Abstract: A modular food holding system includes a plurality of individual modularized food holding chambers, each of the plurality of food holding chambers being physically and communicatively removably connected to one another. Each of the food holding chambers includes a food holding cavity and may further include a heating element and/or a cooling element for heating or cooling the food holding cavity. A chamber base is physically and communicatively removably connected to one of the food holding chambers and operation of at least one food holding chamber is controlled by the chamber base. A smart sensor is disposed within or connected to a food pan that is removably inserted within the food holding cavity of a food holding chamber. The smart sensor is configured to sense a characteristic of an interior environment of the food pan and communicate with the food holding chamber or the chamber base.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and power generation system includes a thermal energy storage device including a container, a heating element in the container, a pair of fins in the container and arranged on opposite sides of the heating element, a thermal storage material in the container, and a tube in the container and extending around the thermal storage material. The system also includes a generator in communication with the thermal energy storage device for converting thermal energy into electrical energy as well as subsystems for regulating and controlling the system.

Abstract: There is herein defined phase change material (PCM) battery designs which are heated. More particularly, there is described integrally and/or internally located heating devices (e.g. electrical heating devices) in a range of heat batteries containing PCM. In particular, there is described a PCM heat battery comprising: a PCM enclosure capable of holding PCM; PCM located in the enclosure; an electronic control system for the PCM heat battery; a heating device located in the PCM heat battery; wherein the heating device is capable of heating and/or charging the PCM.

Abstract: A nuclear island base slab of a nuclear power plant and a manufacturing method therefor, and a nuclear island of a nuclear power plant. The nuclear island base slab of a nuclear power plant includes a concrete base slab body and a plurality of air ducts embedded in the concrete base slab body. The air duct has an internal-penetrating bent pipe structure. A first end of the air duct is exposed on an upper surface of the concrete base slab body. A second end of the air duct is exposed on a side surface or the upper surface of the concrete base slab body.

Abstract: A heat accumulator device is provided having a metal phase-change material as an accumulator material, the heat accumulator device including at least one a holding chamber having a holding space for the accumulator material, a housing for the holding space, at least one heat input apparatus for inputting heat into the at least one holding chamber, and at least one heat output apparatus for outputting heat from the at least one holding chamber. A coupling region of the heat input apparatus, provided for thermal coupling to the accumulator material, and/or a coupling region of the heat output apparatus, provided for thermal coupling to the accumulator material, is arranged, at least in part, at a distance from the accumulator material.

Abstract: A device for storing heat energy/cold energy, including a container having a wall (102) with a first interface (110) suitable for letting a fluid into the device (100) and a second interface (111) suitable for letting the fluid out of the device (100), with a plurality of storage elements (104) being arranged in the container and configured to store heat energy/cold energy supplied by the fluid. The container has at least one perforated internal wall (105) with openings of dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the storage elements (104) and defining a first compartment (131) and at least one second compartment (132) in the container, with the plurality of storage elements (104) being distributed in the first compartment (131) and in said at least one second compartment (132).

Abstract: Provided are an air duct assembly and an integrated air conditioner, wherein, the air duct assembly includes a fixed shell and a rotating air duct body, a first air duct and a second air duct are formed in the rotating air duct body having a first position and a second position; when the rotating air duct body is in the first position, the indoor air inlet duct is connected with the indoor air outlet duct, the outdoor air inlet duct is connected with the outdoor air outlet duct, the indoor air inlet duct is disconnected from the outdoor air outlet duct and the outdoor air inlet duct; the indoor air outlet duct is disconnected from the outdoor air outlet duct and the outdoor air inlet duct; when in the second position, the indoor air inlet duct is connected with the first air duct and the outdoor air outlet duct to form a turbid wind exhaust duct, the indoor air outlet duct is connected with the second air duct and the outdoor air inlet duct to form a fresh air inlet duct, the turbid wind exhaust duct is separ

Abstract: A thermal modification device for modifying the skin temperature of a user, the thermal modification device including: a first elongated flexible container including a first substance disposed therein and a first wall and a second wall, wherein the first substance is a fluid having thermal properties of a first substance; and a second elongated flexible container including a second substance disposed therein and a first wall and a second wall, wherein the second substance is a fluid having thermal properties of a second substance, wherein a ratio of the mass of the first substance and the mass of the second substance is at least one of about 0.22 and about 0.31, the first elongated flexible container and the second elongated flexible container are disposed with the second wall of the first elongated flexible container disposed in contacting relationship with the first wall of the second elongated flexible container.

