Abstract: A thermal energy storage material comprising at least one hydrated inorganic salt having a transition temperature to the anhydrous or a less hydrated form in the range 10.degree. to 100.degree. C. (for example, sodium sulphate decahydrate), the salt being dispersed and suspended in a water-insoluble hydrogel formed from a water-soluble synthetic polymer having pendant carboxylic or sulphonic acid groups cross-linked with cations of a polyvalent metal (for example, aluminium or magnesium).

Abstract: A thermal storage system for use with a solar collector and/or heat pump includes a plurality of discrete heat reservoirs having regular geometric shapes such as spheres or cylinders for forming a self-sorting array of the reservoirs when stacked in a storage bin. Each reservoir has a shell formed of heat conductive material defining an interior cavity that contains a material of high specific heat for storing heat in the reservoir. A preferred material for economy for reservoir shells in spherelike shapes is plastic with heat conductivity enhancers such as glass or metal particles incorporated into the plastic.

Abstract: A modular thermal energy storage system comprises a stack of individual heat storage elements, each element having a sealed metal container filled with liquid such as water and separate thermally diffusing layers of insulation on opposite outer portions of the container, with opposite central portions of the container wall being exposed. The heat storage elements are stacked so as to form spaced apart ducts bounded by the exposed portions of the elements, each duct being formed between adjacent heat storage elements in the stack. The thermally diffusing layers of the elements form outer walls of the stack, and adjacent stacks can be spaced apart to form a passage bounded by the thermally diffusing outer walls of a pair of adjacent stacks. Hot air from a solar heat collector, for example, is passed through the ducts in each stack of elements to transfer heat through the exposed container walls to rapidly heat the liquid in each container.

Abstract: A solar cell has a heat collector bar with a heat absorbing material in contact therewith. The heat absorbing material includes a transparent web member having a plurality of capsule uniformly distributed therein with each capsules having a suspension of highly reflective, flake-like, field responsive particles therein. The particles may be preoriented with respect to incident electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and storing energy includes a thermal energy storage cell having a single-piece steel inner core provided with external thermal insulation. A unit for collecting and converting non-electrical energy into electrical energy, such as a solar cell unit, is connected to electrical resistance heating elements within the inner core for heating the latter to a temperature in excess of 1,000.degree. F. Heat energy stored in the inner core is transferred to a heat transfer liquid, such as synthetic oil, which is circulated through a conduit having heating coils within the inner core. The heat transfer liquid, which remains in a liquid condition when heated to a temperature in excess of 1,000.degree. F., is used in heat utilizing systems such as the heating system of a house.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus and method employs a container formed of soda lime glass and having a smooth, defect-free inner wall. The container is filled substantially with a material that can be supercooled to a temperature greater than 5.degree. F., such as ethylene carbonate, benzophenone, phenyl sulfoxide, Di-2-pyridyl ketone, phenyl ether, diphenylmethane, ethylene trithiocarbonate, diphenyl carbonate, diphenylamine, 2-benzoylpyridine, 3-benzoylpyridine, 4-benzoylpyridine, 4-methylbenzophenone, 4-bromobenzophenone, phenyl salicylate, diphenylcyclopropenone, benzyl sulfoxide, 4-methoxy-4PR-methylbenzophenone, N-benzoylpiperidine, 3,3PR,4,4PR,5 pentamethoxybenzophenone, 4,4'-Bis-(dimethylamino)-benzophenone, diphenylboron bromide, benzalphthalide, benzophenone oxime, azobenzene. A nucleating means such as a seed crystal, a cold finger or pointed member is movable into the supercoolable material. A heating element heats the supercoolable material above the melting temperature to store heat.

Abstract: An improved pebble bed heat storage means is provided for a solar heating system using air as the heat transfer medium. The pebble bed is confined in a crib or bin contained in an outer housing. The sides of the bin are air pervious and are spaced from the side walls of the housing to define enlarged plenum chambers. Baffles or partitions divide each of the plenum chambers into upper and lower plenum spaces. An upper warm air inlet is provided for the upper plenum space at one side of the pebble bed and is connected by a duct to the outlet from the solar collector panels. An upper warm air outlet is provided at the upper plenum space at the opposite side of the pebble bed and is connected through a conventional furnace with the room space to be heated. A lower cool air inlet is provided for the lower plenum space at the same side of the pebble bed as the upper warm air inlet and is connected to the room space by a cool air return duct.

