Abstract: A pan structure for bonding solar modules installed on a target position is provided. The pan structure includes a plate member configured to be disposed across a spacing between two rail structures for mounting one or more solar modules. Additionally, the pan structure includes a pair of edge members configured to couple the plate member respectively with the two rail structures. Each of the pair of edge members has a first ledge characterized to be electrically conductive and configured to be supported by one of the two rail structures and a second ledge connected the first ledge to the plate member to keep the plate member a distance below the first ledge. Moreover, the pan structure includes a plurality of contact elements spatially distributed along the first ledge for bonding both the one or more solar modules and the rail structures for electric grounding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing power generation and distribution with on-site energy storage and power input controlled by a utility or a third party manager. The system allows a utility manager to decide and direct how energy is delivered to a customer on both sides of the power meter, while the customer directs and controls when and how much energy is needed. In the disclosed embodiments, the utility controls the supply (either transmitted or stored) and makes power decisions on a system that acts as a virtual power plant, while the end-user retains control of the on-site aggregated power consumption assets. The disclosed systems act to broker the needs of the utility and end-user by creating, managing and controlling the interface between these two entities.

Abstract: A system for utilizing solar energy for home utility supply includes an air collector coupled to a solar module disposed to collect ambient air carrying thermal energy generated from the solar module. The system includes an energy transfer module (ETM) comprising a first heat-exchanger configured to process a first air stream from the air collector and output a second air stream carrying a portion of the thermal energy. Additionally, the system includes an air-conditioning module for processing a third air stream from interior space. The system includes an air processor comprising a desiccant material to pre-condition the third air stream utilizing the second air stream in the ETM and form a fourth air stream for the air-conditioning module and a fifth air stream in the ETM. Furthermore, the system uses a second heat-exchanger to process the fourth air stream and form a six air stream with reduced temperature and humidity.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and device for a refrigerant-based thermal storage system wherein a condensing unit and an ice-tank heat exchanger can be isolated through a second heat exchanger. The disclosed embodiments provide a refrigerant-based ice storage system with increased reliability, lower cost components, and reduced power consumption compared to a single phase system such as a glycol system.

Abstract: A system provides space conditioning zone control in a building for efficient energy use and conservation of energy resources. The system includes an energy transfer module coupled to a solar thermal system to receive a first airflow and an auxiliary thermal module coupled to the energy transfer module for processing a return airflow to provide a conditioned airflow for one or more spatial zones. The system further includes a zone controller coupled directly to the auxiliary thermal module and a thermostat in each spatial zone for operating the auxiliary thermal module. Furthermore, the system includes a master control module wirelessly communicated with each thermostat and configured to operate the energy transfer module. The master control module initiates a transfer of the first airflow based upon a first setpoint before the zone controller initiates a generation and transfer of the conditioned airflow based upon a second setpoint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing power generation and distribution with on-site energy storage and power input controlled by a utility or a third party manager. The system allows a utility manager to decide and direct how energy is delivered to a customer on both sides of the power meter, while the customer directs and controls when and how much energy is needed. In the disclosed embodiments, the utility controls the supply (either transmitted or stored) and makes power decisions on a system that acts as a virtual power plant, while the end-user retains control of the on-site aggregated power consumption assets. The disclosed systems act to broker the needs of the utility and end-user by creating, managing and controlling the interface between these two entities.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and device for a refrigerant-based thermal storage system wherein a condensing unit and an ice-tank heat exchanger can be isolated through a second heat exchanger. The disclosed embodiments provide a refrigerant-based ice storage system with increased reliability, lower cost components, and reduced power consumption compared to non-isolated systems.