Abstract: A solar thermal cladding structure includes a frame, a membrane extending along the frame, the membrane having a first layer and a second layer, and an inflation blower connected to the membrane and in fluid communication with a space between the first layer and the second layer of the membrane. The frame includes a plurality of connectors and a plurality of beam struts. The plurality of connectors connect the plurality of beam struts together.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system including an enclosure having an internal volume. An incompressible phase change material (PCM) is provided within the internal volume of the enclosure, where the PCM contracts into a solid state when its temperature falls below a certain temperature and expands into a liquid state when its temperature goes above the certain temperature. An elastic bladder is positioned adjacent to the PCM within the internal volume of the enclosure and is filled with a compressible material, where the PCM pushes against the bladder when it is expanded to the liquid state and causes the compressible material to be compressed within the bladder and the enclosure.

Abstract: Methods and devices for long-duration electricity storage using low-cost thermal energy storage and high-efficiency power cycle, are disclosed. In some embodiments it has the potential for superior long-duration, low-cost energy storage.

Abstract: A ventilation and air conditioning system (6) is for a room (2) containing a heat source and the ventilation and air conditioning system (6) comprising a cooled air supply (12) and a ventilation duct (10). The ventilation duct (10) includes a primary inlet (24) connected to the cooled air supply (12) and an outlet (14) leading into the room (2). A number of heat storage elements (30) is arranged inside the ventilation duct (10) between the primary inlet (24) and the outlet (14), such that during operation of the cooled air supply (12) there is a forced stream of cooled air through the ventilation duct (10), thereby cooling and preferably freezing the heat storage elements (30). A secondary inlet (36) into the ventilation duct (10) is in flow communication with the room (2) and during operation of the cooled air supply (12) is closed by a damper (40).

Abstract: Disclosed is an element for cooling the air in a motor vehicle, including a composite phase-change material (40) made of at least one first material which is a phase-change material (42) and one second material (44) of which the structure forms a support matrix for the phase-change material (42), the composite phase-change material (40) being covered with a heat-conducting protective layer (46).

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and systems for collecting and storage of solar energy, wherein the system for storing and retrieving captured temperature based energy comprising: one or more thermal collectors (5, 60), an energy carrier (29), a piping system (3, 7, 34, 35, 36), pumping device for controlling the flow of the energy carrier (29), and one or more ground thermal storage systems (30).

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to systems, apparatuses, processing, and techniques related to patterning one or more sides of a thin film capacitor (TFC) sheet, where the TFC sheet has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side and the second side of the TFC sheet are metal and are separated by a dielectric layer, and the patterned TFC sheet is to provide at least one of a capacitor or a routing feature on a first side of a substrate that has the first side and a second side opposite the first side.

Abstract: A hybrid supplemental solar energy collection and dissipation system with one or more heat pumps is featured. The system includes one or more commercially available photovoltaic panels configured to convert incident radiation to electricity. One or more supplemental solar energy collectors having a flow of fluid therein are selectively coupled to the one or more photovoltaic panels. The one or more supplemental solar energy collectors are configured to collect thermal energy from the one or more photovoltaic panels, radiate thermal energy to space, collect thermal energy from the environment and/or dissipate thermal energy to the environment to heat or cool one or more loads. One or more heat pumps are coupled to the one or more supplemental solar energy collectors and the one or more loads and are configured to amplify heating and/or cooling of the one or more loads.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a water storage tank and a gas water heater. The water storage tank includes: a tank body provided with an interface at one end; an adapter provided with a water inlet connector, a water outlet connector, and a waste discharge connector; and a connection pipe installed in the tank body, one end of the connection pipe communicating with the water outlet connector, another end of the connection pipe being spaced apart from an end of the tank body away from the interface.

Abstract: A storage unit comprises a casing defining an interior space for holding at least one item, a thermal element lining an interior surface of at least one side of the casing, and at least one thermal battery thermally coupled to the thermal element.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides dye compounds for use in dyeing textiles.

Abstract: There is herein described energy storage systems. More particularly, there is herein described thermal energy storage systems and use of energy storable material such as phase change material in the provision of heating and/or cooling systems in, for example, domestic dwellings.