Abstract: A solid state temperature regulator is provided for a solar heating system for use in conjunction with a swimming pool, or the like. The solar swimming pool heating system includes the usual components, namely, a pump, a filter, and a collector, and in which the pump serves to circulate the water from the pool through the filter and collector and back into the pool. The system also includes additional components, namely, temperature sensors for the collector and for the circulated pool water, appropriate valves, and a solid state control circuit. The solid state control circuit responds to predetermined temperature differences sensed by the sensors to cause the pool water to be circulated through the collector so long as the collector is at a higher temperature than the circulated pool water, and which causes the circulated pool water to by-pass the collector when the temperature of the collector drops below the temperature of the circulated pool water.

Abstract: A spiral solar heat storage unit having air ducts radially spaced from the center to the rim of the spiral storage unit so the air from the solar collector can be delivered to the various ducts located radially along the spiral storage unit. By delivering the hottest air to the center of the spiral storage unit and the cooler air to the outer portion of the spiral, one provides a radial temperature gradient from the center of the spiral chamber to the rim of the spiral chamber.

Abstract: A thermal storage system comprising a contained fluid and a fusible material in thermal communication therewith for cooperatively controlling the elevated temperature of the contained fluid. The fusible material acts as a controller to sequentially distribute thermal energy for storage thereof depending upon availability of the energy from its source, the stored energy subsequently being utilized to maintain the elevated temperature of the fluid in the absence of the thermal energy source.

Abstract: A closed hollow waterproof chamber is disposed below the removable, sectional bottom floor of a building. The chamber is partially filled with water and contains air. The chamber is lined with plastic. A plastic sheet covers the water by resting upon the top surface thereof and is secured to the liner at the periphery in an air-tight manner preventing moisture from entering the building. A solar heat collecting unit is disposed on the roof of the building. The unit has an upper water inlet and a lower water outlet. Both the upper water inlet and the lower water outlet are extended horizontally on the top and the bottom of the solar heat-collecting unit. Water passing through the unit from inlet to outlet is heated by the sun. Water is pumped from the chamber to the inlet and released to flow downwardly to the outlet under the force of gravity and is drained from the outlet to the chamber whereby water in the chamber is heated.

Abstract: A direct contact thermal storage heat exchanger which utilizes the liquid-vapor phase change of a working fluid within the heat exchanger, and energy generation systems incorporating the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is particularly useful in combination with a solar energy receiver. The heat exchanger includes an insulated pressure vessel packed with pebbles or spheres. Working fluid in the vapor phase from a solar heat source enters the unit and condenses, transferring thermal energy to the pebbles. The liquid level of working fluid about the pebbles is decreased during this mode of operation. When it is desirable to release this stored energy the liquid level is increased, and the energy is transferred to the working fluid which forms a vapor, and can be used to drive a turbine or other prime movers.

Abstract: A body of still water is confined in heat exchange with one or more ambient heat sources whose temperature is usually above but may drop near 0.degree. C. Heat is withdrawn from the body according to the heat-pump principle. If the temperature of the heat sources drops near zero the withdrawal of heat from the body results in the formation of ice in the body and the latent heat of fusion liberated during the ice formation is also withdrawn, so that the time periods during which the temperature of the ambient sources is near 0.degree. C. can be bridged. When the temperature of the ambient sources rises again their heat is used to re-melt the ice in the body of water.

Abstract: This specification discloses a self contained solar heating supplemental unit characterized by solar collector; a mast carrying a solar collector above the earth's surface; a dual function base carrying the mast and the solar collector and serving as a thermal storage unit; first heating coil disposed in the base; first interconnecting conduits interconnecting the solar collector with the first heating coil; a pump for circulating a heat conducting fluid through the solar collector and the base for transferring heat from the solar collector to the base; insulation surrounding the base to minimize heat leakage therefrom; and at least one second heat withdrawal coil disposed in the base and having connectors for connection with the second withdrawal circuit for withdrawing heat from the base for utilization.

