Abstract: A system for generating potable water from source water contains an enclosed vessel, a heating unit, an air distributor, a condenser, and a collection vessel. A method for generating potable water from source water includes heating ambient air, bubbling heated air through source water producing saturated air, cooling the saturated air producing potable water, and collecting the potable water. A method of removing contaminants from ambient air includes heating ambient air, bubbling the heated air through source water to produce treated air and contaminant rich water, discharging the treated air, and discharging the contaminant rich water.

Abstract: A central receiver for a solar power facility is provided comprising an arrangement of heat absorber tubes located in a chamber having a window that, in use, is to receive solar radiation reflected by a heliostat field. The heat absorber tubes extend transversely relative to the window and are connected into a working fluid circuit. The window forms an atmospheric air inlet and the chamber has an outlet in a region opposite the window. An air flow promoting fan induces a flow of atmospheric air inwards through the window, past the absorber tubes; and through the outlet. The receiver preferably includes multiple rows of unpressurized louvers or panes having oblique frontal surfaces such that reflected rays travel into the chamber and provide a leading row in which the temperature of the louvers is, under operating conditions, maintained at a level low enough to reduce thermal reflection and radiation losses.

Abstract: An air temperature and humidity control device is provided including a first heat pump having a compressor, an expansion valve, a condenser, and an evaporator. The first heat pump has a refrigerant circulating there through. A humidity controller includes a first contactor fluidly coupled to the evaporator and condenser. The first contact includes at least one contact module having a porous sidewall that defines an internal space through which a hygroscopic material flows. A first air flow is in communication with the porous sidewall of the first contactor. The device also has a second heat pump including a first polishing coil. The first polishing coil is substantially aligned with and arranged generally downstream from the first contactor relative to the first air flow.

Abstract: A system for drying or heating product using solar energy including an enclosure defining a kiln chamber in which a charge of the product is placed, the enclosure having at each side of the chamber at least one passage through which air from the kiln chamber can pass to be heated by solar energy impinging on the enclosure, and an air flow system having at least one fan for generating a circulating air flow within the kiln chamber whereby air passes from one side of the charge to the other, and an air supply for drawing air into each passage from the bottom part of the kiln chamber at opposite sides of the charge to move through the passage into an upper portion thereof for discharge into an upper part of the kiln chamber through one or more outlets leading into the upper part of the kiln chamber.

Abstract: A solar power system comprises a solar receiver, a heated solids storage tank downstream of the solar receiver, a fluidized bed heat exchanger downstream of the heated solids storage tank, and means for transporting solid particles from the fluidized bed heat exchanger to a cold solids storage tank upstream of the solar receiver. The fluidized bed heat exchanger includes a first fluidized bed and a second fluidized bed. Solid particles flow through the fluidized bed heat exchanger and transfer heat energy to heating surfaces in the two fluidized beds. The system permits the solid particles to absorb more energy and permits a constant energy output from the fluidized bed heat exchanger.

Abstract: An active solar air heat storage system slowly transfers heat into water, providing heat while keeping mold and dust out of a building. A series of bidirectional air ducts separated by periodic wind gaps reduces an overhead collector array's uplift in high winds. Splitting a rock bed's airflow into multiple air channels slows air velocity and reduces air friction in the rock bed. A circular rock bed made partly of concrete blocks is held together by bands around the circle's outside. Solar heat may be gathered under driveways and walkways. A standard set of driveway bricks will allow gentle curves in the driveway while retaining a closed airflow under the driveway. Radiant heat may be trapped inside a collector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorber (40) for a solar panel, provided for containing a heat transfer fluid (42), including first (44) and second (46) plates arranged opposite each other and attached to each other via a plurality of connection points (58, 60), first and second matrices having protruding geometrical shapes (50, 52) formed on the outer surfaces of the first and second plates, respectively, the matrices being offset relative to each other so as to provide a flow path for the heat transfer fluid in the absorber, an inlet (54) and an outlet (56) for the heat transfer fluid arranged at both ends of the heat transfer fluid flow path, respectively, characterized in that at least some of the geometrical shapes have a generally protruding shape with a recess at the center thereof so as to form a cavity (64, 66), and in that at least some of said non-through connection points are provided in at least some of said recesses.