Abstract: A heat-storage material that provides a sufficiently large amount of thermal energy as a latent-heat storage material including a semiclathrate hydrate and that improves hysteresis between the solidifying temperature and the melting starting temperature and a refrigerator and a cooling container that include the heat-storage material are provided. The heat-storage material that changes phase at a predetermined temperature includes water, a main agent including a quaternary ammonium salt that forms a semiclathrate hydrate, a pH adjuster that maintains alkaline properties, and a nucleating agent that generates a cation that exhibits positive hydration. In such an aqueous solution maintained to be alkaline, the nucleating agent becomes a nucleus in solidification, and thus, the temperature difference between the solidifying temperature and the melting temperature can be decreased.

Abstract: In a multi-functional storage container and fitness training system, a storage container of the system includes additional functionality and utility as one or more of a combination of a fitness exercise station, a portable cooler or personal storage container, and a platform to secure smart electronic devices thereon such as smartphones, tablet-like devices, and the like, providing a charging station function to charge these smart devices. The example system may alternatively be understood as a fitness exercise station having multi-functional utility beyond exercise, or a storage container having multi-functional utility beyond the storage of articles.

Abstract: A transport container for transporting temperature-sensitive transport goods includes an interior for receiving the transport goods and an enclosure enclosing the interior and provided with a heat insulation, wherein at least one latent heat accumulator and at least one active temperature-control element are provided for controlling the temperature in the interior. The enclosure is preferably a multilayer enclosure, wherein a heat insulation, a latent heat accumulator, and optionally an active temperature-control element, are configured as mutually separate, superimposed layers of the enclosure.

Abstract: Various circuit board embodiments are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a circuit board and a first phase change material pocket positioned on or in the circuit board and contacting a surface of the circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy storage system (10) for a use with a boiler (20). The energy storage system (10) comprises a plurality of thermal energy storage banks (101, 102, 103, 104). Each thermal energy storage bank (101, 102, 103, 104) comprises phase changeable material having a predetermined phase transformation temperature. The energy storage system (10) also includes an extraction device (105; 1 15) configured to recover waste energy from the boiler (20). The extraction device (105, 1 15) is operable to extract waste energy from the boiler (20) and feed that energy to at least one (101) of the thermal energy storage banks (101, 102, 103, 104). A controller (106) is arranged, in use, to activate the extraction device (105, 115) in response to operation of the boiler (20).

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for making a pedestrian, vehicular, or other surface resistant to frost, snow and ice by use of heat are disclosed. A composite base or deck element includes a recess to accommodate heating element. A thermal insulator has an upward facing layer of heat-conductive aluminum foil, above which sits the heating element. On top is a pedestrian, vehicular, or other exposed surface, for example a tactile warning surface.

Abstract: A heat storage reactor, comprising: a plurality of heat storage layers including first flow paths through which a first fluid can flow, each of the first flow paths being filled with heat storage materials; and a plurality of heat exchange layers including second flow paths through which a second fluid can flow. In the heat storage reactor, the plurality of heat storage layers and the plurality of heat exchange layers are alternately stacked. Further, open ends for the second flow paths are formed on a surface different from a surface on which open ends of the first flow paths are formed. Furthermore, at least a part of the second flow paths is formed in parallel to the first flow paths.

Abstract: A phase change cell includes a housing enclosing a phase change chamber that holds a phase change material and a gas pocket. The housing includes a side wall extending between first and second end walls. A capillary is disposed in an interior surface of the side wall. In response to heating of the phase change cell, the capillary is configured to draw the phase change material in a liquid phase towards the periphery of the phase change chamber. A temperature sensor is coupled to the housing in a vicinity of the capillary to measure the phase change temperature. According to another aspect, the housing includes a moveable surface that bounds a portion of the phase change chamber. The phase change temperature of the phase change material changes based on the position of the moveable wall.

Abstract: Phase change material modules for use in a heat exchanger are described. The phase change material module comprises two or more set of a plurality of substantially aligned hollow structures arranged to form a porous structure. A phase change material capable of undergoing a phase change as a result of heat exchange between it and a fluid is housed within the hollow tubes. Also described is a phase change material module with hollow tubes having a cross-sectional area through the phase change material selected from elliptical, rectangular, stadium-shaped, teardrop-shaped, airfoil-shaped, rounded rectangle and ovoid. A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of the phase change material modules, a first fluid inlet and outlet, and a second fluid inlet and outlet, wherein the phase change material modules are repeated circulated from alignment with the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet is also described.

