Phase Change Patents (Class 126/618)
  • Patent number: 11964229
    Abstract: A staggered and crossed heat storage adsorption bed and a seawater desalination waste heat storage system are provided, which relate to the field of seawater desalination and the technical field of thermochemical adsorption heat storage. The adsorption bed includes a bed body, wherein an adsorption cavity is arranged in the bed body; two sides of the adsorption cavity are respectively communicated with an inlet cavity and an outlet cavity; the adsorption cavity includes a vacuum heat insulation layer arranged at an outermost side; the vacuum heat insulation layer is embedded with an adsorption box fixing layer; a corner end adsorption box, a central adsorption box and a side adsorption box are staggered and crossed arranged in an inner cavity of the vacuum heat insulation layer through the adsorption box fixing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SHANDONG ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Lin Guo, Cong Wang, Zhigang Liu, Guihua Tang, Yawei Yang, Chongliang Huang, Zhuoliang Li, Yalong Kong
  • Patent number: 11674305
    Abstract: A system including modular units of packaged phase change material; means to secure the modular units of packaged phase change material to a roof of a structure; and wherein the phase change material being packaged in an infrared reflective and ultraviolet stable material. A housing may also be used to retain the modular units of packaged phase change material. The phase change material serves to reduce the energy load of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventors: Orville Thomas Neal, Fran Lanciaux
  • Patent number: 11578704
    Abstract: An energy power generator includes an energy source having a solar energy source further having at least one or more parabolic mirrors for focusing solar energy in a predetermined direction or focal point, an enclosed fluid circuit including a medium supply tank, a pump coupled to the medium supply tank, a boiler tank coupled to the pump, a turbine and generator coupled to the boiler tank, and a condenser having an output of the turbine as an input and the condenser further providing an output used as a feedback input to the medium supply tank. The generator can further include one or more parabolic mirrors oriented or focused towards the predetermined focal point on or through the boiler tank, where the boiler tank has heat applied to increase the pressure used to operate the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cosmic Energy Power Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Heary, Frederick M. Heary
  • Patent number: 11130895
    Abstract: The present disclosure can provide aerogel compositions which have a thermal storage capacity, and which are durable and easy to handle. The present disclosure can provide aerogel compositions which include PCM coatings, particle mixtures, or PCM materials confined within the porous network of an aerogel composition. The present disclosure can provide methods for producing aerogel compositions by coating an aerogel composition with PCM materials, by forming particle mixtures with PCM materials, or by confining PCM materials within the porous network of an aerogel composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Roxana Trifu, Redouane Begag, George Gould, Shannon White
  • Patent number: 10746481
    Abstract: A thermal battery having an enclosure including a fluid inlet and outlet. Between the inlet and outlet are tubes of encapsulated phase-change material. The tubes are arranged parallel to each other, and include radial spacers for spacing the tubes apart, such that the radial spacers of each of any two given contiguous tubes are longitudinally and radially offset from one another so as to allow fluid to circulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Samuel Bry, Patrick Boisselle, Kamel Azzouz
  • Patent number: 10591225
    Abstract: The utility model discloses a novel phase change heat storage device, comprising a housing, wherein the housing is internally provided with a lining; an insulating layer is disposed between the lining and the housing; the lining is internally filled in with a phase change material; a coiled pipe is embedded in the phase change material; the inlet and outlet of the coiled pipe both extend out of the lining and are respectively welded with and communicate with a main water inflow pipe and a main water outflow pipe, so all welds between the coiled pipe and the main water inflow pipe and main water outflow pipe are positioned outside the lining and are not soaked by the phase change material. The lining is provided with at least one partition board; the partition board divides the inner space of the lining into independent spaces such that the phase change material is respectively positioned in the independent spaces divided by the partition board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: PIONEER ENERGY (JIANGSU) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Li Sun, Hong Wang, Xiaolong Liu, Changjun Wang
  • Patent number: 10533760
    Abstract: A method of modulating the impact of electromagnetic irradiance on the thermal energy budget of a predominantly enclosed space includes providing at least an inner shell of the predominantly enclosed space, and placing a plurality of functional elements in an exterior position relative to an outside facing side of the inner shell. The outside facing surfaces of the functional elements have higher reflectivity in the visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) wavelength range relative to the (MIR) wavelength range. The inside facing surfaces of the functional elements have higher reflectivity in the NIR and mid-infrared (MIR) wavelength range relative to the (VIS) wavelength range. A thickness of the functional elements is equal to or smaller than a thickness of the inner shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventors: Andreas Hieke, William Boone Daniels, II
