Abstract: A cooling pond system and related methods of improving cooling performance in a cooling pond system using one or more submerged dams to increase cooling performance within the cooling pond system, and increase salt precipitation or recovery. The inclusion of one or more submerged dams within an existing cooling pond system can reduce an outflow temperature by 1-5° F. as compared to the same cooling pond system without any submerged dams. In addition or alternatively, pond depth can be controlled to enhance flow mixing and convection cooling. As the temperature is reduced throughout the cooling pond system, more potassium containing salts are precipitated form the brine solution resulting in increased production or recovery within the same cooling footprint.

Abstract: A thermal block (100) for heating a liquid, comprises: —a tube (200) for the passage of liquid, provided with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) and with at least one segment (200) with corrugated walls (6), —a massive block (1) co-molded outside said pipe (200) so that the inlet (3) and the outlet (4) are outside the massive block (1), —one resistive element (5) for heating the massive block (1).

Abstract: A seasonal heat-cold energy storage and supply pool, including a salt-free solar pool at the upper layer and an energy storage pool at the lower layer. The salt-free solar pool and the energy storage pool are separately connected to a water source. The salt-free solar pool includes a pool bottom and a pool wall. The pool bottom of the salt-free solar pool functions as a top cover of the energy storage pool. The energy storage pool includes a wall and a bottom which are a composite layer. The energy storage pool is provided with a heat exchange coil configured to implement heat exchange in the energy storage pool for supplying heat and cold for an external user. The salt-free solar pool and the energy storage pool are communicated through controllable valves at the pool bottom of the salt-free solar pool.

Abstract: A Salinity Gradient Solar Pond (SGSP) has saturated salt water in the bottom zone of the pond and nearly fresh water at the top zone, with a gradient zone between the top and bottom. Due to this salinity stratification the upward diffusion of salt is a natural consequence in SGSP's. Controlling the salinity gradient in SGSP systems is vital to their reliable operation. The method for controlling the salinity gradient disclosed in this application, coined the “Pond Rolling Method” by the authors, rapidly drains the pond's non-gradient zones, refurbishes the gradient, and restores the non-gradient zones of the SGSP system, in a manner that minimizes land use, water and heat loss. The salt in the pond is allowed to diffuse upward over time and, on condition as needed to restore the gradient, the Pond Rolling Method is used to completely rebuild the gradient and the SGSP zones.

Abstract: Organic materials are stripped and dried in a single column having two contact zones. A stripping gas is introduced into an upper contact zone and flows through the organic material in that zone. A drying gas is introduced into a lower contact zone. The drying gas contacts the organic material in both the upper and lower contact zones, and is removed from the top of the column together with the stripping gas. This process permits very efficiently removal of volatile organic compounds as well as efficient drying, while requiring on low levels of the stripping and drying gasses.

Abstract: A system for retrofitting energy supply modules in the region of a traffic route is provided. Supporting cables extend transversely over the traffic route and support a plurality of solar panels, which can be mounted on the transverse supporting cables. Elongated mounting elements fastened to each support mast act to reinforce the support masts and accommodate electronic system components. The solar panels are adjusted about a horizontal and/or a vertical axis by means of cable sheaves. The supporting cables are fastened at a lower region of the support masts for instance with micropiles so that they can be tensioned. The forces exerted by the solar panels on the transverse support cables are conducted through the transverse supporting cables via at least one first redirection element and into the lower region of the support mast.

