Abstract: A eutectic composition for coolness storage and its method of making wherein a dry particulate mixture of sodium sulfate and a lesser amount of sodium tetraborate pentahydrate is added to water while the water is stirred, together with a small amount of a buffering acid to reduce alkalinity.

Abstract: A forced air furnace includes a conventional fuel fired, primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger associated with the stack. The secondary exchanger includes a phase change material having a transition temperature within the range of the stack temperature, and which is disposed in heat exchange relation with the flue gases flowing through the stack. The secondary exchanger also includes duct means for conveying the circulated air in heat exchange relation with the phase change material; and the flow path through the secondary exchanger is an alternative path controlled by a damper. When the primary exchanger is turned on, the phase change material in the secondary exchanger is charged from the flue gases of the primary exchanger. When the phase change material is in condition to release stored heat, a temperature responsive control shuts off the primary exchanger and diverts the circulated air through the secondary exchanger.

Abstract: A body for the storage of heat or for the storage of coolness is, in its solid phase, a conglomerate of a mass of crystalline particles of a salt-hydrate, and a rigid cellular support structure in the form of a crust formed by a chemical reaction with the surfaces of the crystalline particles. By way of example, strontium nitrate is reacted with uniformly sized crystalline particles of sodium sulfate decahydrate to form an integral support crust structure of the compound strontium sulfate, which compound is insoluble in water. When the crystalline particles are transformed to the liquid phase, the liquid is confined within the cells of the support structure. The body is enclosed in a moisture impermeable skin to prevent evaporation of the water of crystallization in the liquid phase.

Abstract: A solar air heater is vertically disposed and composed of a plurality of parallel, horizontally disposed slats resembling a venetian blind. The slats are positioned with their upper faces facing the sun and at an acute angle relative to the horizontal such that the winter sun will produce multiple heat absorbing reflections between adjacent slat surfaces, whereas the summer sun will be reflected back, if desired, so as to impart little or no heat to the heater. Air is circulated through the heater between the slats, thereby becoming heated as it absorbs heat from the slats. This heated air is then sent into a structure, such as a room of a house, via air ducts or the like to heat the structure or is sent to such other areas as desired, the solar air heater being attached to or forming a part of the structure that is to receive the heat produced by its use.

Abstract: A cooling system for air conditioning of buildings which comprises creating a cold medium by dissolving a salt in water, said salt being characterized by forming an endothermic solution, passing air through or over said cold solution to cool the air before introduction into said building, after the potential cooling effect is exhausted the salt is recovered by evaporation of the water from the solution with hot air, said hot air being at least partly heated by solar energy.

Abstract: Improved selective black particles for use in solar receivers are described. The improved selective blacks comprise small particles of a metal having a low emissivity which are coated with a thin layer of an optically dark material having high absorptivity and low reflectivity for solar wavelengths and which is transparent for higher wavelengths in the thermal range. The improved selective black particles can be applied, e.g., as a paint, to any surface suitable for a solar heat receiver.

Abstract: A mixture for the storage of heat energy utilizing a heat of fusion material includes sodium sulfate decahydrate, borax as a nucleating agent, and hydrous magnesium aluminum silicate (attapulgus clay) as a homogenizing agent. This composition maintains the salt-hydrate in suspension during repeated heating and cooling cycles.A method is also disclosed for preparing the mixture which includes the steps of mixing water with the attapulgus clay, adding a nucleating agent to the initial mixture, and mixing the initial mixture, including the nucleating agent, with a heat of fusion material such as sodium sulfate decahydrate.