  • Patent number: 10281160
    Abstract: A method to use high temperature thermal storage for integration into building heating/cooling systems and to meet building's peak power demand. The method can be used to store the thermal energy at any desirable rate and then discharge this stored energy to meet the demand for short or long time intervals. Input energy stored with this method is thermal energy, however, output can be thermal or electric based upon the requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of the City University of New York
    Inventors: Masahiro Kawaji, Hitesh Bindra
  • Patent number: 10250180
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device (1) for a solar panel (2) on a parapet (3) of a balcony, said device having at least the following components: —a connection arrangement (4) for connecting an element to be held, wherein the connection arrangement has at least one support (5, 6, 7, 8) for placing on a parapet; and —at least one transverse strut (9, 10) for bridging a parapet width, wherein the at least one transverse strut is connected to the connection arrangement and has at least one flange (12, 13) for placing on a parapet, wherein by means of a movement of the at least one flange towards the connection arrangement, the at least one flange and the at least one support press in opposite directions against the parapet. The invention disclosed relates to a holding device which allows for greater flexibility with regard to the structure of a balcony parapet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: INDIELUX UG (HAFTUNGSBESCHRÄNKT)
    Inventors: Marcus Vietzke, Fabian Friedrich
  • Patent number: 10208735
    Abstract: A thermal engine includes a thermal battery with a thermal mass for storing regenerative wind and solar energy using a solar lens and mechanical friction generated by the rotation of a wind turbine. The thermal engine comprises a thermal battery; a thermal engine; means of charging the thermal battery using natural energy including a solar lens; a wind turbine; and charging by electrical means. The invention further comprises a means of converting stored thermal energy to mechanical power using non-combustible fluids to drive devices such as an electric generator, a water pump; a means of using said thermal energy to directly heat homes and industrial facilities; a means of using said thermal energy for cooling homes and industrial facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Mark Anthony
  • Patent number: 10203133
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collection apparatus and design method. In particular, the invention provides a solar energy collection apparatus incorporating one or more reflectors and a solar collector for receiving incoming solar radiation, including reflected radiation from the one or more reflectors, wherein the one or more reflectors and the collector are oriented according to a pre-calculated offset length and offset angle based at least on the latitude of the apparatus. The invention further provides a computer-implemented method of designing a solar collection apparatus including determining the optimal offset length and offset angle between the one or more reflectors and the collector for a given latitude and other inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Intex Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Roger Philip Davies
  • Patent number: 9951979
    Abstract: Electrical energy storage and discharge system for storing electrical energy as thermal energy includes a heat pump cycle with first working fluid, a water steam cycle with second working fluid, a first thermal storage system with first thermal fluid, a second thermal storage system with second thermal fluid, an electrical heater member and a power regulating member, fluidly connected to each other. The system includes fluidly connected first cold and hot storage tanks, and the system includes fluidly connected second cold and hot storage tanks. The electrical heater is operably connected to the system between the tanks. The power regulating member is electrically connected to one or more electrical sources to regulate excess electrical energy, partially, to the electrical heater, and partially, to the heat pump cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Vipluv Aga, Enrico Conte
  • Patent number: 9726082
    Abstract: A turbine bypass system comprises a bypass path which is selectively operable to deliver hot gases to a gas cooler and a pebble bed positioned in the bypass path upstream of the gas cooler. The pebble bed absorbs heat from the bypass gases and thereby reduces the temperature of the bypass gases prior to delivery of the bypass gases to the gas cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Mark Harvey Tothill
  • Patent number: 9663953
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a building module, in particular a facade module, roof module or window module, for utilizing solar energy and/or for thermal insulation. The building module comprises an inner pane and an outer pane, wherein an intermediate space is formed between the inner pane and the outer pane. A heat transfer element is arranged in the intermediate space and has at least one functional surface for absorbing thermal radiation and/or for controlling the temperature of the intermediate space. A fluid line is provided in which a heat transport medium is conducted, wherein a thermal contact is formed between the heat transfer element and the heat transport medium in order to exchange heat between the heat transfer element and the heat transport medium. The functional surface and the fluid line, to which the thermal contact is assigned, are arranged juxtaposed to one another when the functional surface is viewed in a perpendicular direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Odilo Reutter