Abstract: A system for heating a pool of water is provided. An inlet is provided for liquid to be delivered to the pool of water. The system includes an attachment apparatus having a body defining a fluid passageway from a first opening to a second opening. A third opening is disposed between the first and second opening. The attachment connects to the inlet for receiving the liquid. An adjustable diverging mechanism is mounted to the attachment operable to redirect flow out of the third opening. A tube having a flow channel and thermally conductive outer surface is coupled to the third opening and extends out of the pool to be exposed to environmental conditions and absorb thermal energy. The liquid passing through the flow channel of the tube returns to the pool of liquid and heated when passing through the tube prior to returning to the pool.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of solar energy usage and, particularly, to solar systems, which operate on the base of concentration of direct solar radiation. The invention proposes a radiation absorbing metal pipe intended for heating gaseous medium or gaseous-liquid mixture. The proposed radiation absorbing metal pipe is constructed from perforated plates. These plates are provided with inclined or two-stage upright rims. The plates are stacked and sealingly joined with formation of a tubular unit. Such tubular units with absorbing coatings of their external surfaces can be applied in following solar thermal systems: parabolic trough collectors; solar thermal collectors with usage of linear Fresnel reflectors; for a system with an array of tracking mirrors and a central receiver mounted on a tower or on the ground.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for controlling floor heating or climate regulating systems with long time constants. According to the invention, a flow of a fluid is provided through the floor or through a similar medium with large thermal inertia. An induced heat is determined by adding up a plurality of differences between an inlet temperature of the fluid when it enters the medium and an outlet temperature of the fluid when it leaves the medium. The temperatures are sampled with a fixed sampling time and within a fixed period of time, and a corresponding change in temperature of the medium over the fixed period of time is determined. In the future, the temperature of that medium is controlled by use of a ratio between the induced heat and the change in temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for controlling floor heating or climate regulating systems with long time constants. According to the invention, a flow of a fluid is provided through the floor or through a similar medium with large thermal inertia. An induced heat is determined by adding up a plurality of differences between an inlet temperature of the fluid when it enters the medium and an outlet temperature of the fluid when it leaves the medium. The temperatures are sampled with a fixed sampling time and within a fixed period of time, and a corresponding change in temperature of the medium over the fixed period of time is determined. In the future, the temperature of that medium is controlled by use of a ratio between the induced heat and the change in temperature.

Abstract: An insulating cover for floating on liquid, such as in a spa, has an area for covering an area of the surface of the liquid. The cover generally comprises a first rectangle for covering a first area and a plurality of successive rectangular tubes connected to either the first rectangle or to a larger rectangle formed by the addition of a prior successive tube so as to form another rectangle for covering additional area. The amount of coverage area can be adjusted by selectively detaching tubes, such as by cutting them off, and by changing the amount of inflation of tubes such that the cover is adaptable to spas of different sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, tubes adjust both the width and length of the cover, and the cover is adapted for folding substantially in half when inflated.

Abstract: A system for heating and supplying electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings using renewable energy that is stored, at little or no incremental cost, in a large mass of warm or hot water. The large thermal mass is sized based on the building. Thermal energy from a number of sources, including, but not limited to renewable energy panels, waste heat, and flue gas, are used to provide heat to the large thermal mass.

Abstract: A solar water heating system for a swimming pool is disclosed; the solar water heating system is either integrated to the ledge of a swimming pool or installed as an add-on onto the ledge of an existing swimming pool. The solar water heating system comprises at least one water channel extending along the perimeter of the ledge of the swimming pool through which water is circulated and heated by sun rays.

Abstract: A buoyant water heating device that may be used in a natural setting, such as a pond or lake, or in a man-made water-containing apparatus, such as a pool or water-treatment lagoon. The device comprises a water-filled, generally cylindrical anchor member coupled to a hollow, generally annular base member, and may he used alone or in combination with multiple other devices to create a free-floating blanket on the surface of the water. The device absorbs solar energy to heat water external to the device, and also provides a layer of thermal insulation between the water and the air above the device.

