Patents by Inventor Michael K. Ewert
Michael K. Ewert has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 6469487Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
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Patent number: 6453693Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
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Publication number: 20020023450Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight. The conversion of solar power into stored thermal energy is optimized by a compressor control method that effectively maximizes the compressor's usage of available energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Applicant: Government of the United States of America, National Aeronautics & Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron
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Publication number: 20020020181Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight. The conversion of solar power into stored thermal energy is optimized by a compressor control method that effectively maximizes the compressor's usage of available energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: Government of the United States of America, National Aeronautics & Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron
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Patent number: 6253563Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photo voltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
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Patent number: 5086828Abstract: An apparatus for rejecting waste heat from a system located on or near the lunar equator which utilizes a reflective catenary shaped trough deployed about a vertical radiator to shade the radiator from heat (i.e., infrared radiation) emitted by the hot lunar surface. The catenary shaped trough is constructed from a film material and is aligned relative to the sun so that incoming solar energy is focused to a line just above the vertical radiator and thereby isolate the radiator from the effects of direct sunlight.The film is in a collapsed position between side by side support rods, all of which are in a transport case. To deploy the film and support rods, a set of parallel tracks running perpendicular to length of the support rods are extended out from the transport case.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1991Date of Patent: February 11, 1992Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Michael K. Ewert