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains generally to thermostats that are adapted to assist utilities in communicating with its customers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a thermostat having a display, a controller and a receiver that is coupled to the controller. The receiver is adapted to receive messages from a utility, and the controller is adapted to display one or more related display messages on the display.

Abstract: A fluid heat transfer device includes a multi-pipe arrangement for transporting fluids of temperature difference in counter flow directions on same end sides of a first transfer pipe and second transfer pipe having a parallel arrangement.

Abstract: A double flow-circuit heat exchange device for periodic positive and reverse directional pumping, which has a bi-directional fluid pump. The bi-directional fluid pump produces positive pressure or negative pressure at fluid ports on two sides of the bi-directional heat exchange device to periodically pump the fluid in positive and reverse flowing directions. During operation of the periodically positive and reverse pumping, the directional flow of the fluid in first and second flow fluid circuits are maintained in different flowing directions.

Abstract: A liquid-air cooling system (1) has at least one fan device (2) that consists of at least one variable-speed fan motor (3) driving a fan impeller (4) to create a cooling power for a fluid (5) in a fluid cycle (6). In order to regulate the speed of the fan motor (3) by mains of a control and/or regulation device (24), at least one actual value (tist) downstream of the segmented heat exchanger (19) is compared to a predefined desired value (tsoll), and the control and/or regulation device (24) adjusts the cooling power according to the current power values of the respective machine unit (9).

Abstract: A system incorporating an actuator. The actuator may have a motor unit with motor controller connected to it. A processor may be connected to the motor controller. A coupling for a shaft connection may be attached to an output of the motor unit. The processor may incorporate a diagnostics program. The processor may be connected to a polarity-insensitive two-wire communications bus. Diagnostic results of the diagnostics program may be communicated from the processor over the communications bus to a system controller. If the diagnostic results communicated from the processor over the communications bus to the system controller indicate an insufficiency of the actuator, then an alarm identifying the insufficiency may be communicated over the communications bus to the system controller.

Abstract: A combine cooling control system that includes at least one cooler for exchanging heat from a medium flowing through at least one combine system and the at least one cooler and at least one fan having at least one rotatable blade for generating airflow. The control system also includes at least one movable air director in proximity to the at least one cooler for controlling the airflow. The control system further includes a controller configured to receive at least one sensed operating condition from at least one operating condition sensor and determine one or more of a desired state for the at least one moveable air director and a desired speed of the at least one fan based on the received at least one operating condition. The control system further includes at least one an actuation device configured to move the at least one movable air director.

Abstract: In a liquid cooling system having a structure in which a joint is attached or detached while inserting or removing a card board, when a liquid is leaked from a connection portion of the joint, the leaked liquid confined within a housing is prevented from spilling out and scattering to surrounding electronic components when the card board is disconnected. The liquid cooling system includes male and female joints, and housings that fix those joints to each other. A water absorptive material is disposed on an inner wall of the housing of the male joint, and a seal member is disposed on an inner wall of the housing of the female joint. The liquid cooling system includes a liquid leakage detection function. When the liquid cooling system detects the liquid leakage, the liquid cooling system stops the operation of a pump, and prevents the liquid from being further leaked.

Abstract: Automated control of a cooling system cooling at least one electronic component is provided. The control includes monitoring over a period of time variation of an operational variable of the cooling system or of the at least one electronic component, and based, at least in part, on variation of the operational variable over the period of time, automatically determining whether to adjust control of the cooling system to limit variation of the operational variable. In one implementation, depending on the variation of the operational variable, and whether control of the cooling system has been previously adjusted, the method may further include automatically determining a probability of fail or an expected residual life of the cooling system, and responsive to the predicted probability of fail exceeding a first acceptable threshold or the expected residual life being below a second acceptable threshold, automatically scheduling for a cooling system repair or replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to cool compressors, condensing coils, and similar devices. The compressor or condensing coil is cooled by the delivery of water, which may be ambient temperature or chilled. In one embodiment, the water is delivered to a mesh filter or screen via one or more mist spray nozzles. Water conduits may be integrated with the filter frame. The method to control the delivery of the water is designed to conserve water. The control circuit comprises a microcontroller device which contains programming that receives inputs, including but not limited to, outside ambient air temperature, condenser liquid line temperature, relative humidity and electric current, and uses said inputs to provide a stepwise level of control (“solenoid open time”) of water delivery commensurate with outside air temperature and relative humidity.

Abstract: Automated control of a cooling system cooling at least one electronic component is provided. The control includes monitoring over a period of time variation of an operational variable of the cooling system or of the at least one electronic component, and based, at least in part, on variation of the operational variable over the period of time, automatically determining whether to adjust control of the cooling system to limit variation of the operational variable. In one implementation, depending on the variation of the operational variable, and whether control of the cooling system has been previously adjusted, the method may further include automatically determining a probability of fail or an expected residual life of the cooling system, and responsive to the predicted probability of fail exceeding a first acceptable threshold or the expected residual life being below a second acceptable threshold, automatically scheduling for a cooling system repair or replacement.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner (1) employing an air-mix method, airflow which passed through a bypass channel (14) and airflow which passed through a heated air channel (13) are mixed in an air-mix area (15) located downstream of an air-mix damper (6) and the airflow is guided to a foot outlet (19) through a foot channel (18) provided on the back side of a partition wall (2A) constituting the heated air channel (13). The vehicle air conditioner includes a mixing enhancement portion (50) that makes airflow flowing along the partition wall (2A) flow toward the air-mix area (15) and an introduction portion (60) that is continuous with the mixing enhancement portion (50) and smoothly guides the airflow after air mixing to the foot channel (18) are provided at an end (30) of the partition wall (2A) constituting an outlet of the heated air channel (13).