Abstract: A system for heating a pool of water is provided. An inlet is provided for liquid to be delivered to the pool of water. The system includes an attachment apparatus having a body defining a fluid passageway from a first opening to a second opening. A third opening is disposed between the first and second opening. The attachment connects to the inlet for receiving the liquid. An adjustable diverging mechanism is mounted to the attachment operable to redirect flow out of the third opening. A tube having a flow channel and thermally conductive outer surface is coupled to the third opening and extends out of the pool to be exposed to environmental conditions and absorb thermal energy. The liquid passing through the flow channel of the tube returns to the pool of liquid and heated when passing through the tube prior to returning to the pool.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, floating temperature regulating and evaporation reducing cover for a pool generally comprises an independently inflatable outer ring and central portion. Holes through the central portion permit egress of air from under the central portion when the cover is placed on water. Valves for chamber and cavity are located near one edge such that the cover may be deflated by rolling from an edge opposite the valves. Top and bottom films are adapted to absorb or reflect solar radiation to heat or cool the pool as desired. Magnets on the ring condition water and attach to similar floating covers to form rafts. For holding the cover in a pool during winds, the ring can be inflated with water or in an alternate embodiment, water anchors fill with water.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, floating solar heater for floating on liquid generally comprises an inflatable central portion and an inflatable outer ring. The central portion is constructed of upper and lower film bonded together at a central peripheral bond such that, upon inflation, the central portion contracts. A vertical band in the outer ring prevents buckling of the ring from inward contraction of the central portion upon inflation of the central portion. A non-inflated spacer ring may be positioned between the central portion and outer ring to disperse contraction forces and reduce the tendency for the outer ring to buckle.

Abstract: A solar pond includes a upper convection zone including an ionic liquid; a non-convection zone; and a lower convection zone. The ionic liquid may be an imidazolium salt, an ammonium salt, a pyridinium salt, a piperidium salt, or a phosphonium salt.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for supporting a solar panel array includes the use of support columns and cables suspended between the support columns, with the solar panels received by solar panel receivers that are adapted to couple to the cables. The solar panel array may then be used to provide power as well as shelter. Cooling, lighting, security, or other devices may be added to the solar panel array. Embodiments of the invention include differing ways to support the solar panels by receivers of differing construction. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structure, such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts.

Abstract: An improved low-pressure, water-heating solar panel provides easier and safer initial installation because it is more resistant to damage by workmen during that installation. Further, after installation, the solar panel is more resistant to damage by high winds because it has a low profile and does not present a gap or space into which high winds can intrude to lift, cause flapping of, and damage to the solar panel. Also, during freezing weather the improved solar panel is not damaged by freezing of retained water due to its novel internal construction which allows substantially all water to completely drain from the solar panel and prevents any puddling of retained water. Methods of manufacturing the improved solar panel are disclosed.

Abstract: A direct accumulation tank, defining a closed volume (2), comprising an inlet (3) for filling the tank with a fluid, and an outlet (4) for emptying the tank of the fluid, and exhibiting an upper surface (Ia) exposed to solar rays. The upper surface (Ia) exhibits a plurality of reliefs (5, . . . 5n) for defining a greater surface extension exposed to the solar rays.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to control hydronic systems having a plurality of sources, including at least one of an on-demand source, a semi-on-demand source, and an intermittent source that are fluidly or thermally coupled to a plurality of load zones. The hydronic system device obtains performance measurements for system components to provide system metrics, including failure diagnostics, energy capture, and usage optimization. The hydronic system device may also calculate British Thermal Units produced and used by the plurality of sources and loads to calculate incentives, including renewable energy credits.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to control hydronic systems having a plurality of sources, including at least one of an on-demand source, a semi-on-demand source, and an intermittent source that are fluidly or thermally coupled to a plurality of load zones. The hydronic system device obtains performance measurements for system components to provide system metrics, including failure diagnostics, energy capture, and usage optimization. The hydronic system device may also calculate British Thermal Units produced and used by the plurality of sources and loads to calculate incentives, including renewable energy credits.

Abstract: A solar central receiver system employing common positioning mechanism for heliostats relates to a system of concentrating and harvesting solar energy. The heliostats of said system are positioned like facets of a Fresnel type of reflector. The heliostats are placed in arrays, wherein each array has a common positioning mechanism. The common positioning mechanism synchronously maneuvers the arrays of heliostats in altitudinal and/or azimuthal axis for tracking an apparent movement of the sun. The common positioning mechanism is employed for synchronously orienting said heliostats with respect to a stationary object and the sun such that incident solar radiation upon said heliostats is focused upon said stationary object from dawn to dusk. Subsequent to each said orientation of said heliostats, collective disposition of said heliostats always forms an arrangement that is capable of reflecting and thereby focusing incident solar radiation upon said stationary object.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to control hydronic systems having a plurality of on-demand sources, semi-on-demand sources, and intermittent sources that are fluidly or thermally coupled to a plurality of load zones. The hydronic system device obtains performance measurements for system components to provide system metrics, including failure diagnostics, energy capture, and usage optimization. The hydronic system device may also calculate British Thermal Units produced and used by the plurality of sources and loads to calculate incentives, including renewable energy credits.