Abstract: A receiver system for harnessing solar radiation. Embodiments of a receiver system include a receiver including one or more receiver elements, each receiver element including: a plurality of transparent tubes including a first tube and at least one second tube at least partially within the first tube; a first passage interposed between the first tube and the at least one second tube, the first passage having an inlet and an outlet; a second passage within the at least one second tube, the second passage having an inlet and an outlet; and an absorber in the at least one second tube, the absorber adapted to absorb the solar radiation. In some embodiments, a receiver further includes a housing having at least one transparent portion, the housing configured to enclose the plurality of receiver elements, whereby a third passage is formed between the first tube and the housing.

Abstract: Provided is a light-weight, easy to install, use and remove solar collector that may be manufactured inexpensively from readily available common materials, and which may be installed, removed, moved, and reinstalled almost anywhere by almost anyone without special tools or skills. In one embodiment, the solar collector comprises one or more collection tubes formed from attaching clear or substantially translucent material, such as clear vinyl, along the edges and over the top of dark colored or otherwise solar-energy-absorbant material, such as black polyethylene plastic, black vinyl-coated polyester, or any other suitable material, which may be insulated by an insulative layer. A dark-colored or otherwise solar-energy-absorbant air-permeable layer may also be located in the collection tube to increase heating of the air flowing through the collection tube. In addition to the solar collector is a fan, which may take the form of a forced-air window unit with thermostatic controls.

Abstract: The invention, in some embodiments, relates to solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to liquid-air transpired solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to thermal energy transfer systems that comprise solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, methods of constructing solar energy collectors are provided.

Abstract: A solar energy system. The system includes a thermal solar system comprising a plurality of thermal modules spatially configured as an N by M array. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of thermal modules are configured to form an aperture region and a backside region. The system has an air moving device comprising a drive device coupled to a blower device. In a specific embodiment, the drive device is spatially disposed within a fluid drive region. The system has a controller operably coupled to the air moving device.

Abstract: A solar hot air system is provided containing a solar hot air collector and an inlet duct connected to the solar hot air collector and a building fresh air intake. A sensor is connected to the building fresh air intake, configured to measure fan speed and damper position. In addition, a sensor is connected to the inlet duct, configured to measure air volume and temperature. Further, a sensor is connected to the solar hot air collector, configured to measure internal and ambient temperature. A means for calculating a periodic fee to a user based at least in part upon an amount of generated energy is also provided.

Abstract: A light absorbing device for heating a medium by means of solar energy, comprising a first and second layer of which at least one is intended for solar energy absorption, forming a space there between in which a first medium is arranged to flow for said heating, and means arranged to allow said flowing, wherein at least one of said layers is flexible such that the surface exposed for solar energy absorption is reducible. The invention also relates to an at least partly flexible building construction.

Abstract: A solar-heating system having an inflatable solar collector connected to a housing that can be installed, e.g., in a sash window of a house. The housing has an air blower that draws air from the interior of the house and directs it into the inflatable solar collector, which is positioned outside the window. The collector has a flexible permeable membrane that serves as a transpired absorber of solar radiation. The air flowing through the collector is heated when it percolates through the membrane exposed to solar light. The heated air is returned back to the interior of the house, thereby providing space heating. In certain embodiments, in addition to serving as a transpired absorber, the membrane can also serve as an air filter that removes particles, odor-causing pollutants, and/or allergens from the drawn air.

Abstract: In the active type textile based air heater solar collector, as solar energy absorber plate a black single layered homogenous non woven textile surface (fabric) has been used instead of black metallic, ceramic, plastic or composite plates, nets, mats, woven or knitted fabrics and passing of the air to be heated through this textile surface has been achieved. The movement of the air in the collector and the transportation to the space to be heated or drying medium is provided by a fan which is connected to output or input side of the collector. It is also possible to connect two fans both input and output sides of the collector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar ventilator and a ventilating system with the solar ventilator, wherein the solar ventilator comprises: a solar panel, a shell pedestal, a horizontal-shaft fan, a controller, an energy storage unit; as the cover plate of the horizontal-shaft fan is set onto the grid plate of the shell pedestal, and the horizontal-shaft fan is aligned with the shell pedestal's air intake and air outlet, meanwhile the controller and the energy storage unit are accommodated into the shell pedestal, so the solar panel can be incorporated onto the top surface of the shell pedestal to form a solar ventilator. The solar ventilator can also be applied to the external surface or interlayer of the roof of the building to form a ventilating system as a novel utility model with better applicability.

