Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for heating and cooling. The method and apparatus employ a thermodynamic moat across which heat energy conductance can be entirely prohibited. The moat comprises a heat source for a heat pump. The heat pump can be contained within the thermal protection of the moat. Thus its energy of operation may be added to, rather than lost from, the system. Structures for absorbing solar irradiation are disclosed, as are means to contain these structures within the protection of the moat, thereby to overcome grave deficiencies of solar collectors used in cold climates. A method of and apparatus for utilizing the solar absorber structures for summer cooling are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are structures for collection and concentration of solar energy, each including one or more longitudinally extending, cusp-like modules made up of apposed reflectors of any desired length. The reflectors comprise ruled surfaces and are arranged to converge from entrance to exit apertures. One reflector in each module is concave, and the modules are asymmetric in section, although two asymmetric modules may be combined in a system which is itself symmetrical. A pair of modules may be combined to have a common plane reflector, and the pairs may be further combined if desired. The modules are supported and oriented according to the latitude of the installation, to obtain intense solar energy concentration, which is accomplished totally without diurnal tracking.

Abstract: Disclosed are structures for collection and concentration of solar energy, each including one or more longitudinally extending, cusp-like modules made up of apposed reflectors of any desired length. The reflectors comprise ruled surfaces and are arranged to converge from entrance to exit apertures. One reflector in each module is concave, and the modules are asymmetric in section, although two asymmetric modules may be combined in a system which is itself symmetrical. A pair of modules may be combined to have a common plane reflector, and the pairs may be further combined if desired. The modules are supported and oriented according to the latitude of the installation, to obtain intense solar energy concentration, which is accomplished totally without diurnal tracking.

Abstract: Disclosed are structures for collection and concentration of solar energy, each including one or more longitudinally extending, cusp-like modules made up of apposed reflectors of any desired length. The reflectors comprise ruled surfaces and are arranged to converge from entrance to exit apertures. One reflector in each module is concave, and the modules are asymmetric in section, although two asymmetric modules may be combined in a system which is itself symmetrical. A pair of modules may be combined to have a common plane reflector, and the pairs may be further combined if desired. The modules are supported and oriented according to the latitude of the installation, to obtain intense solar energy concentration, which is accomplished totally without diurnal tracking.