Abstract: A system for the generation of electric power for use in connection with a water feature, such as a swimming pool, lake, pond and the like. The system includes an array of photovoltaic cells within a continuous membrane or joined to a separate membrane, the membrane being sized to fit atop or within the water feature when exposing the photovoltaic cells to ambient light.

Abstract: A buoyant water heating device that may be used in a natural setting, such as a pond or lake, or in a man-made water-containing apparatus, such as a pool or water-treatment lagoon. The device comprises a water-filled, generally cylindrical anchor member coupled to a hollow, generally annular base member, and may he used alone or in combination with multiple other devices to create a free-floating blanket on the surface of the water. The device absorbs solar energy to heat water external to the device, and also provides a layer of thermal insulation between the water and the air above the device.

Abstract: A free-floating, integrated, solar operated water heater appliance, for heating the body of water includes a flotation device for buoyantly supporting the appliance in the body of water. A water heater element, fueled by solar energy, heats water pumped through the heater element by an integral pump, driven by solar energy. A solar energy reflector/container supports the heater element and concentrates solar energy onto the outer surface of the heater element. A parabolic dish reflector concentrates solar energy onto the inner surface of the heater element. Water is circulated through the heater element and returned, in elevated temperature, to the body of water.

Abstract: Pool protection and solar heating cover with a housing frame, a black plastic film roof covering, a central water spray manifold, a water pump, a pair of water directing channels, a thermostat and water conduit tubing. The plastic roof covering is stapled to the housing frame. The central water spray manifold is mounted under the peak of the roof covering. The pump is turned on by the thermostat when the temperature of the roof covering reaches a pre-determined level. The pump transfers water from a swimming pool to the manifold via the water conduit tubing. The manifold has a plurality of spray apertures that direct the water to the underside of the roof covering. The water slides down the underside of the roof covering until it reaches the water directing channels which direct the water back into the swimming pool.

Abstract: A control system suitable for use with a bathing unit system having a water receptacle is provided. The control system comprises a heating module, a power source and a controller in communication with the heating module and the power source. The power source includes an energy storage member for storing energy collected from a solar panel, and is operative for supplying power generated from solar energy to the heating module. The controller is operative for causing the power source to supply power to the heating module at least in part based on first information derived from a temperature of the water within the water receptacle and second information derived from a condition associated with the power source. The controller is further operative for selecting between a first power source and a second power source for supplying power to the heating module.

Abstract: A floating spa cover generally comprises an inflatable insulating and soar heating central portion surrounded by one or more independently inflatable adjustable rings. The inflatable central portion comprises a center section and a peripheral ring. The center section covers most of the spa water surface and includes an upper film of substantially transparent plastic and a lower film of translucent plastic separated by a gas-filled space. The first adjustable ring, connected to the central portion so as to be selectively removable, encompasses the central portion and is independently inflatable to selectively adjust the area of the cover over a first range of areas. The second adjustable ring, connected to the first adjustable ring so as to be selectively removable, encompasses the first adjustable ring and is independently inflatable to selectively adjust the area of the cover over a second range of areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a covered canal or aqueduct having an integral solar energy concentrating system. Either photo-voltaic panels or a combination of solar energy concentrating reflectors and reflected solar energy collectors are used, among other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements, as part of a membrane means to gather radiant solar energy from atop the surface over a canal or aqueduct. Either the photo-voltaic panels or the reflector panels are integrated into other membrane means elements which are supported by a structural means so as to prevent evaporative loss from solar heating and wind movement of waters in the canal. Thus, the present invention results in the more efficient transfer of waters through canals while simultaneously collecting radiant solar energy.

