Abstract: The distillation apparatus includes an upstanding closed boiler which receives a fluid mash, a mixture including alcohol and water, and has a plurality of heating means, including a pre-heat means, to boil the mash and produce a vapor at the top thereof; two heat exchangers are located at the bottom of the boiler; one is heated by fluid from a compressor and one is heated by exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine which drives the compressor. The fluid mash is removed from the boiler at a first point, passed through a solar panel and returned to the boiler at a higher level; the fluid mash is removed from the boiler at a second point, where new mash is added, and both used as the coolant for the engine; when the fluid has cooled the engine it is then passed over an enclosed coil which carries exhaust gases from the engine. It is then returned to the boiler at a higher level; exhaust gases from the engine are injected directly into the fluid mash adding heat thereto.

Abstract: A solar water heating system heats water in a solar panel and stores it in a water storage tank. A pump circulates the water in the system, from the water storage tank through the solar panel back to the water storage tank when energy can be transferred from the solar panel to the water. When the circulating pump stops, the water in the solar panel and associated conduits located in an area where freezing can be encountered drains down into the water storage tank and associated conduits which are located in an area where freezing will not be encountered. In order to provide for the necessary space in the system for draining, a predetermined air space is maintained in the top of the water storage tank by an automatic air replenishment system which includes a compressor for directing compressed air into said water storage tank at the top thereof at a predetermined maximum water level in accordance with a water level float operated control located adjacent the water storage tank.