Abstract: With a thermo-siphon type heat exchanger including a heating section of and a heat transfer pipe of a thermoelectric power generation unit, the thermoelectric power generator recovers a heat from a hot gas flowing through a flow path and generates electricity. To the thermo-siphon type heat exchanger, a storage tank that stores a heat medium is connected in a communication state; transferring of the heat medium from the thermo-siphon type heat exchanger to the storage tank, and returning of the heat medium from the storage tank to the thermo-siphon type heat exchanger can adjust the heat medium amount in the thermo-siphon type heat exchanger. At least a part of the storage tank is placed in the flow path so that the stored heat medium is heated, and the stored heat medium can be cooled with a cooler that is capable of turning a cooling function ON/OFF.

Abstract: A low and medium voltage electrical enclosure comprising a supporting structure which defines an internal space delimited by walls forming one or more compartments housing one or more electrical apparatuses. At least one of said walls is provided with one or more venting openings that put into communication said internal space with the outside of said low voltage electrical enclosure; the venting openings are provided with a cover closing a corresponding venting opening in a first—closed—operating condition. The enclosure is provided with an actuating device adapted to open said cover in a second—open—operating condition in case of arc fault inside said internal space; said actuating device comprises an actuating mechanism having a Shape Memory Alloy-based (SMA-based) actuating element having a first dimension at first predetermined temperatures reversibly changeable into a second dimension at second predetermined temperatures.

Abstract: A light shield device, a light shield control method, an electronic device and a vehicle are provided. The light shield device includes a controller module and a light shield structure, the light shield structure includes an accommodating cavity, an electrowetting material being in the accommodating cavity and having a light-shielding property, and at least one fluid tube which is communicated with the accommodating cavity; and the controller module is configured to apply a voltage to the light shield structure, so that wettability of a surface of the at least one fluid tube is changed to allow the electrowetting material to fill the at least one fluid tube.

Abstract: An interactive device includes a housing, configured to be positioned on or adjacent a heat-receiving surface. The housing includes a plurality of controlled-response elements for outputting heat in response to the controlled-response elements receiving a first energy input.

Abstract: A holder for securing a fluid tube to a trough-formed solar collector. In an operation mode of the solar collector, the holder partly encircles a circumference of a cross-section of the fluid tube and leaves a portion of the circumference un-encircled by the holder. The holder may comprise a base member adapted to abut the fluid tube, the base member comprising at least one securing means adapted to secure the base member to the solar collector. Further, the holder may comprise an immobilizing member adapted to together with the base member immobilize a centre-line of the fluid tube in the solar collector when the fluid tube abuts the holder. The base member is connected with the immobilizing member, such that the base member together with the immobilizing member, in an operation mode of the solar collector, partly encircles the circumference of the cross-section of the fluid tube and forms an opening smaller than a diameter of the cross-section of the fluid tube.

Abstract: A solar collector, comprising: (a) a plurality of thermosiphon tubes in which water flows, each tube having a top opening and a bottom opening; (b) a top manifold having a water inlet and water outlet and disposed at the top opening of the tubes, providing both a water feed into at least one of the plurality of tubes and a water exit from the rest of the tubes; and (c) a bottom basin connecting the bottom openings of the tubes. In some embodiments the plurality of tubes are divided into at least one inlet tube and the rest as outlet tubes by a stopper disposed in the top manifold.

Abstract: Adherence to flux or resultant measurable parameter limits, ranges, or patterns can be achieved by directing heliostat mounted mirrors to focus on aiming points designated on the surface of a solar receiver. Different heliostats can be directed to different aiming points, and a heliostat can be directed to different aiming points at different times. The cumulative flux distribution resulting from directing a plurality of heliostats to any aiming point on a receiver surface can be predicted by using statistical methods to calculate the expected beam projection for each individual heliostat or alternatively for a group of heliostats. Control of the heliostats in a solar power system can include designating aiming points on a receiver from time to time and assigning heliostats to aiming points from time to time in accordance with an optimization goal.