  • Patent number: 9612061
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for storing thermal energy. The subject thermal energy storage apparatus can function as a heat absorber in a cooling system. A cooling system can incorporate a cooling cycle that utilizes thermal energy storage and has two coolant loops. The primary cooling loop acquires the waste heat from a heat source, such as an electronic device, by heat transfer to the primary coolant via, for example, a sensible heat process (where sensible heat is heat absorbed or transmitted by a substance during a change in temperature which is not accompanied by a change of state) or by evaporating the primary coolant through a latent heat phase change process. The waste heat absorbed by the primary coolant is transferred to the host material of the heat absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: RINI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Rini, Louis Chow
  • Patent number: 9038386
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal vector system for solar concentration plants, in particular for parabolic trough solar concentration plants, both for industrial and domestic use, comprising a solid state thermal vector. A preferred solar concentration plant comprises one or more solar collectors (1), an heat exchanger (3-5), a heat accumulator (2) and a connecting pipe circuit, in which a solid state thermal vector is pushed through said circuit by mechanical means (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: INTERNEW ELECTRONICS S.R.L., GIORDANO MICHELE DI GIORDANO MICHELE, GEODESK.IT DI DE MARTINO PASQUALE
    Inventors: Pasquale De Martino, Paolo Harabaglia
  • Publication number: 20150040888
    Abstract: An objective of the invention is to design and develop an effective method to collect and store heat in a solar collector for delayed release. An embodiment of the invention is directed to an evacuated tube collector, where PCM is placed directly inside the void space of the collector tube, next to the heat pipe. The heat pipe is located with phase change material (PCM) in such a way that its thermal connection with the heat pipe can be switched “ON” to start heat transfer from PCM or “OFF” to keep latent heat stored in PCM for delayed usage. In additional, flow of heat exchange fluid through the manifold can enable release of stored heat of PCM to storage tank. Delayed release of accumulated heat in PCM enables added functionality of on-demand operation of SWH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Anvar A. Zakhidov, Vladimir A. Pozdin, Fatemeh Hassanipour, Sergey Darmanyan, Alexios Papadimitratos
  • Publication number: 20140366536
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include grid-tied thermal energy storage (TES) systems, concentrated solar power (CSP) systems featuring grid-tied TES and methods of operating same. Grid-tied TES systems include a heat storage material, a heat transfer material in thermal communication with a source of concentrated solar flux and an electric heating element. Both the heat transfer material and the electric heating element are in thermal communication with the heat storage material. Both the heat transfer material and the electric heating element can be selectively used to provide alternate and complimentary means to store thermal energy in the heat storage material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Russell Muren
  • Publication number: 20140352237
    Abstract: A solar light (heat) absorption material which has an excellent solar light (heat) absorbing ability and a simple structure, and may be used as a low-cost and high-performance heat absorption/accumulation material. Also, a solar light (heat) absorption/control building component including the solar light (heat) absorption material that allows for easy change of its solar light (heat) absorption/control ability. The material includes particles dispersed into a liquid medium having a specific heat ranging from 0.4 to 1.4 cal/g/° C. and a melting point of 5° C. or lower. The dispersed particles have L*value of 30 or less as determined by the CIE-Lab color system (light source D65).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Kondo, Masami Ueno, Yoshinobu Kawamitsu, Junichiro Tsutsumi
  • Publication number: 20140299122
    Abstract: Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems and methods are disclosed featuring the use of a solid-liquid phase change heat transfer material (HTM). The systems and methods include a solar receiver configured to receive concentrated solar flux to heat a quantity of the solid HTM and cause a portion of the solid HTM to melt to a liquid HTM. The systems and methods also include a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the solar receiver. The heat exchanger is configured to receive liquid HTM and provide for heat exchange between the liquid HTM and the working fluid of a power generation block. The heat exchanger further provides for the solidification of the liquid HTM. The systems and methods also include a material transport system providing for transportation of the solidified HTM from the heat exchanger to the solar receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Abengoa Solar LLC
    Inventors: Russell Muren, Luke Erickson, Antonio Gavilan
  • Publication number: 20140251310
