Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of polymer tubes extending between and fluidly connecting an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold, thereby providing a flow path inside said tubes for a first fluid between the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold. The tubes are configured to have space between the exterior surfaces thereof, thereby providing a fluid flow path for a second fluid through the space between the exterior surfaces of the tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchanger adapted to transmit a first fluid through an interior, having a tubular body receptive of a second fluid, whereby heat transfer occurs between the fluids is provided, the tubular body extending longitudinally through the interior, having a non-circular cross-section, and being formed to define microchannels extending longitudinally along the tubular body through which the second fluid is transmitted.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system, comprising: a compressor (22); a first electric motor (26) that provides a motive force to the compressor; at least one fan (52, 56, 82, 84, 86); a second electric fan motor (54, 56, 88, 90, 92) that provides a motive force to the fan; a solar PV electrical power source (220); an electric energy power source (230); a engine driven generator electrical power source (210); and a power management controller (40) coupled to route power selectively and concurrently from two of the electrical power sources (210, 220, 230) to provide electrical power to the first motor (26) and the second motor (54, 56, 88, 90, 92).

Abstract: A free-draining heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange tube, a second heat exchange tube spaced from and generally parallel to the first heat exchange tube, and a fin contacting the first and second heat exchange tubes. The fin includes a louver and at least one drainage enhancement feature for promoting removal of liquid from external surfaces of the heat exchanger. A free-draining fin structure includes an array of fins disposed between adjacent heat exchange tubes for improving water drainage by reducing liquid surface tension. Each fin in the array includes an opening and a louver for directing airflow through the opening and around the fin and at least one drainage enhancement feature.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes heat exchange tubes, a manifold, and a distribution insert incorporating orifices that communicate a fluid into the manifold for distribution into the heat exchange tubes. A design characteristic of the distribution insert and another design characteristic of at least one of the distribution insert, the manifold and the heat exchange tubes are employed to determine an essential design relationship. The essential design relationship defines a design parameter, the value of which falls within a determined range of values.

Abstract: A phase separator and fluid storage volume device for a heat exchanger comprises a vessel, a vapor tube, a liquid tube, an access tube and a flow regulating device. The vessel comprises a first chamber, a second chamber, and a divider separating the first chamber from the second chamber. The vapor tube extends from within the second chamber, through the divider and the first chamber to outside the first chamber. The vapor tube also includes holes between an inlet and an outlet of the tube within the first chamber. The liquid tube extends from within the second chamber to outside of the second chamber. The access tube connects to the second chamber. The flow regulating device is disposed within the vapor tube to provide phase separation between refrigerant traveling between the first chamber and the second chamber within the vapor tube.

Abstract: A concentrated solar energy device is connectable to a solar array and includes a photovoltaic cell that provides electrical energy and heat from a solar energy source, a thermally conductive element, concentrating optics, and a housing. The concentrating optics are positioned between the solar energy source and the photovoltaic cell and are aligned with the solar energy source. The thermally conductive element functions to dissipate heat from the photovoltaic cell. The housing and the concentrating optics are attached to one another and together enclose the photovoltaic cell and a portion of the thermally conductive element. An optical film may be positioned over the concentrating optics during assembly, installation, and/or maintenance of the concentrated solar energy device.

Abstract: A parallel flow heat exchanger includes a plurality of connector tubes which fluidly interconnect the individual flat heat exchange tubes to a refrigerant delivery member such that the refrigerant flows along the lengths of the connector tubes and then flows in a direction orthogonal thereto to enter the flat heat exchange tubes to thereby provide improved refrigerant distribution thereto. The refrigerant distribution member may be an inlet manifold or an entrance port or a refrigerant distributor. The connector tubes may be connected so as to conduct the flow in parallel or in series, and an orifice may be placed at the entrance end thereof to improve refrigerant distribution.

Abstract: A concentrated solar energy system includes a photovoltaic cell, an optical concentrator, a heat removal system, and means for providing thermal contact between the photovoltaic cell and the heat removal system. The optical concentrator is configured to direct concentrated solar energy to the photovoltaic cell such that the photovoltaic cell generates electricity and heat. The heat removal system removes heat from the photovoltaic cell. The means for providing thermal contact provides an effective thermal conductivity per unit length between the photovoltaic cell and the heat removal system of greater than about 50 kilowatts per square meter per degree Celsius.

Abstract: A concentrated solar energy device is connectable to a solar array and includes a photovoltaic cell that provides electrical energy and heat from a solar energy source, a thermally conductive element, concentrating optics, and a housing. The concentrating optics are positioned between the solar energy source and the photovoltaic cell and are aligned with the solar energy source. The thermally conductive element functions to dissipate heat from the photovoltaic cell. The housing and the concentrating optics are attached to one another and together enclose the photovoltaic cell and a portion of the thermally conductive element. An optical film may be positioned over the concentrating optics during assembly, installation, and/or maintenance of the concentrated solar energy device.

Abstract: A thermally managed solar cell system includes a photovoltaic cell for generating electricity and heat. The system includes a housing, a base, and a heat removal device. The housing surrounds the solar cell system and has an open, rear portion. The base is positionable in the open portion of the housing and supports the photovoltaic cell. The base is also thermally conductive and spreads heat generated from the photovoltaic cell. The heat removal device and the base act as a single unit with the heat removal device being coupled to the base to remove the heat from the base.