Abstract: A barbecue and fireplace combination assembly for grilling, heating, and entertainment includes a housing that defines an interior space. A barbecue, which is fuel gas powered, is mounted to a top of the housing. Fuel gas that flows to the barbecue is configured to be ignited by a user to barbecue a food item. A fireplace, which also is fuel gas powered, is coupled to the housing and is positioned in the interior space. Fuel gas that flows to the fireplace is configured to be lighted by the user to heat an area proximate to the fireplace. An opening is positioned in a front of the housing. A window is coupled to the front of housing so that the window substantially sealably closes the opening. The window is configured to allow visual enjoyment of the fireplace.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchange apparatus for cooling water of a fuel cell, the heat exchange apparatus including a body, through which a cooling water pipe, through which cooling water that is to be supplied to a fuel cell stack flows, passes, and a heat accumulator provided in the interior of the body and filled with a PCM heat accumulation material that is to exchange heat with the cooling water. The body includes a medium space provided between the cooling water pipe and the heat accumulator and filled with a medium material. The PCM heat accumulation material exchanges heat with the cooling water by the medium material.

Abstract: A cooling system for a heat source, such as a laser system, that includes a mixing valve mixing a cooling fluid from a hot line and a cold line and providing the mixed cooling fluid to the heat source, and a bladder tank having a bladder and including a hot side on one side of the bladder in fluid communication with the hot line and a cold side on an opposite side of the bladder in fluid communication with the cold line. A heat exchanger cools the cooling fluid flowing through the cold line. The cooling system is configured so that when the heat source is on and generating heat, cold cooling fluid from the cold side of the bladder tank is provided to the mixing valve and when the heat source is off and not generating heat, cold cooling fluid from the cold line fills the cold side of the bladder tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a latent heat accumulator of expanded graphite by expanding a graphitic starting material. The invention is characterized in that the graphitic starting material is introduced into a mold which corresponds at least in sections to the negative mold of the latent heat accumulator, and that the graphitic starting material is subsequently expanded in the closed mold.

Abstract: An oblong absorption body (1) for a capsule (10) for a refrigeration apparatus for containing a phase-change material. The body has a flexible casing (2) filled with gas at atmospheric pressure, a main portion which is generally cylindrical, a circular cross-section and ends in hemispherical end portions. Also disclosed are capsules provided with such an absorption body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat transport medium to be transported with a fluid that is liquid in an operating temperature range containing a porous material and a latent heat storage material penetrated in the pores of the porous material, wherein the latent heat storage material is incompatible with the fluid and has a melting point within the operating temperature range, and the porous material has a liquid repellency to the fluid, an affinity for the latent heat storage material, and a sponge hardness of not more than 50. This invention achieves stable heat transport with a high heat conversion efficiency even by circulating the medium through a pipeline over a long period of time. The porous material has an apparent density of about 0.05 to 0.5 g/cm3.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a heater, comprising an insulator substrate, a first member, a plurality of electrodes, and a second member. The first member is configured to generate heat on an upper surface of the insulator substrate across a first direction. The first member has a first end opposite a second end. The plurality of electrodes are formed on both the first end and the second end of the first member, respectively, and each electrode is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second member is configured to store heat. The second member comprises a latent heat material having latent heat in a target temperature zone. Furthermore, the latent heat material is fixed to a side surface or a bottom surface of the insulator substrate.

Abstract: Provided is an energy storage system coupling phase change material(s) and dissipation heat pipe(s). The energy storage system includes several energy storage units serially connected along a same central axis. Each of the energy storage units includes a heat charge flow channel, an annular heat release passage, and an annular energy storage passage disposed concentrically from inside to outside. A dissipation pulsating heat pipe is disposed in the energy storage unit, and the dissipation pulsating heat pipe includes several pulsating-heat-pipe branches uniformly arranged in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: An induction cooker has a temperature sensor mount that includes a reciprocating sensor holder and a flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: An irrigation device (10) including a solar collector (18) connected to a heating element (14). The heating element is embedded in a hydrated medium and heats this to produce water vapour. A semi-permeable membrane (34) allows the heated water vapour to be used for irrigation, thereby allowing marsh or sea water to be used to irrigate large tracts of arid soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal battery (1) comprising an enclosure (3) comprising a fluid inlet and outlet and comprising within it tubes (5) of encapsulated phase-change material, said thermal battery (1) further comprising a device (7) for holding and spacing the tubes (5) of encapsulated phase-change material, said holding and spacing device (7) being arranged between the tubes (5) themselves and between the tubes (5) and the enclosure (3), said holding and spacing device (7) being porous.