    Abstract: The effectiveness of heat transfer to and from a thermal energy storage medium, for example a phase change medium, is enhanced by the inclusion of thermally-conductive elements within the thermal energy storage medium. The thermally-conductive elements may be filler shapes placed in a self-supporting stacking arrangement, which may be a random stacking arrangement. The effective thermal conductivity of the matrix that includes the thermal energy storage medium and the thermally-conductive elements is higher than the thermal conductivity of the thermal energy storage medium itself. Other thermally-conductive elements may be used, for example thermally-conductive sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Russell Muren, Luke Erickson, Gregory Shoukas
  • Patent number: 8807130
    Abstract: An apparatus intended for generating process heat for a packaging arrangement and can be operated using an energy source which can only be regulated to a limited extent, if at all. For this purpose, the apparatus contains a heat-transfer medium and a heat accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Norbert Fleck
  • Patent number: 8763601
    Abstract: A solar tracking device that uses thermal actuation to rotate a solar energy device to track movement of the sun for improved solar energy output of the solar energy device. Thermal actuation is generated by concentrating solar radiation using a solar collector and solar receiver. A medium that expands when heated is in thermal communication with the solar receiver and drives an actuator for rotating the solar tracking device to follow the movement of the sun. The medium may be a phase change material such as Paraffin wax. Rotational actuation may be performed using helical slots in a main housing and cam followers coupled to a shaft extended out of the main housing. At the end of the day, a combination of gravity and/or mechanical return forces may assist in returning the system to an initial position such that it is ready to receive solar radiation the next day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sulas Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Fintan J. Doyle
  • Patent number: 8701653
    Abstract: A novel thermal storage device includes a container of metallic phase change material (MPCM). The MPCM has a high latent heat of fusion and a high thermal conductivity in its solid state. A thermal energy receiver is adapted to receive thermal energy from a thermal energy source and transfer the thermal energy directly to the MPCM, without the need for an intermediate thermal transfer fluid. A thermal energy discharge mechanism transfers thermal energy directly from the MPCM to a device that uses the thermal energy. In a solar energy embodiment, the thermal energy receiver is formed from a material (e.g., polished copper) that has a relatively low absorptivity value and a relatively low emissivity coefficient, which unexpectedly results in the attainment of a highly efficient solar receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Alan J. Spero, Frank Stephen Wyle
  • Publication number: 20140060046
    Abstract: A thermal storage system 1 includes: heat transfer medium that absorbs the solar thermal energy; phase-change material 10a6 that is heat exchanged with the heat transfer medium; and first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) in which the phase-change material 10a6 is supported and through which the heat transfer medium flows, wherein a plurality of the first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) are present, and the first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) are connected in parallel for the heat transfer medium flowing through, when storing the solar thermal energy, while the first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) are connected in series for the heat transfer medium flowing through, when exploiting the stored solar thermal energy. The thermal storage system is capable of exploiting the solar thermal energy more efficiently than conventional ones, while considering a variation in the amount of solar thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd
    Inventors: Fumio Takahashi, Kazuhito Koyama, Shigeo Hatamiya, Naohiro Kusumi, Takaaki Sekiai
  • Patent number: 8627814
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solar water heating apparatus which includes concentric inner and outer vessels defining an annular cavity therebetween, within which cavity a phase change material is located, and which is vaporised when solar radiation is incident on the outer vessel, in order to transfer heat to a water store contained in the inner vessel, this water store being fed fresh unheated water while the heated water is extracted therefrom for domestic or other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: University of Ulster
    Inventor: Mervyn Smyth
  • Publication number: 20140000583
    Abstract: A thermal storage facility stores thermal energy at elevated temperature. The facility includes an enclosure for retaining a thermal storage medium; primary heat transfer surfaces for transferring heat from a circulating heat transfer fluid; and secondary heat transfer surfaces for transferring heat from the thermal storage medium to steam pipes associated with a power generation facility. The thermal storage medium is a metallic phase change material, preferably having a melting temperature above 500° C., interposed between the primary heat transfer surfaces and the secondary heat transfer surfaces. Solar power installations can incorporate one or more of the thermal storage facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Johannes Paulus Kotze
  • Publication number: 20130333691
    Abstract: A thermal heat storage system is provided, including a storage tank, a heat injection system and a heat recovery system. The storage tank holds a material for thermal storage. The heat injection system is coupled to an intake on the storage tank. The heat recovery system is coupled to an output on the storage tank and also uses vapor under depressurized conditions for heat transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SUNLIGHT POWER, INC.
