Abstract: A throttle actuator includes a base, a carrier and a circuit board coupled between the base and the carrier. The circuit board has a first force sensor and a second force sensor. A spring plate is disposed between the carrier and the circuit board. The spring plate is adjacent to and extends between the first force sensor and the second force sensor. A cover is coupled to the base enclosing the carrier, the spring plate and the circuit board between the cover and the base.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for optimally placing photovoltaic arrays to maximize a value of energy production. Incident solar radiation for various placements of the photovoltaic arrays accommodating different azimuths and tilts is calculated. Alternating current solar photovoltaic electricity energy and power production is then estimated from the calculated solar radiation on a plane and weather data. Furthermore, a value of solar photovoltaic electricity energy and power produced by the photovoltaic arrays for the various placements is calculating using the estimated alternating current solar photovoltaic electricity production. A placement out of the various placements for the photovoltaic arrays is then selected corresponding to a highest value of the solar photovoltaic electricity produced by the photovoltaic arrays.

Abstract: An integrated thermal energy and rainwater storage system for reducing peak electrical demand by air conditioning systems. Such a system includes a water conveyance system for collecting and conveying water to a storage tank for storing rainwater, where the rainwater functions as a lower temperature thermal reservoir while it is being held and awaiting use. The system further includes a residential air conditioning system with an air-cooled condenser unit along with an additional water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger connected to the storage tank on one side, and on the other side connected into the refrigerant lines with reconfigurable flow paths and actuated valves to control the discharging and recharging of the thermal energy storage. The lower temperature and better heat transfer capabilities of the rainwater improve operating efficiency and reduce power consumption of the compressor when used instead of the air-cooled condenser during the hottest hours of the day.

Abstract: An integrated thermal energy and rainwater storage system for reducing peak electrical demand by air conditioning systems. Such a system includes a water conveyance system for collecting and conveying water to a storage tank for storing rainwater, where the rainwater functions as a lower temperature thermal reservoir while it is being held and awaiting use. The system further includes a residential air conditioning system with an air-cooled condenser unit along with an additional water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger connected to the storage tank on one side, and on the other side connected into the refrigerant lines with reconfigurable flow paths and actuated valves to control the discharging and recharging of the thermal energy storage. The lower temperature and better heat transfer capabilities of the rainwater improve operating efficiency and reduce power consumption of the compressor when used instead of the air-cooled condenser during the hottest hours of the day.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for optimally placing photovoltaic arrays to maximize a value of energy production. Incident solar radiation for various placements of the photovoltaic arrays accommodating different azimuths and tilts is calculated. Alternating current solar photovoltaic electricity energy and power production is then estimated from the calculated solar radiation on a plane and weather data. Furthermore, a value of solar photovoltaic electricity energy and power produced by the photovoltaic arrays for the various placements is calculating using the estimated alternating current solar photovoltaic electricity production. A placement out of the various placements for the photovoltaic arrays is then selected corresponding to a highest value of the solar photovoltaic electricity produced by the photovoltaic arrays.