Abstract: The heat transfer apparatus comprises a storage reservoir containing salt as a heat carrier with a heater connected into the reservoir to heat the heat carrier so as to maintain it above the freezing point. The heater may comprise an electric heater or a fluid which is circulated for example from a separate heat exchanger. An intermediate heat exchanger is connected so that the salt is circulated therethrough and in heat transfer relationship to an intermediate heat carrier such as a metal alloy which is circulated from a consumption heat exchanger. The intermediate heat exchanger is in heat exchange relationship with a consumption heat carrier.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving the utilization of remote heating grids, particularly for space air heating, at least one heat storage device is connected in series with the heaters of a hot water heating circuit, whereby the water conduit from the remote heating grid to the heating circuit can be operated 24 hours a day at its full capacity, so that for any given diameter of the conduit approximately twice the heat quantity previously transmitted can be transmitted with a consequent increase in the rating of the remote heating grid.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention includes a heat collector which utilizes a dark-colored, conductive, fibrous heat absorber positioned to receive the sun's rays and to absorb heat therefrom. The apparatus also includes heat-transfer means which passes through or flows over the fibrous heat collector and absorbs heat therefrom. The fibrous heat absorber is a large-area sheet, and it is supported so that it has a generally corrugated contour to increase its effective surface area. The heat transfer means may be air or a fluid.The apparatus of the invention also includes a heat storage apparatus, which comprises essentially a container of metal-coated material such as eutectic crystals which are in liquid form when the heat of fusion has been absorbed and which are crystalline in form when the heat of fusion is given up and the crystals cool.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting and storing unit comprises a single housing having a glass-covered collector chamber on one face of a gravel-filled heat storage chamber, the chambers being separated by an insulated partition. The collector comprises an array of L-shaped metal fins over which air is caused to flow in a predetermined path by baffles. A first air flow circuit between the storage chamber and the collector chamber picks up heat absorbed by the fins and transfers it to gravel in the heat storage chamber. A second air flow circuit transfers heat from the storage chamber to the building to be heated.

Abstract: A body for the storage of heat or for the storage of coolness is, in its solid phase, a conglomerate of a mass of crystalline particles of a salt-hydrate, and a rigid cellular support structure in the form of a crust formed by a chemical reaction with the surfaces of the crystalline particles. By way of example, strontium nitrate is reacted with uniformly sized crystalline particles of sodium sulfate decahydrate to form an integral support crust structure of the compound strontium sulfate, which compound is insoluble in water. When the crystalline particles are transformed to the liquid phase, the liquid is confined within the cells of the support structure. The body is enclosed in a moisture impermeable skin to prevent evaporation of the water of crystallization in the liquid phase.

Abstract: A control unit has two inputs for connection to respective temperature sensors, and alternative primary and secondary outputs. It comprises a comparison circuit operative to sense the differential between the two input temperatures, switching means to render the primary and secondary outputs alternatively operable, and circuit means for controlling the switching means in dependence on said temperature differential. In a typical solar heating system employing such units a plurality of the units are connected in cascade with the secondary outputs of successive units when operable respectively energizing the next succeeding unit. The units are individually associated with a like plurality of heat stores, each sense the temperatures of a solar energy collector on the one hand and the corresponding heat store on the other hand. The primary output of each unit controls means for transferring heat from the collector to the corresponding store.

Abstract: A heat storage and/or recovery system using multiple heat storage tanks to selectively store heat from a solar collector and recover the stored heat to operate a heat driven system. The heat from the solar collector is transferred into the storage tanks through an input heat transfer link configuration using vapor heat transfer which automatically transfers heat into a storage tank that will accept the heat but effectively prevents the flow of heat from the storage tanks back to the solar collector while the heat in the storage tanks is transferred to the heat driven system through a recovery heat transfer link configuration also using vapor heat transfer which automatically transfers heat to the heat driven system from a storage tank capable of supplying heat but effectively prevents the flow of heat from the heat driven system back into the storage tanks.