Abstract: A heat pump operation method includes: obtaining, on a per time unit basis, generated power which is an amount of power generated by a power generation device, load power which is an amount of power consumed by an electric load, and surplus power which is a difference between the generated power and the load power; and controlling operation of the heat pump, wherein in the controlling, an amount of power consumed by the heat pump for generating heat is adjusted to follow a per unit time increase or decrease in the surplus power when a first condition is met, the first condition being that the surplus power remains greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value for a given period of time extending back from the present time.

Abstract: A heat transfer system is provided for a filter house. The filter house is configured to channel air into a turbine engine. The heat transfer system includes at least one of an expansion device and a compressor, a circuit coupled to at least one of the expansion device and the compressor, at least one sensor that detects a parameter of at least one of air channeled through a filter house and the fluid channeled through the circuit, and a controller coupled to the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to selectively control flow of fluid through the circuit to change the parameter of air channeled through the filter house based on the parameter detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A heat exchange system including a heat exchanger having a housing and a cooling core disposed within in the housing. The cooling core is adapted to receive a flow of a liquid cooling media. The heat exchanger includes at least one iron anode projecting into a flow path of the liquid cooling media. The heat exchange system also includes an electronic control module operatively connected to the iron anode. The electronic control module is adapted to control the selective delivery of electrical current or grounding to the iron anode in response to predetermined conditions indicating the presence of sulfide constituents in the cooling medium.

Abstract: A capability for controlling heat transfer using airflow-induced fluttering of a cantilevered elastic plate is presented. A mounting structure is configured to be coupled to a surface of an element having a heat generating component coupled thereto. An elastic place is coupled to the mounting structure so as to arrange the elastic plate in a cantilevered position with respect to the surface of the element and at a position above the surface of the element when the mounting structure is coupled to the surface of the element. The elastic plate is configured to flutter, in response to air flow incident on the elastic plate, in a manner tending to disrupt the boundary layer region. The elastic plate may be arranged at a position that is selected based on a determined location of the boundary layer region.

Abstract: A cooling system is disclosed for use with a machine having an engine and an operator cabin. The cooling system may have a first pump configured to circulate coolant through the engine, a heat exchanger configured to receive coolant from the engine and transfer heat between the coolant and air passing through the heat exchanger, and a fan configured to generate a flow of air through the heat exchanger and into the operator cabin. The cooling system may also have an air conditioning unit configured to chill coolant, and a second pump configured to circulate coolant from the air conditioning unit through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A cooling and noise-reduction apparatus for a computing device disposable within a structure having a central air conditioning system is provided. The computing device includes a heat generating component, an enclosure having first and second inlets, a fan configured to drive coolant from the first inlet to the heat generating component, a vent operably interposed between the second inlet and the heat generating component and a controller coupled to the fan and the vent to respectively control operations thereof. The cooling and noise-reduction apparatus includes a ducting element configured to flexibly and fluidly couple the second inlet with the central air conditioning system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for controlling one or more HVAC systems using a distributed arrangement of wirelessly connected sensing microsystems are described. A plurality of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems is provided, each sensing microsystem including a temperature sensor and a processor, at least one of the sensing microsystems being coupled to an HVAC unit for control thereof. The plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task associated with control of the HVAC unit. Each sensing microsystem includes a power management circuit configured to determine an amount of electrical power available for dedication to the at least one shared computational task. The at least one shared computational task is apportioned among respective ones of the plurality of sensing microsystems according to the amount of electrical power determined to be available for dedication thereto at each respective sensing microsystem.

Abstract: In a computer system, airflow through first and second cooling regions are normally separated by a chassis wall, and are independently controlled by respective first and second fan modules. The internal chassis wall includes a bypass opening that is normally blocked by the second fan module. In response to removal of the second fan module, the bypass opening is unblocked, to fluidly couple the two cooling regions. A redundant fan module is optionally included in fluid communication with the first cooling region, to either generate airflow through the first cooling region in response to failure or removal of the first fan module, or to supplement the airflow capacity of the first fan module in response to removal of the second fan module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and arrangement of optimizing the level of anti freeze agent in a heat transfer fluid in a heat exchange system The method comprises determining (305) a wanted level of anti freeze agent at least partly based on the temperature of the media to which the heat exchange system will deliver heat, controlling (310) the current level of the anti freezing agent in the heat transfer fluid. Anti freezing agent is added 315:1 to the heat transfer fluid if the current level is a predetermined amount lower than the wanted level, and removed 315:2 from the heat transfer fluid if the current level is a predetermined amount higher than the wanted level.

Abstract: A solar water heating and cooling system including a solar energy collection assembly having a heat absorbing element, a heat exchanger and a shield. The system also includes a cooling assembly, the cooling assembly is integral with the shield. The system has a check valve in fluid communication with the solar collection assembly and the cooling assembly, and a fluid pump in fluid communication with the solar energy collection assembly. A working fluid is disposed within the solar energy collection assembly, the cooling assembly, the check valve and the fluid pump. A cooling loop is defined by the solar energy collection assembly, the cooling assembly and the check valve. When the fluid pump is off, the working fluid circulates through the cooling loop, but when the fluid pump is on, the working fluid circulates through a heating loop that is defined by the solar energy collection assembly and the fluid pump.

Abstract: A heat pump operation method includes: obtaining, on a per time unit basis, an amount of the power generated by the power generation device, an amount of the power consumed by the electric load, and surplus power which is a difference between the generated power and the load power; and controlling operation of the heat pump to cause the heat pump to generate heat using power adjusted to follow a per time unit increase or decrease in the surplus power. In the controlling, when an amount of change in the surplus power remains greater than a predetermined threshold value for a given period of time extending back from a present time, an extent to which the power consumed by the heat pump follows the surplus power is reduced.