Abstract: Solar thermal collector comprising a plurality of parallel vertical tubes, connected to each other by one upper horizontal tube and one lower horizontal tube through which a heat carrying fluid flows, a glass surface that covers the parallel vertical tubes, the upper horizontal tube and the lower horizontal tube, and a dissipating device installed in an upper part of the solar thermal collector, the heat dissipating device comprising a thermostatic valve, a heat exchanger and a return pipe, wherein the thermostatic valve is housed in the upper horizontal tube, the thermostatic valve and the heat exchanger being connected to a pipe by way of an inverted U-shaped tube provided at a greater height than the inlet to the heat exchanger, such that, under normal working conditions, energy losses by heat transfer by convection from the thermostatic valve to the heat exchanger are interrupted.

Abstract: Non-tracking solar collector device (1) comprising at least an absorber element (2), at least a couple of reflector elements (3) disposed on opposite sides of the absorber element (2) for conveying the solar radiation onto the absorber element itself and said reflector elements (3) comprising at least one fixed portion (8a,8b) and at least one rotating portion (9); the rotating portions (9) being movable between at least a first extreme position (10), in which the rotating portions are moved away from each other and the entire surface of said reflector elements (3) is substantially continuous, and a second extreme position (11), in which the rotating portions are moved close to each other in order to substantially obscure said absorber element (2).

Abstract: A system including a solar heat collector and a heat receiving structure has a supply conduit extending through an airspace within the solar heat collector, to the heat receiving structure, and into the heat receiving structure. A temperature sensor within the airspace of the solar heat collector measures a temperature within the airspace of the solar heat collector and turns an air pump on to move air through the supply conduit it this temperature is too high. This air may be exhausted through a bypass valve instead of being pumped into the heat receiving structure. The heat receiving structure may include a pool with water heated by bubbles of hot air from the supply conduit.

Abstract: The present invention includes a solar water heating system including: a water tank to hold water to be heated, an heat transfer fluid circuit including an heat exchanger associated with said water tank to heat water therein, a solar collection means in communication with said heat exchanger, an inlet connection to carry heat transfer fluid from said solar collection means to said heat exchanger where said water will be heated; and an outlet connection to carry heat transfer fluid from said heat exchanger to said solar collection means where said heat transfer fluid will be heated, said heat transfer fluid circuit including a reversibly evaporable heat transfer fluid which will absorb heat from said solar collection means and which will transfer said heat to said water in said water tank by means of said heat exchanger; and an diversion path being provided in said heat transfer circuit, whereby when a portion of heat transfer fluid changes to a gaseous state in said solar collection means, heat transfer fluid

Abstract: A hybrid heating apparatus heats potable water with waste heat from heat recovery units and insolation from solar collectors. A single circulation pump circulates fluid between at least one heat exchanger and each of the heat recovery units and preferably the solar collector. A single controller receives sensor readings from the heat recovery units and the solar collector units and receives a demand to heat the potable water. To satisfy the demand, the controller determines the extent to which the demand may be satisfied from heat available from the heat recovery units and the solar collector units and sends command signals both to the circulating pump to circulate the fluid and to appropriate ones of valves at connections to those heat recovery units and solar collector units to allow fluid to circulate to be heated to flow to the heat exchanger for effecting heat exchange to heat the potable water.

Abstract: Delivering heat from modem high temperature solar collectors to hot water storage tanks is more effectively done using unpressurized when cold, self-pressurized on heat up, automatic air eliminating, higher temperature fluid loops. A pressurizing valve, an overflow reservoir and a vacuum relief valve are used. Non-toxic water/antifreeze mixtures are pressurized up to about two atmospheres resulting in a 265° Fahrenheit boiling point. Loss of circulation under full sun results in solar collector boiling under pressure. The steam generated in the solar collector is condensed in the pressurized liquid-to-air radiator, a steam heat pipe, and water is returned to the solar collector to keep it completely full of fluid and steam. A set of pressure-actuated air dampers on the solar collector can also be used to shed the excess solar collector heat.

Abstract: A solar collector temperature control intended for use with a solar collector comprising at least one solar tube (11), the interior of the solar tube in use accommodating a heat exchanger or a like means and/or heat exchange medium, said temperature control comprising a controller and a shield (19), the shield associated with the outer wall of the solar tube and extending for at least a portion of the length of the solar tube, said shield having an angular extent sufficient to extend partially around the solar tube. The shield supported to be rotatable about the central axis of the solar tube between a first position remote from the source of radiation and a second position most proximate the source of radiation.