Abstract: In a positive or negative heat transfer system with an intermittent source of positive or negative thermal energy, utilization means and a reservoir of heat transfer fluid flowing between the reservoir, the source and the utilization means, the reservoir is divided into two compartments of complimentarily variable volume and excess positive or negative thermal energy not required by the utilization means is used primarily to maintain the enthalpy of the fluid in one of the compartments of the reservoir at a maximum (for positive heat transfer) or mininum (for negative heat transfer) level, the volume of that one compartment being maintained at or reduced to a minimum until the required level of enthalpy is attained.

Abstract: A control circuit for a solar energy heating system comprising a pair of thermistors connected in series across a source of electrical power and respectively disposed to be responsive to fluid temperature in a solar collector and in a storage tank. A negative feedback high frequency oscillator which includes a Schmitt trigger is connected to the junction of the thermistors and provides a high frequency control signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the temperature differential between the collector and tank. An electronic switch energizes a fluid pump for transporting fluid from the solar collector to the tank when the temperature at the collector exceeds that at the tank by a preselected amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to crystalline polyethylene pieces having optimum crosslinking for use in storage and recovery of heat, and it further relates to methods for storage and recovery of heat using crystalline polymer pieces having optimum crosslinking for these uses. Crystalline polymer pieces are described which retain at least 70% of the heat of fusion of the uncrosslinked crystalline polymer and yet are sufficiently crosslinked for the pieces not to stick together upon being cycled above and below the melting point of said polymer, preferably at least 80% of the heat of fusion with no substantial sticking together.

Abstract: A food holder arrangement is disclosed for use in delivering meals including both hot and cold food items to points of consumption remote from the point of preparation with the hot and cold food temperatures maintained. The food holder arrangement includes a flat tray having a heat retaining insert extending over a portion of the area of the tray. A pair of covers are also provided, one extending over the area occupied by the heat retaining insert, the other extending over a remaining area of the tray, with this other cover having in its top a heat absorbing insert. This location of the respective inserts is such that upon preheating and prechilling of the inserts, convection currents result within the respective covers which are augmented by conductive and radiation heat transfer effects so as to maintain the hot and cold food temperatures.

Abstract: A heat retaining device comprising a plurality of heat retaining elements which can be positioned on the burner of a hot water heater. While the burner is ignited they collect and store heat from the burner which ordinarily might be wasted. After the burner is de-energized the heat that they release keeps the water in the hot water heater warm so that the intervals between energization of the burner are increased and fuel is saved thereby.

Abstract: An integrated system for the collection, storage, and utilization of solar energy in the heating and cooling of buildings utilizing a moist air cycle involving evaporation and condensation of water vapor at constant pressure to obtain the advantages of high heat capacity, resulting from phase change, and low mass flow rate. Subersaturated moist air is circulated through solar collectors where evaporation takes place; the coolant leaving the solar collectors in a saturated condition and returning to a hot storage tank. There the coolant flows across the surface of hot stored water where condensation takes place, and thereafter leaves the hot storage tank in a saturated condition and at a temperature only slightly above that of the stored water. The hot storage tank further includes floating heat exchanger means for heating water in the portable water supply system.

Abstract: A climate control system for heating and cooling a building. The system uses solar energy for its heat source and concrete blocks for its collecting and storing material. The blocks are open faced and positioned to receive the radiation directly. An insulating enclosure is restrictably positioned to expose the blocks to the sun's radiation during the day and to enclose the blocks in the evening to trap the heat for later use. The system uses both natural and forced convection currents to transfer the heat to and from the building. In a preferred embodiment, an upper compartment with a transparent roof is built above the blocks. This compartment is comparatively small and heats quickly to high temperatures. Water pipes of the building heating system can be placed in this compartment and the heated air can be routed into the building or transmitted through a duct to the bottom of the concrete blocks to heat them.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for storing thermal energy and subsequently releasing and extracting the stored thermal energy upon demand. At least one sealed container of salt hydrate is agitated continually and is positioned in heat exchange relationship with a heat exchange liquid which is passed between a thermal energy source and a container enclosing or partially enclosing the sealed container(s) for the salt hydrate. Agitation of the container(s) of salt hydrate prevents or minimizes salt separation and supercooling so that the latent heat of fusion of the salt hydrate can be stored and extracted by the heat exchange liquid upon demand, in addition to the sensible heat of the salt hydrate composition.