Abstract: The pool cover is made of multi-layer light weight construction having a transparent top layer to permit sunlight to pass through and an opaque bottom layer for absorbing sunlight passing through the transparent layer. In addition, a plurality of pockets are formed in the opaque layer having air encapsulated therein. When in use, the opaque layer becomes heated by sunlight thereby transferring heat by contact to the body of water in the pool. The heated trapped air also serves to conduct heat to the body of water while also acting as a thermal insulation barrier during non-daylight hours.

Abstract: A hygroscopic power plant utilizes low salinity liquid (e.g., sea water having a salinity of about 4%) and a source of high salinity liquid (e.g., brine having a salinity of about 38%) for generating electricity. The plant includes a flash chamber to which liquid is supplied and within which water in the liquid is flashed into steam producing more concentrated liquid. A steam turbine is responsive to the steam for generating electricity and producing heat depleted steam. A condenser is provided to which high salinity liquid and the heat depleted steam are supplied for directly contacting the steam with the high salinity liquid whereby the steam condenses on the liquid producing diluted high salinity liquid. A regenerator is provided for evaporating water from the diluted high salinity liquid to produce the high salinity liquid supplied to the condenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic solar heating system for open-air swimming pools with a basin (2) for holding the bathing water, including a solar heating means with a walkable basin boundary (4, 22) incorporating a circulation path and having an inlet (6) for bathing water to be heated arranged beneath the level of the bathing water and an outlet (8) for heated bathing water, and a heat-insulated, evacuatable warm water tank (10) for the heated bathing water, the inlet (12) of the warm water tank (10) being arranged beneath the level of the outlet (8) of the basin boundary (4, 22) and connected with this outlet (8), and the outlet (14) of the warm water tank (10) being in communication via a pump-filter unit (16) with a basin inlet opening (18) for the heated and filtered bathing water.

Abstract: A cover for withstanding stormy weather and increasing solar heating of a body of water is disposed over the surface of the water. The cover is more transparent to visible radiation from the sun than to infrared radiation, and is anchored and sealed around its periphery over the surface of the body of water. Means are provided for reducing the pressure between the bottom of the cover and the top of the water to subatmospheric, and for flooding the top surface of the cover with a layer of water, and draining the layer of water from the top of the cover.

Abstract: A method for concentrating solar energy utilizes a pool of a homogenous fluidic substance disposed over a reflective surface. Mechanical energy is controllably imparted to the pool, for example, via synchronized electromechanical transducers, to generate a standing wave of the fluidic substance in the pool. Incoming solar radiation is differentially reflected from the pool and the reflective surface, upon generation of the standing wave in the fluidic substance, to concentrate the incoming solar radiation at a predetermined location spaced from the pool. At that predetermined location is a solar energy collector for absorbing and storing the solar radiation.

Abstract: An immersible solar heater comprising a light-absorbing panel attached to a frame for absorbing heat energy from the light and transferring the absorbed heat energy directly to the fluid in which the heater is immersed. The heater can be used to heat a swimming pool, for example, and is held in position and at a preselected angle by a system of floats, weights and tethers so that the panel can operate efficiently. A skid can be used in one embodiment to prevent lateral movement of the heater along the bottom of the pool. Alternative embodiments include different arrangements of the weights, floats and tethers and methods for making the heater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar heating system including solar collectors through which a heat transfer medium is circulated by a pump between the solar collectors and a reservoir. Temperature sensors monitor the temperature of the heat transfer medium and the temperature of the environment of the system. The electronic output signals from the sensors represent these temperatures, but these signals "drift." A sunlight sensor monitors the intensity of the sunlight and provides electronic output signals representing sunlight intensity. The signal from the sunlight sensor also "drifts." To compensate for signal drift an equilibrium curve for the collectors is employed. A controller for the system has a memory element in which is stored data representing the equilibrium curve for the collector means. This curve enables the controller based on the electronic output from the sensors to determine if the collectors can gain or lose heat.

Abstract: A light transmissive insulation system comprising a plurality of layers of light transmissive insulating material, the material beig characterized by transmissivity to solar spectrum radiation, and low transmissivity to thermal radiation. A solar pond employing the insulation system is also described.