Abstract: A solar collector panel is disclosed for heating ventilation air to a building interior, featuring a method for protecting the build-in solar cell panel from long term excessive heating, leading to damage of the panel, if the solar collector panel is turned off. Furthermore the solar collector panel features a method to create active cooling ventilation to a building interior during summer, by using a forced bi-directional airflow. The above is achived by using a build-in temperature controller. The temperature controller, located within the heater, is powered by a solar cell panel. The temperature controller relays a signal to one or more solar powered fans, to change the direction of the air flow through the heater, at a preset temperature measured within the panel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for a solar collector having intergral control of the the maximum temperature that it can reach, thereby avoiding excessive stagnation temperatures in the collector.

Abstract: A solar water heater is provided. The heater features heat control so that a maximum temperature is automatically controlled. The heater is insulated to maintain a water temperature of water stored therein for long periods of time. The heater includes an insulated lens which transmits most solar radiation incident on its top surface through the lens. An air trap is located below the lens. A heat control valve opens the air trap to surrounding air when a maximum temperature for air within the air trap is exceeded. A heat absorption plate is located below the air trap. The plate is in contact with a heat transfer liquid within a liquid space below the plate. A heat exchanger is positioned within the space and routes water in heat transfer contact with the liquid within the space, while keeping the water isolated from the liquid within the space.

Abstract: A method and high concentration central receiver system provide improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under compressive stresses.

Abstract: A method and system is described for controlling a solar collector. A microprocessor receives inputs from one or more sensors in the system and determines the level of operation of an energy conversion device. If the level of operation reaches a predetermined setpoint below a maximum level at which the device is to operate, a variable focus solar concentrator is defocused to reduce energy input into the energy conversion device. When the system cools down and operates at a second predetermined level, lower than the first predetermined level, the concentrator is then refocused to increase the power input to the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A method and system is described for controlling a solar collector. A microprocessor receives inputs from one or more sensors in the system and determines the level of operation of an energy conversion device. If the level of operation reaches a predetermined setpoint below a maximum level at which the device is to operate, a variable focus solar concentrator is defocused to reduce energy input into the energy conversion device. When the system cools down and operates at a second predetermined level, lower than the first predetermined level, the concentrator is then refocused to increase the power input to the energy conversion device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved moveable-collector, solar energy concentrating system incorporating an automatic safety means. In the present invention, if there is a failure in a solar-heated fluid transfer system, a failure in the positioning means for a reflected solar energy collector, or a failure in power to the system, then the collector is automatically moved out of an optimal position in a predetermined focal collection zone.

Abstract: A solar collector venting system comprising a lower frame member with vents which allow the entrance of cooling air when high collector stagnation temperatures occur communicating with the natural downward thermal bowing of a two walled plastic glazing caused by differences in coefficients of expansion between the cooler upper layer and the hotter inner layer of plastic glazing communicating with an upper frame member with stationary fulcrum points communicating with vents in between the fulcrums points which, upon bowing of the glazing cause the upper end of the glazing sheet to lift up off the top frame member allowing an open path for the flow of cooling air to pass up thru the collector between the absorber and the plastic glazing whose path may be kept clear by communicating with flow path spacers on the absorber.

Abstract: The reflection mirror apparatus of this invention, which can be applied to light projector, sterilizing lamp and development device, improves the light reflection precision and the light collecting performance, making it possible to clearly focus the reflected on an object of interest. The reflection mirror apparatus consists of a reflection mirror body made up of two or more reflection mirror bases, and plate-like reflection mirror auxiliary members. The reflection mirror base body and the reflection mirror auxiliary members can be assembled and disassembled by means of screws to a desired size.

Abstract: The water- and air-cooled reflection mirror of this invention, which can be applied to light projector, sterilizing lamp and development device, cools with water and air the reflection mirror that is heated by intense heat of the light source. The water flowing into the water passages formed in the reflection, mirror base body cools the base body to cool the air present in the opening in the base body, thereby preventing overheating of the reflection mirror by the circulating water and cooling air.

Abstract: A heat pipe containing a working fluid, comprises an evaporator, a condenser, an interconnecting tube joining the evaporator and the condenser, and a regulating means for limiting the maximum temperature in the condenser to a predetermined temperature. The regulating means comprises a plug operable by means of a temperature sensitive member to move between a first position in which the plug seats in a fluid reservoir in the condenser and a second position in which the reservoir is adapted to collect the working fluid.