    Inventor: David Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8573195
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for absorbing solar energy and, simultaneously having a continuous control of the light admission making it possible to install the device in external openings of buildings and equipment, such as windows, shutters or skylights. The system comprises two frames which support plates of transparent material, between which it is possible to introduce a colourful solution coming from an external reservoir. Both frames are interconnected through a flexible membrane which allows the plates to be pushed against each other, making the window transparent, or pushed away interposing the colourful solution, which will make the window uniform and gradually translucent or opaque. The said liquid comes from a reservoir and the access to the gap between the plates through is obtained by means of a channel that separates the two frames, allowing the liquid to flow evenly into the whole surface, thus being a homogenous and adjustable darkening obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Universidade do Porto
    Inventors: José Roberto Tinoco Cavalheiro, Márlo Alexandre Sousa Tavares da Fonseca
  • Publication number: 20130167832
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a zero-emission renewable heating system utilizing a thermal energy capacitor system using solar power as its source of heat, and more particularly, to a solar thermal capacitor system using an solar concentrators and a molten salt cell with thermal storage capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Stanley Kim
  • Publication number: 20130061846
    Abstract: A solar energy collector and thermal storage device for placement in a building's exterior architectural opening is provided, having an insulating cavity including a first lite on the device exterior side and a second lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the insulating cavity, and being substantially filled with an insulating gas. A provided thermal storage cavity includes the second lite and a third lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the thermal storage cavity which is at least the same size as the insulating cavity depth, and is substantially filled with a thermal storage medium, which is a hydrogel adhering to the second lite and the third lite and having cohesion characteristics such that it is self supporting and maintains its shape within the thermal storage cavity. A low-emissivity coating disposed on the insulating cavity side of the second lite inhibits exterior thermal radiation transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Daniel M. Fogarty
  • Publication number: 20120260656
    Abstract: A phase-change heat-storage thermal power generation system includes a solar receiver having a first entrance and a first exit; a working fluid for flowing into and then out of the solar receiver; a valve for controllably closing or opening the first exit; a first storage tank communicating with the first exit; a first thermal tank accommodating the first storage tank; a first phase-change material filled between the first thermal tank and the first storage tank; a thermal power generation device having a second entrance and a second exit; the working fluid can flow into the thermal power generation device from the second entrance and flow out of the second exit.; and a second storage tank communicating with the second exit and the first entrance; the working fluid can flow out of the second exit to enter the second storage tank and then flow back to the first entrance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Chung-Jen Tseng, Chi-Fu Chen
  • Publication number: 20120263845
    Abstract: The invention provides a solar steam cooker having a solar tube enclosing an inner space and having a close end and an open end, a cover closing the open end, an inner container in the inner space of the solar tube and being rotatable with respect to the solar tube, a sleeve covering on the close end of the solar tube and having an axle, and, a strut supporting the axle of the sleeve. The solar tube is of glass and has a translucent outer layer, a blackbody inner layer and a vacuum space between the outer and the inner layer. The cover has a circular groove covering on the open end of the solar tube. The inner container has a top opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Yang Shi
  • Patent number: 8266819
    Abstract: An air drying system for use in a concentrated solar power generation system using a fluid heat transfer medium includes a first vent pipe and a first desiccant pack. The first vent pipe extends from the concentrated solar power generation system and includes a first inlet open to ambient air, and a first outlet open to an interior of the solar power generation system in fluid communication with the fluid heat transfer medium. The first desiccant pack is positioned within the first vent pipe between the first inlet and first outlet and is positioned to reduce moisture content of ambient air flowing into the first vent pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Zillmer, Daniel P. Cap
  • Publication number: 20120222415
    Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus adapted to receive heat source input for the development and substantially continuous supply of thermal energy to a Stirling engine for the transfer of said thermal energy to electrical and/or mechanical energy, even during periods when heat source input is intermittent or unavailable for a period of time. The apparatus includes a series of elongate canisters containing silicon metalloid and made of refractory material. The canisters are interlaced with a thermal energy absorbing material in communication with a wicking material to which the Stirling engine is in communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick Glynn, Neil Parkinson
  • Publication number: 20120131915
    Abstract: System and method for accumulating steam in tanks for solar use made up of two sets of Ruths tanks (1, 2), called base set and overheat set, identical to one another and each having a saturated steam inlet (3), steam injectors (10) installed inside the tank (1, 2), a steam outlet (4, 4?) with a valve (13) and drainage means (11). A heat exchanger (6) is installed between the two sets of tanks (1, 2). The method of storage consists of a tank loading stage and a tank discharging stage, the latter comprising two discharging phases, the first one from a maximum to an intermediate pressure and the second one from an intermediate to a low pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: ABENGOA SOLAR NEW TECHNOLOGIES, S.A.
