Abstract: Disclosed are suitably structured storage tanks which substantially eliminate blending problems in thermal storage systems. More particularly is disclosed floatable baffle and flexible diaphragm means for preventing blending of different temperatures of water in a storage tank. Also disclosed is a thermal storage system wherein the tanks are at the base of a building and which includes the use of energy conserving turbines to further enhance the benefits of thermal storage. Direct pumping entry of the storage water at a low pressure is permitted into the load circuit which is at a substantially higher pressure and the turbine conserves energy required in the pumping.

Abstract: A working fluid such as a liquifiable gas is rotated in a rotor having a thermodynamic compressor, a condenser chamber and an evaporation chamber. The high pressure zone in the condenser chamber is separated from the low pressure zone of the evaporator by a column of liquid. In several embodiments, a forepump is actuated by the thermodynamic compressor in order to vary the thermodynamic operating points of the device.

Abstract: A ground heat exchanger adapted to be buried in the ground and to be used in association with a heat pump system for heating and cooling. The exchanger includes a heat conducting metal plate adapted to be vertically buried in the ground and carrying a fluid circulating coil adapted to be connected to the circuit of the heat pump system. The ends of the plate are each movably inserted into a corresponding slit of an upright tube filled with a heat conducting grease. Weights compress the grease within the tubes and cause its ejection through apertures of the tubes along both surfaces of the plate, so as to fill any voids between the plate and the ground and to also fill any new voids which may develop due to contraction of expansion of the plate with temperature variation and also due to ground movement. The top ends of the tubes are accessible above ground surface, so that they may be refilled according to need.

Abstract: A working fluid such as a liquifiable gas is rotated in a rotor having a thermodynamic compressor, a condenser chamber and an evaporation chamber. The high pressure zone in the condenser chamber is separated from the low pressure zone of the evaporator by a column of liquid. In several embodiments, a fore-pump is actuated by the thermodynamic compressor in order to vary the thermodynamic operating points of the device.

Abstract: A working fluid such as a liquifiable gas is rotated in a rotor having a thermodynamic compressor, a condenser chamber and an evaporation chamber. The high pressure zone in the condenser chamber is separated from the low pressure zone of the evaporator by a column of liquid. In several embodiments, a forepump is actuated by the thermodynamic compressor in order to vary the thermodynamic operating points of the device.

Abstract: A thermal distribution system for distributing heated or cooled fluid from respective fluid generators to thermal exchangers. The system comprises a regulating-reversing device for selectively controlling and distributing the fluid from and towards the hot fluid generator and the cold fluid generator, and regulating the flow thereof from and towards the thermal exchangers. A degasifying device is connected to the regulating-reversing device for distributing said fluid to the exchangers and for collecting the same from said exchangers. A pumping means is mounted between said degasifying device and said regulating-reversing device for pumping the fluid from the latter to the former.

Abstract: A vehicle cooling system utilizing a remotely located radiator and cooling fan permitting the vehicle engine to be enclosed by insulating material for reducing noise. The radiator in the preferred embodiment illustrated is mounted horizontally in an air passage formed partially by the passenger compartment roof. A fan is located below the radiator for drawing air therethrough when the vehicle is idling. The fan is powered by a hydraulic motor which receives pressurized coolant from the engine water pump.