Abstract: The present invention is a single face corrugated plastic solar collector. The invention incorporates an air flow with a unique cross-over pattern to maximize surface coverage. The solar collector creates energy by forcing air through a single-sided corrugated plastic or aluminum sheet, which is exposed to the sun for the purpose of heating buildings, appliances, pools and other areas and equipment. Air flow is initially powered by multiple photovoltaic cell powered blower motors to maximize aft flow with minimal air pressure. Air volume is kept high within the corrugated plastic with minimal pressure verses atmospheric pressure to seal the aft within the area of the corrugations. The solar collector allows for maximum solar coverage, low cost per square foot coverage, ease of shipping and simplicity of installation.

Abstract: An integrated, modular solar collector comprising an array of solar collection devices, wherein the array of solar collection devices is mounted in a frame providing for air flow, piping and/or electrical connections between the devices.

Abstract: An energy recovery system (10) including a structure (12) including at least a boundary (14) area made of a material which is substantially transparent to solar radiation, thus to capture solar energy in the internal environment of the structure, a heat pump (19) including a closed fluid circuit (16) which includes a first heat exchanger (18) in which heat from the internal environment of the structure (12) is transferred to the fluid, a second heat exchanger (20) in which heat from the fluid is transferred to a heat energy store (24), and an impeller (22) for moving the fluid from the first heat exchanger (18) where the fluid is at a generally lower pressure to the second heat exchanger (20) where the fluid is at a generally higher pressure, power to drive the impeller (22) being derived solely from the energy stored.

Abstract: A solar energy system. The system includes a thermal solar system comprising a plurality of thermal modules spatially configured as an N by M array. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of thermal modules are configured to form an aperture region and a backside region. The system has an air moving device comprising a drive device coupled to a blower device. In a specific embodiment, the drive device is spatially disposed within a fluid drive region. The system has a controller operably coupled to the air moving device.

Abstract: A solar-heating system having an inflatable solar collector connected to a housing that can be installed, e.g., in a sash window of a house. The housing has an air blower that draws air from the interior of the house and directs it into the inflatable solar collector, which is positioned outside the window. The collector has a flexible permeable membrane that serves as a transpired absorber of solar radiation. The air flowing through the collector is heated when it percolates through the membrane exposed to solar light. The heated air is returned back to the interior of the house, thereby providing space heating. In certain embodiments, in addition to serving as a transpired absorber, the membrane can also serve as an air filter that removes particles, odor-causing pollutants, and/or allergens from the drawn air.

Abstract: An integrated, modular solar collector comprising an array of solar collection devices, wherein the array of solar collection devices is mounted in a frame providing for air flow between the devices.

Abstract: A modular solar air circulating and conditioning apparatus includes a box body, a heat absorbing unit and a transparent cover. The box body includes a surrounding wall and a bottom. The wall has a connecting portion and the bottom has a pipe portion interconnected with the containing space of the box body. The heat absorbing unit is a carrier coated with a layer of heat absorbing element. The transparent cover is installed to the surrounding wall, and a pipe portion is disposed on a surface of the transparent cover and interconnected with the containing space of the surrounding wall. In use, solar energy is absorbed by the heat absorbing unit, and then transmitted into a house through a conveying pipe connected to the pipe portion to warm the house.

Abstract: A furnace in combination with a heat pump and solar panels for providing domestic hot water and forced hot or cooled air utilizing heat pump achieved efficiency levels in an on-demand and unlimited domestic hot water, heating and air conditioning system. In heating mode, recycled air acquires heat from the heat pump's condenser coil and transfers this heat to the on-demand hot water.

Abstract: A control for a solar-heating and ventillation-cooling air type solar system has temperature sensors, dual air distribution valves, valve actuators and a fan-integrated into a single module that is removably mounted together with a modular solar system enclosure. The control senses the interior space temperature and the exterior enviornment temperature, and determines and effects a solar system operating mode to provide a comfort function in all seasons. The control provides recirculation heating, direct heating, ventillation cooling and cool conservation, or variable combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of making hot air in the range of 200 degrees (F) from the sunlight striking the paved surface of a parking lot is described. The transparent surface is above an opaque surface forming a homogeneous solid. Beneath the pavement are parallel pipes for the movement of air. The air is compressed into the pipe and sucked out of the pipes via photovoltaic powered fans. Due to the heat transfer through the walls of the pipes, ambient air is made hot. The hot air can then be used economically as precombustion air to a typical fossil fuel burner as oil, coal or gas. While the hot air would not be able to provide enough heat to power an entire power plant or oil refinery, the net result is more efficient fuel burning, with less air pollution produced, perhaps reducing fuel consumption by 5 to 10 percent. While the parking lot pavement may be made of recycled materials as glass or plastic, the pavement is still capable of supporting the weight of an automobile while also producing hot air.