    Inventors: Rafael Olavarria Rodríguez-Arango, Elena García Ramírez, José Barragán Jiménez
  • Publication number: 20120132195
    Abstract: A solar water heater including a heat separator containing either a single partition wall that connects in parallel colder water entering all-glass evacuated tubes with hotter water exiting the same all-glass evacuated tubes, or a number of partition walls that connect in series colder water entering each all-glass evacuated tube with hotter water exiting each all-glass evacuated tube. As water in the evacuated tubes is heated by solar radiation, a hydrodynamic head is created which forces the hot water in the evacuated tubes to flow automatically into the hot water compartment(s) of the heat separator(s) and subsequently through an insulated pipe to a water tank without requiring a pump. The cool water in the water tank flows automatically through an insulated pipe back into the cool water compartment(s) of the heat separator(s) in order to preserve flow continuity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Chengjun Julian Chen, Clark Theodore Gordon
  • Publication number: 20110277746
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solar water heating apparatus which includes concentric inner and outer vessels defining an annular cavity therebetween, within which cavity a phase change material is located, and which is vaporised when solar radiation is incident on the outer vessel, in order to transfer heat to a water store contained in the inner vessel, this water store being fed fresh unheated water while the heated water is extracted therefrom for domestic or other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: University of Ulster
    Inventor: Mervyn Smyth
  • Publication number: 20110100356
    Abstract: A solar energy collection and storage system and a method of collecting and storing solar energy. The system includes a device for focusing solar energy onto a reaction chamber for the conversion of metal hydride to liquid metal and hydrogen, a metal/metal hydride chamber containing a metal/metal hydride mixture, a hydrogen storage system using hydrides and a thermo-cline for recovering the thermal energy from the hydrogen when it is cooled from 2000 F to ambient conditions for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Wayne Thomas Bliesner
  • Patent number: 7919163
    Abstract: The present disclosure utilizes the phase change properties of various phase change materials, specifically of 1-decanol and 1-dodecanol. Blood platelets and biological tissues that are chemically unstable at high temperatures can be maintained between 20° C. and 24° C. using 1-Dodecanol in a disclosed container. Temperature sensitive pharmaceutical products may be maintained between 2° C. to 8° C. using 1-Decanol in a disclosed container. The present disclosure may be used to control the temperature of such products during transport by confining the temperature of the product within a predetermined range. This permits light weight packaging with the maintenance of temperatures in narrow, pre-selected ranges over extended periods of time. A nylon and low density polyethylene thermal blanket comprising cells substantially filled with phase change material, which is advantageously puncture proof, durable, and capable of surrounding any payload, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Benjamin Romero
  • Patent number: 7913685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a textile heat accumulator consisting of a textile carrier material to which a plurality of thin capillaries for water transportation are attached and which is coated with an elastomeric compound comprising finely divided phase change materials such as salt hydrates or crystalline alkyl hydrocarbons. The textile heat accumulator arranged in a roofing structure of a building facilitates the control of the heat flux into the building and the utilization of the latent heat stored within phase change material for hot water generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Barbara Hildegard Pause
  • Patent number: 7793651
    Abstract: A heat storage apparatus includes heat storage panels having primary fluid passages formed therein; passage plates having secondary fluid passages formed therein; and heat reservoirs. The heat storage panels and the passage plates are layered alternately, and the heat reservoirs are interposed between the heat storage panels and the passage plates in such a manner that the heat reservoirs, the heat storage panels and the passage plates are adhered to one another. Protrusions are formed on surfaces of the heat storage panels in such a manner that the heat reservoirs are supported by the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sawada, Hirotaka Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20100212656
    Abstract: A thermal energy storage (“TES”) device including a vessel housing a continuous volume of a TES media, an input portion, an output portion, and a plurality of thermal energy transport members connected to the input portion and/or the output portion. The input portion receives thermal energy from a thermal energy source. The received thermal energy is transported by one or more of the thermal energy transport members to the output portion and/or the TES media for storage. One or more of the thermal energy transport members connected to the output portion transport stored thermal energy from the TES media to the output portion. The output portion is coupled to an external device, such as a Stirling engine, and configured to transfer thermal energy the external device. Optionally, selected ones of the thermal energy transport members connected to both the input and output portions may be insulated from the TES media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Infinia Corporation