Abstract: A solar energy collection and utilization storage system is constructed by using a lenticulated transparent element closed at the back to form channels which are used to carry an energy storage fluid. The lenticulations are designed as light trapping surfaces so that virtually all of the energy from the sun at any time of day falling on the sheet is trapped by the lenticulations and transferred to an energy storage fluid which is in the passages formed by the lenticulations and the back cover panel. The rate of flow through the solar collector panel is controlled by a thermostatic valve element which opens the flow when the fluid reaches a predetermined temperature. The energy storage fluid is a dispersion of a crystalline polymer in a heat transfer fluid which has the capacity of storing heat by a latent heat of crystallization as well as by sensible heat.

Abstract: A flexible water-impervious roof with a rigid peripheral structure provides support for a plurality of distinct and separate portions of liquid in a system that provides for repeated cycling of heat energy between its roof and its ground reservoir. The flexible roof is formed into a plurality of upwardly open incremental reservoirs which have walls in the form of dimples or tractrices and held in shape by a low-pressure gaseous support. The mechanical system that provides the gaseous roof support also provides the motive force for movement of the thermal energy exchange liquid from the positions thereof wherein energy is absorbed in such liquid to the positions thereof whereat such thermal energy is stored and/or disposed.

Abstract: A furnace having a nitrogen-heat separator comprised of a heat absorbing mass, such as cast iron plates, containing passages through which products of combustion can pass and deposit heat into the metal mass to thereafter be extracted and utilized, a baffle for directing products of combustion through the nitrogen-heat separator, a fiberglass cloth heat-retaining curtain for blocking the furnace exit and trapping heat inside the furnace when fuel combustion stops, a fan for extracting the stored heat from the nitrogen-heat separator when combustion stops and circulating it throughout the furnace interior.

Abstract: A solar heating system comprising a collector panel with a plurality of beverage cans or the like received in holes drilled therethrough. The surfaces of the panel and the cans protruding from the front of the panel are painted with a dark, heat-absorbing paint and the circular tops of the cans, which are exposed through the other side of the panel, are left uncoated to radiate heat directly into a heat storage medium, such as a pile of rocks on the other side. A heating duct exits from the top of the heat storage chamber to the area to be heated and the return duct enters at the same level. Circulation of air through the heating duct is mechanically induced.

Abstract: Storage of thermal energy in a ternary mixture of salts which comprises from 22.5 to 26.5 weight percent of sodium chloride, from 18.5 to 22.5 weight percent of potassium chloride and from 53.0 to 57.0 weight percent of magnesium chloride.

Abstract: A domestic appliance system and method are provided for storing and processing food by exchanging heat between the food and a latent heat storing material by forced circulation of a liquid thermal exchange fluid. A plurality of appliances, each having a single heat exchanger for receiving the thermal exchange fluid, connect across supply and return mains which contain the thermal exchange fluid at a differential pressure. Hot supply and return mains are part of a liquid thermal exchange fluid circuit which also includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with latent heat storing material in a hot reservoir, a pump, and the appliance heat exchangers with selector and regulator valves to control flow and temperature of thermal exchange fluid within the appliances. Cold supply and return mains are part of a similar liquid thermal exchange fluid circuit for exchanging heat between a cold latent heat storing material and a plurality of appliances.

Abstract: In my U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,246, a double-walled structure collects solar heat with air as the heat transfer medium, which heat is stored in subterranean gravel pits. In the present invention, (1) the design of the gravel pits is improved, (2) the efficiency of the solar collectors is improved, whereby needed collection area is reduced, (3) seepage into the pits is minimized, and (4) novel modes of operation using ambient air are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat storage-heat exchange system in a more efficient manner is described. The method comprises the steps of passing a heating fluid through a bed of heat storage medium to heat and create a hotter portion of the medium, passing a fluid to be heated through the medium counter-current to the heating fluid to create a cooler portion of the medium, and passing a fluid from within the system through an intermediate portion of the heat storage medium between the hotter and cooler portions to steepen the temperature gradient between the hotter portion and the cooler portion.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system having high energy collection efficiency simultaneously heats separate gas and liquid streams flowing through the collector. The gas flows in a tiered passage sunward of the liquid passage. Exposure times of gas and liquid are regulated by separate thermostatic controls. The heated gas and liquid may be used as energy imput for space heating, hot water, air conditioning, etc., separately or in combination.

