Abstract: A solar window system for a building includes multiple heat generation encasements each including thermoelectric sheets, where the thermoelectric sheets are positioned inside a housing having an interior metal layer. Air inside each heat generation encasement is heated by solar energy. Inside each heat generation encasement, there are pipes filled with Phase-Change Material (PCM) materials that help provide heating to the building. The solar window system further includes a storage tank on top of the system filled with PCM materials for storing heat from the heated air, the storage tank being connected to the pipes of each heat generation encasement.

Abstract: A vehicle panel structure includes a plate-like panel member. The plate-like panel member includes a substantially plate-like attaching area, a pair of projections, and a reinforcing projection. The substantially plate-like attaching area is attached to a vehicle body member. The pair of projections projects so as to be curved toward one side of the attaching area. The reinforcing projection projects between each member of the pair of projections so as to be curved toward the other side of the attaching area. The projections and the reinforcing projection are connected to each other with a connecting area therebetween so as to extend continuously in a curved shape.

Abstract: Improved energy conservation, including realization of a ZNET (Zero Net Energy including Transportation) paradigm, can be encouraged by providing energy consumers with a holistic view of their overall energy consumption. Current energy consumption in terms of space heating, water heating, other electricity, and personal transportation can be modeled by normalizing the respective energy consumption into the same units of energy. Options for reducing energy that can include traditional energy efficiencies, such as cutting down on and avoiding wasteful energy use and switching to energy efficient fixtures, and improving the thermal efficiency and performance of a building, can be modeled. Additional options can also include non-traditional energy efficiencies, such as replacing a gasoline-powered vehicle with an electric vehicle, fuel switching from a water heater fueled by natural gas to a heat pump water heater, and fuel switching from space heating fueled by natural gas to a heat pump space heater.

Abstract: A solar dryer system, including an upper thermal collection unit including a plurality of tiers of thermal radiation collection panels, where a vent is disposed between adjacent ones of the tiers of the thermal radiation collection panels. The solar dryer system can include a chamber disposed between the upper thermal collection unit and a base, where the chamber is configured to receive an object for a drying process using the dryer system. The solar dryer system can also include at least one fan disposed within the chamber and coupled to the base to provide circulation for the drying process.

Abstract: Gross energy load can be determined by combining periodic net load statistics, such as provided by a power utility or energy agency, with on-site power generation, such as photovoltaic power generation, as produced over the same time period. The gross energy load provides an indication upon which other types of energy investment choices can be evaluated. These choices can include traditional energy efficiencies, such as implementing electrical efficiency measures, which includes cutting down on and avoiding wasteful energy use and switching to energy efficient fixtures, and improving the thermal efficiency and performance of a building. The choices can also include non-traditional energy efficiencies, such as replacing a gasoline-powered vehicle with an electric vehicle, fuel switching from a water heater fueled by natural gas to a heat pump water heater, and fuel switching from space heating fueled by natural gas to a heat pump space heater.

Abstract: It is provided a solar energy module for converting solar radiation to thermal energy. The module includes a thermally insulating element transmissive to solar radiation and having low transmissivity to thermal infra-red radiation, an absorbing element, a sealed enclosure, and a variable portion in the envelope of the sealed enclosure. This portion is adapted for varying the volume available to gas enclosed in the enclosure in accordance with changing temperature of the enclosed gas. Also, it is provided a solar energy module which includes a thermally insulating element, an absorbing surface and liquid pipes for absorbing the solar radiation, and an air duct thermally coupled thereof. The heated liquid and the heated air are usable for a variety of thermal applications. A heat storage may be thermally coupled to the absorbing surface and to the liquid pipes. The air duct has several air valves, and is associated with a controller for regulating air flow through the air duct.

Abstract: A closed loop fluid thermosiphon that uses solar energy to progressively boost the air temperature passing through it and comprises a heat sink segment capable of absorbing energy from the sun and a heat exchange segment that transfers energy to the air passing through the heat exchange and progressively boosts the air's temperature that is capable of being either used independently with other passive solar elements, as part of a solar energy system, or in combination with active solar elements, as part of a hybrid solar energy system.

Abstract: A hybrid solar/non-solar thermal generation system includes a solar concentrator and collector, and fiber optic cables that transfer collected solar radiation to a solar to thermal converter. The solar to thermal converter converts the solar radiation to heat that is used to augment the heating of a working fluid in a boiler. The system has particular application for use in Rankine cycle power generation plants that employ non-solar sources to heat the working fluid.

Abstract: The forced recirculation solar water heating system with a backup water heater works through an electronic card that initiates the operation and activation of the water recirculators when there is a setpoint temperature difference between the panel and the storage tank detected by means of a bimetallic cable connected at one of the top ends of the panel and another bimetallic cable at the upper part of the storage tank. This storage tank has a series of safety check valves that prevent temperature loss due to hot water backflow to the hydraulic network or due to natural reverse recirculation, thus avoiding excess pressure in the system.

Abstract: A thermal device includes a solar collector configured to concentrate solar energy in a heated zone, and a combustion area configured to provide thermal energy to the heated zone simultaneously with the concentrated solar energy from the solar collector. The heated zone may include two or more locations, wherein the solar energy is primarily concentrated at only one of the two or more locations at any particular time.

Abstract: A solar furnace includes an outer insulation chamber and an inner reaction chamber disposed inside the outer insulation chamber. The outer insulation chamber has an outer solar window which is in alignment with an inner solar window of the inner reaction chamber. The outer insulation chamber includes a multi-layered air-circulating tunnel. Each layer of the air-circulating tunnel has a solar window to form a multi-solar window opening. Within each solar window opening, there is a hot air curtain or hot flame curtain to cover the opening. When the concentrated solar beams pass through each solar window opening, photon beam reacts with the hot air curtain or hot flame curtain, and will further increase the temperature of hot air particles in the multi-layered air-circulating tunnel. An oil boiler is thermally connected to the inner reaction chamber. The oil boiler includes incoming and outgoing pipes disposed in a middle air-circulating tunnel to absorb the heat energy from the hot air curtain.

Abstract: A supplementary heat and air supply system for a building includes a solar panel mounted to the exterior of the building, and a solar panel duct extending between the solar panel and the return air manifold of the building's conventional heating system. A fan or blower is positioned within the solar panel duct. The solar panel has a fresh air intake to provide fresh outdoor air to the interior of the solar panel. During daytime hours, when the temperature of air within the solar panel attains a predetermined level, the blower is operated to supply the heated air to the interior of the structure through the solar panel duct, with the heated air being supplied through the return air manifold. When the building's furnace operates, it draws air from the return air manifold, which also acts to draw air from the solar panel through the solar panel duct. The system acts to pressurize the building's interior during operation of the blower, to deter seepage of gases, such as radon, into the building's interior.