Abstract: A method for providing a ventilation control compliant with an adopted ventilation standard for efficient energy usage and conservation of energy resources. The method includes operating a home energy system to generate solar energy within a daily active period and draw ambient fresh air, and setting a daily ventilation period as a fractional period of a day. The daily ventilation period is substantially coordinated with the daily active period during a heating/cooling period for the home. Additionally, the method includes determining a target volume in compliance with the adopted ventilation standard and determining a flow rate for delivering the fresh air during the daily ventilation period. Moreover, the method includes monitoring an accumulated total ventilation volume of the delivered fresh air until the accumulated total ventilation volume is within a vicinity of a target volume.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing power generation and distribution with on-site energy storage and power input controlled by a utility or a third party manager. The system allows a utility manager to decide and direct how energy is delivered to a customer on both sides of the power meter, while the customer directs and controls when and how much energy is needed. In the disclosed embodiments, the utility controls the supply (either transmitted or stored) and makes power decisions on a system that acts as a virtual power plant, while the end-user retains control of the on-site aggregated power consumption assets. The disclosed systems act to broker the needs of the utility and end-user by creating, managing and controlling the interface between these two entities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing power generation and distribution with on-site energy storage and power input controlled by a utility or a third party manager. The system allows a utility manager to decide and direct how energy is delivered to a customer on both sides of the power meter, while the customer directs and controls when and how much energy is needed. In the disclosed embodiments, the utility controls the supply (either transmitted or stored) and makes power decisions on a system that acts as a virtual power plant, while the end-user retains control of the on-site aggregated power consumption assets. The disclosed systems act to broker the needs of the utility and end-user by creating, managing and controlling the interface between these two entities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for a refrigerant-based thermal energy storage and cooling system with multiple condensing units utilizing a common evaporator coil. The disclosed embodiments provide a refrigerant-based ice storage system with increased reliability, lower cost components, and reduced power consumption and ease of installation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device to efficiently regulate flow of refrigerant while maintaining a sealed chamber in systems providing stored thermal energy for use during peak electrical demand. A mixed-phase regulator replaces the thermostatic expansion valve used in conventional air-conditioning systems that, along with capillary tubes and orifices, regulates the refrigerant fed from the compressor to the heat load.

Abstract: A method for providing a cool roof by processing fluid within a vicinity of a roof structure having a surface area includes transferring a volume of air with a selected flow rate through a plenum structure disposed underlying one or more solar modules and coupled to the roof structure spatially over a height above a portion of the surface area. Each of the one or more solar modules is coupled to each other. The plenum structure has at least an intake region and an exit region for the volume of air. The method additionally includes maintaining a roof temperature profile for the portion of the surface area starting from the intake region to the exit region for a predetermined amount of time using at least the flow rate of the volume of air being transported through the plenum structure.

Abstract: A system for controlling solar energy utilization for efficient energy usage and conservation of energy resources for providing space conditioning and home ventilation. The system includes a control module configured to operate a solar energy system for collecting a flow of fresh air for utilizing thermal energy converted by the solar energy system. Additionally, the system includes a thermostat module directly coupled with an HVAC system to for controlling a delivery of a conditioned airflow. The thermostat device couples wirelessly to the control module. Further, the system includes a graphic user interface operably communicating with the control module remotely via a network hub. The graphic user interface device is configured to set modes of operation for the thermostat module and configured to communicate with the thermostat module for transmitting control information, modes of operation, and temperature information of the building structure to the control module via a wireless transmission.

Abstract: A system provides space conditioning zone control in a building for efficient energy use and conservation of energy resources. The system includes an energy transfer module coupled to a solar thermal system to receive a first airflow and an auxiliary thermal module coupled to the energy transfer module for processing a return airflow to provide a conditioned airflow for one or more spatial zones. The system further includes a zone controller coupled directly to the auxiliary thermal module and a thermostat in each spatial zone for operating the auxiliary thermal module. Furthermore, the system includes a master control module wirelessly communicated with each thermostat and configured to operate the energy transfer module. The master control module initiates a transfer of the first airflow based upon a first setpoint before the zone controller initiates a generation and transfer of the conditioned airflow based upon a second setpoint.