Abstract: An energy storage and distributing device having a heat storage chamber arranged for retaining heat which can be received from a solar collector arrangement or from a furnace or furnaces disposed within the chamber itself. Mounted on the chamber is a plenum arrangement disposed for directing warm fluid to a space to be heated, such as a room or rooms of a house, while a fluid distribution system is associated with the plenum and the chamber for alternately directing a fluid current directly into the plenum and directly into the chamber, and thereby supplying the plenum selectively with warm fluid from one of the chamber or from a source disposed outside the chamber. In this manner, solar energy, and the like, can be fed directly to the plenum, or stored in the chamber, or if solar energy is not available for whatever reason, and insufficiient heat energy is present in stored form within the chamber, a furnace or furnaces can be employed to supply the requisite heat energy.

Abstract: In a heat storage device for low-temperature applications, e.g. for heating greenhouses and warehouses, the drop in temperature in an intermediate heat carrier circuit, which had previously been necessary in such applications, is avoided and a said device of simpler construction than devices previously used for such applications is provided in the form of a plurality of heat storage members, each charged with a meltable heat storage mass and each having ribs, the members being stacked to define a battery thereof and being so arranged that they form between them ducts for the passage therethrough of a current of air, and ribs on said members defining ribs of a heat exchanger. The device may be used in combination with a heat pump. The invention also includes a method of space heating a building by solar energy, a method of cooling an enclosed space and a method of maintaining the ambient air temperature of an enclosed space constant, all by means of a said device.

Abstract: A storage tank especially suitable for use in a solar heat system utilizing water to store its collected heat is disclosed herein and includes a main body which defines an internal compartment for containing the water. This main body includes a composite inner layer for preventing the passage of water therethrough, an intermediate layer of thermal insulation having an R value between about R-20 and R-35 and outer layer for substantially preventing the passage of water therethrough. The storage tank when utilized as part of a solar heat system also includes an arrangement for passing water directly into and out of the internal compartment and an arrangement adapted to support at least one heat exchanger within the compartment.

Abstract: A heat storage vault in the form of an insulated enclosure having therein a plurality of serpentine pipes each with lengths extending back and forth within the enclosure with the lengths substantially equidistantly spaced both from the closest lengths of the common serpentine pipe and from the closest lengths of the other adjacent pipes, and a heat storage medium filling the enclosure and the space between the serpentine pipes and adapted to receive heat from at least one of the serpentine pipes when a heated fluid is conducted therethrough, store the heat within the heat storage medium, and provide heat to at least one other of the serpentine pipes as a fluid is circulated therethrough.

Abstract: Heat is transferred from a hot reservoir to an intermittent user such as a domestic appliance through an intermediate heat exchanger. Heat storing material maintains a substantially constant temperature at its phase transition point. When the intermittent user is operating, a heat exchange fluid such as NaK transfers heat from the heat storing material to a thermally degradable organic thermal exchange fluid through the intermediate heat exchanger to the intermittent user at substantially the temperature of the heat storing material. When the intermittent user is not operating, circulation of the fluids stops which allows the thermal exchange fluid to cool thereby reducing its thermal degradation. The heat storing material is selected for a high latent heat of phase transition, the heat exchange fluid is selected for thermal stability, and the thermal exchange fluid is selected for intermittent user needs such as mobility in a liquid phase at hot and cold temperatures.