    Inventors: Songgang Qiu, Maurice A. White, David J. Yarger, Ross Galbraith
  • Publication number: 20100126498
    Abstract: An apparatus intended for generating process heat for a packaging arrangement and can be operated using an energy source which can only be regulated to a limited extent, if at all. For this purpose, the apparatus contains a heat-transfer medium and a heat accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Krones AG
    Inventor: Norbert Fleck
  • Patent number: 7614397
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing, transporting, and releasing high grade, thermodynamically useful energy for a wide variety of uses. Solar energy is collected and reflected onto a heat storage container using a three-mirror reflecting system. This invention involves a method of heating the heat storage container using a primary, secondary, and tertiary system, which has a core that is partially comprised of an aluminum alloy and a metallic shell with a higher melting point than the aluminum alloy contained within. Once heated, the storage containers can then be transported to different storage areas in order to heat secondary storage containers or can be used in processes such as cooking, powering heat engines, water heating, absorption refrigeration, or drying garbage, waste, or biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: FOI Group, LLC
    Inventor: David Murray Munson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6877508
    Abstract: A solar thermal energy transmission system having a bellows that sealingly interconnects a first structure to a second structure is disclosed. The bellows includes a surface that is compatible with a molten salt and is configured to resiliently deform in response to contraction and expansion of at least one of the first and second structures, to thereby accommodate relative movement of the structure(s) to which it is coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert Zachary Litwin
  • Publication number: 20040000159
    Abstract: A liquid air conditioner of geothermal energy type, wherein comprises a heat collector (1) of geothermal energy type, a heat exchanger (2), an energy lift device (3), a discharging pump (4), a returning pump (5), an air conditioner (6); said energy lift device consisting of a heating cycle (30) and a heat exchanging cycle (38), said two cycles are sequentially connected through pipelines by a compressor (31), a condenser (32), a liquid reservoir (33), a drying filter (34), a restriction choke (35), an evaporator (36) and a gas-liquid separator (37); Discharging tube (32a) of the heat exchanging cycle connects with air conditioner (6). Returning tube (103) of air conditioner connecting to a liquid inlet tube (32b) of heat exchanging cycle (38); discharging tube (36a) of the heat exchanging cycle connecting to a returning tube (22b); discharging tube (22a) of said heat exchanger (2) connecting to liquid inlet tube (36b); is used for in-door cooling and heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Shengheng Xu
  • Patent number: 6645598
    Abstract: Heat insulation blanket (10) includes a layer of inner cells (16) containing a phase change material, and opposed outer cells (18 and 19) containing dead air or other undisturbed gas. When placed in an attic or other insulated area, the phase change material changes phase when the outside atmospheric temperature passes the phase change temperature, resulting in a delay in the transfer of heat between the interior space and the atmosphere because of the heat required for or given up by the PCM during its change of phase. The outer plies of sheet material that form the superposed cells of the cell blanket are formed with a coating of heat reflective material that faces the interior of the cell blanket, whereby the reflective surfaces are protected against deterioration and retain their capacity to reflect radiant heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Alderman
  • Patent number: 6613404
    Abstract: Inner (32) and outer (34) juxtaposed glazed panes are separated from each other by an interlayer containing a gas, and the gap between the panes is closed by a seal (48) near the perimeter of the panes. A thermally conductive, hermetically sealed receptacle (36) is positioned between the panes. The receptacle contains a phase change material (38) that reversibly absorbs, stores, and releases heat in response to temperature changes at least at one of the glazed panes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Terry S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6581589
    Abstract: Heat insulations in houses having card-board lattice arranged behind a glass pane yield, in practice, a heat flow which is dependent on insolation. Said heat flow is lower at night and during weak insolation and begins to increase when the lattice is solar heated. The inventive solar cell (1) comprises a lattice (5) which is situated behind a rear-ventilated glass pane (2) and which exhibits durable storage properties. The solar cells characterize a solar energy yield (v′) by an arrangement which selects for an angle of incidence. Said solar energy yield does not lead to overheating in the room interior (R) also when the sun is at a high position. A thermal time constant is obtained by means of heat insulations (11, 12, 13) which are connected in succession. Said time constant guarantees comfortable temperatures in the interior (R) of the house also in the case of low supplementary heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Giuseppe Fent, Jan Richard De Fries