Abstract: An example of conversion of solar energy into other forms of useful energy is taking heat from an area below a roof and using the heat to generate mechanical energy or electrical power. An air duct opening is placed in a hottest area under the roof. An air fan is placed in the air duct to draw the heated air from the area below the roof. A heat exchanger coil is placed inside the air duct. A return air duct is routed back to the area below the roof. The heat exchanger coil is coupled to a turbine through a closed loop line. A heat transfer medium pump, a first valve and a second valve are retained in the closed loop line. The first valve, second valve and pump are used regulate heat transfer medium into and out of the turbine. An electrical generator may be connected to the turbine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to wireless warmers are described. An embodiment integrates wireless warming into an article of clothing. For example, the article of clothing includes a heating element to receive electromagnetic energy from one or more wireless power transmitter coils based at least in part on one or more signals. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A thermal management system including a first vapor housing configured to receive a fluid that absorbs thermal energy from a first heat source, and a phase change material (PCM) housing thermally coupled to the first vapor housing, wherein the PCM housing is configured to receive a PCM that absorbs thermal energy from the first vapor housing, wherein the first vapor housing and the PCM housing are one-piece.

Abstract: A hypereutectic aluminum silicon high pressure die cast alloys is disclosed herein having 16% to 23% by weight silicon, 0.01% to 1.5% by weight iron, 0.01% to 0.6% by weight manganese, 0.01% to 1.3% by weight magnesium, 0.05% to 0.20% by weight strontium and the balance aluminum. The iron constituency may me modified to 0.01% to 0.7% by weight iron, or 0.01% to 0.2% by weight iron. The manganese constituency may be modified to 0.01% to 0.5% by weight manganese. The strontium constituency may be modified to 0.05% to 0.1% by weight strontium. The exhibits an elongation of at least 2%, an average ultimate tensile strength of greater than 250 MPa, and yield strength of greater than 200 MPa. The microstructure has a volume fraction of primary silicon at greater than 10% and a volume fraction of modified aluminum-silicon eutectic at 45% to 90%.

Abstract: A thermal heat storage system is provided, including a storage tank, a heat injection system and a heat recovery system. The storage tank holds a material for thermal storage. The heat injection system is coupled to an intake on the storage tank. The heat recovery system is coupled to an output on the storage tank and also uses vapor under depressurized conditions for heat transfer.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a thermal energy storage system includes multiple thermal energy storage containers adapted to store thermal energy storage media, the containers having high emissivity inner surfaces that are adapted to radiate heat into the stored thermal energy storage media.

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling an air conditioning system includes an optical sensor and an energy controller. The air conditioning system includes a solar power module, an outdoor unit, a fan, and a storage device containing a first liquid. The optical sensor detects sunlight received by the solar power module. The energy controller controls the outdoor unit based on luminance and temperature of the sunlight, an operation state of the fan, an operation state of the outdoor unit, a temperature of the first liquid, a flow speed of a second liquid in a conduit between the storage device and the fan, and temperatures of the second liquid at different portions of the conduit.

Abstract: Beverage container insulator assemblies include a beverage insulator having a beverage insulator interior. A retaining collar is carried by the beverage insulator and has a collar opening. A beverage container is in the beverage insulator interior of the beverage insulator. The beverage container extends through the collar opening of the retaining collar. An insulator sleeve includes a sleeve base encircling the beverage container and retained between the beverage insulator and the retaining collar. A thermally-insulating, flexible, expandable and contractible insulator sleeve body extends from the sleeve base through the collar opening of the retaining collar. The insulator sleeve body engages and substantially conforms to the beverage container. An expandable sleeve neck on the insulator sleeve body engages the beverage container. Insulator sleeves for beverage containers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for cooling a refuge chamber (100) with an emergency cooler (10) in an emergency situation includes cooling of a refrigerating agent (22) in a cold accumulator (20) with a cooling device (30) and detecting an emergency situation. Cold being stored in the refrigerating agent (22) of the cold accumulator (20) is released into the refuge chamber (100)—the refrigerating agent (22) of the cold accumulator (20) is exposed for heat transfer with the refuge chamber (100).

Abstract: An active gas-gap heat switch may significantly reduce the time required to transition between the open and closed states, reduce the heat require to warm the getter, and reduce the heat that leaks from the getter to the switch body. A thermal interface at one end of the active gas-gap heat switch may include a plurality of fins. A getter assembly may be hermetically attached to the thermal interface and a containment tube may surround and house the plurality of fins.