Abstract: A solar energy panel and an energy storing medium for use therewith is the subject of the present invention. The solar energy panel comprises a container having a transparent pane and designed to hold an energy storing medium. By utilizing a transparent material the solar radiation is passed directly to the energy absorbing medium thereby increasing the operating efficiency. A novel energy storing medium is also used in the energy panel. This medium comprises a paraffinic or aromatic hydrocarbon having a specific gravity of less than one, a melting point higher than 50.degree. F. and a relatively high heat of fusion. By using an organic compound a medium is provided which has the desired energy storage capability and which is noncaustic and relatively light weight.

Abstract: An elongated inflatable tubular housing is provided including front and rear wall portions. The front wall portion is constructed of solar radiation transparent material and a panel of solar radiation absorbing material is mounted in the housing and extends between opposite sides thereof dividing the interior of the housing into front and rear compartments between the panel and the front and rear walls, respectively. Air inlet structure is operative to introduce air to be heated into the front compartment at one end of the housing, air pass structure is provided and operative to pass air from the front compartment into the rear compartment at the other end of the housing and air outlet structure is provided and operative to exhaust heated air from the rear compartment. The air inlet structure and air outlet structure include structures for conveying air from the interior of an enclosure to be heated into the front chamber and from the rear chamber back into the enclosure to be heated.

Abstract: A wood burning system for selectively heating one, or several, rooms in a structure, such system including a fireplace with a firebox, a chimney based on a thermal vacuum principle of operation, a combustion dome interconnecting the firebox and chimney, an inlet passage and an outlet passage defined in the bottom wall of the firebox, and a barrier situated between the inlet and outlet passage to control communication therebetween.When the barrier in the firebox is closed and a glass door seals off the open side of the firebox, the outlet passage in the firebox introduces heated air for distribution through several rooms, while the inlet passage receives the return flow of thermally spent air from the ductwork. The thermally spent air passes over the fire in the firebox and escapes up the flue.

Abstract: An air structure comprises a double-skin wall construction having an outer skin that is substantially transparent to short wave solar radiation but relatively opaque to long wave heat radiation and an inner skin. Radiation converter elements, preferably in the form of black plastic diaphragms linking the inner and outer skins and effective to absorb solar radiation and to convert the same to heat energy are disposed in the inter-skin space. The structure is self-erecting on exposure to solar radiation, and may advantageously be combined with a heat store that emits heat and maintains the structure erected under conditions of reduced solar radiation availability. The structure may be free floating or may be anchored to the ground to form, for instance, a greenhouse or other enclosure.

Abstract: A large capacity tank for the seasonal storage of hot water from electrical power-generating thermal and nuclear plants to be used seasonally to heat buildings, consisting of a large basin which comprises partitions dividing the basin into several portions communicating with each other in parallel and/or series relationship, at least one hot water supply input from said plants, leading to the distribution systems which open into one portion of the basin and at least one cold make-up and/or return water supply input for the distribution systems opening into another portion of said basin.

Abstract: A heat storage system consisting of a compartmented tank containing a liquid medium capable of storing heat therein, a flow control system operable to establish a liquid flow in the tank operable to concentrate the hottest liquid in a compartment remote from the outer tank wall, and sucessively less hot liquid in compartments successively closer to the outer tank wall, whereby to minimize heat loss from the tank through its walls, a pumping system operable to remove liquid from the coolest compartment of the tank to an external heater and return it to the hottest compartment of the tank, and a pumping system operable to remove liquid from the hottest region of the tank to a heat-consuming external load device such as a home heating system, and return it to the coolest region of the tank. A simple reversal of parts permits the system to be used for the storage of negative heat, or cold, for use in operating a heat-absorbing external load device, such as a home cooling system.

Abstract: Solar heat storage apparatus, invented by Thomason, includes a tank of water surrounded by a truckload of stones in a heat storage bin in the basement, U.S. Pat. No. 3,254,702 and others. Air circulating through the bin is warmed and circulated through the home to warm the home, or other building.The present invention adds humidity to the air and also enhances heat transfer out of the storage bin and into the home by heat-of-vaporization. That permits use of heat from storage to a lower temperature level while making the home feel warmer. And, the solar heat collector obtains more free heat from the sun because it is operating at a lower temperature level and more efficiently.Heat that normally goes up the chimney from an auxiliary heat source, such as a water heater or furnace, is used to assist home heating.