Abstract: A Silver Lining solar transfer module incorporates roof solar photovoltaic cells in a cased layer sandwiched between two water-handling layers. The bottom waste heat layer contains heat transfer pipes tuned for absorbing heat from the bottom of the photovoltaic layer and to dissipate heat into cool water pumped through the transfer pipes from ground level. The top cascade layer uses a casing transparent to solar radiation at the wavelengths used by the solar photovoltaic cells and containing a cascade of relatively cool water pumped from ground level, absorbing heat from the photovoltaic layer. The Silver Lining module is installed with a vertical slant, so that water is gravity fed from the top edge to the bottom edge in the waste heat layer and cascade layer. Fire sprinklers are incorporated into the plumbing of a system of Silver Lining solar transfer modules and provide protection to the roof in fire emergencies.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an air-fuel ratio detector, a fuel amount controller, an operational state parameter acquiring device, an extractor, a failure determination device, a variation state parameter calculator, and a determination stopping device. The operational state parameter acquiring device is configured to acquire at least one operational state parameter. The failure determination device is configured to execute failure determination of determining a failure in an air-fuel ratio control system of the internal combustion engine based on a specific frequency component extracted by the extractor. The variation state parameter calculator is configured to calculate a variation state parameter. The determination stopping device is configured to stop the failure determination if the variation state parameter calculated by the variation state parameter calculator is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A separator plate assembly for use in an indirect evaporative cooler (IEC) with an air-to-air heat exchanger. The assembly includes a separator plate with a first surface defining a dry channel and a second surface defining a wet channel. The assembly includes heat transfer enhancements provided on the first surface for increasing heat transfer rates. The heat transfer enhancements may include slit fins with bodies extending outward from the first surface of separator plate or may take other forms including vortex generators, offset strip fins, and wavy fins. In slit fin implementations, the separator plate has holes proximate to each of the slit fins, and the separator plate assembly may include a sealing layer applied to the second surface of the separator plate to block air flow through the holes. The sealing layer can be a thickness of adhesive, and a layer of wicking material is applied to the adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector (18) including an outer casing (20) having at least one aperture (22) disposed therein and an absorber (24) disposed within the outer casing (20). The aperture (22) is arranged to receive a beam (16) of solar radiation therethrough so that the beam (16) is incident on the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged in use to absorb the energy of the beam of solar radiation and to thereby convert solar radiation to heat energy to heat a fluid communicated through the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged to be moved by a moving means to promote even heating of the absorber (24).

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 solar collector utilizes multiple reflections of light passing down a tapered, pyramidal-type structure made of highly-reflective mirrored surfaces. A right-angled truncated reflective pyramidal structures have been discovered to have many properties which make them superior to existing concentrator geometries. The use of a tapered, pyramidal-type structure creates multiple reflections which appear at the collector output in the form of a Buckminster-Fullerene display, providing improved collector efficiency and amplification when compared to prior art “concentrators” of the Fresnel lens or parabola type.

Abstract: A solar thermal receiver with concentric tube modules is disclosed. The outer two tubes (101, 102) of each module form an annular gap (104) for the inlet flow (109) of a heat transfer fluid (HTF). A third inner tube (103) allows for the outlet flow (108) of the HTF. Each of the concentric tube modules is bottom-supported so as to allow for thermal expansion. Embodiments may include a structural element (750) to mitigate oscillation of the concentric tube modules and/or a top-mounted bell-shaped cap (534).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector (18) including an outer casing (20) having at least one aperture (22) disposed therein and an absorber (24) disposed within the outer casing (20). The aperture (22) is arranged to receive a beam (16) of solar radiation therethrough so that the beam (16) is incident on the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged in use to absorb the energy of the beam of solar radiation and to thereby convert solar radiation to heat energy to heat a fluid communicated through the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged to be moved by a moving means to promote even heating of the absorber (24).

Abstract: A solar collector/heat exchanger includes a first panel of corrugated heat conductive material, a second panel of corrugated heat conductive material, and a third panel of corrugated material. A mounting structure mounts the first and second panels with the third panel sandwiched between the first and second panels. The mounting structure further defines an air flow path across the first and second panels. The corrugations of the first and second panels extend parallel to the air flow path and the corrugations of the third panel extend perpendicular to the air flow path so as to cause turbulence in air passing between the first and second panels.

Abstract: A solar cell collector unit that materially contributes to a more efficient use and conservation of green energy includes a first metal sheet having alternating corrugated crest and valley portions on an upper surface and alternating open channels on an under surface and having a first dimension with a first peripheral edge about its entire perimeter. A second substantially flat metal sheet having a second dimension with a second peripheral edge about its entire perimeter and less than the first dimension. The first and second metal sheets overlie one another with flattened copper tubing disposed within the open channels and sandwiched there between, while crimping and folding the first peripheral edge over the second peripheral edge to form nested protuberances about its perimeter to provide stiffness and rigidity there about and forming a low cost single solar cell unit.

Abstract: This invention provides a solar fluid heating assembly that generally increases efficiency by reflecting the sun's energy onto heat generating surfaces that face away from the sun. It also provides an aesthetic structure that is readily installed in a variety of outdoor settings and can be used as a boundary fence in certain applications. In an illustrative embodiment, the solar heater comprises one or more conduits and a reflective mechanism, such that in use, heat energy falls onto a front surface of the conduit, thereby heating water or another fluid within the conduit, and heat energy is reflected by the reflective mechanism onto another surface of the conduit, thereby further heating the fluid within the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar surface receptor module that operates at a high temperature and comprises a channel (101) extending therethrough and along which a heat transfer occurs between a fluid (liquid or gas) moving in said channel (101) and at least one wall (104) of the receptor exposed to concentrated solar radiation, characterized in that the inner surface (105) of at least said wall includes turbulence-generating actuators (110) at the fluid inlet (102). The present invention also relates to a solar receptor therefor.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collection module formed by a sandwich of metal plates. The metal plates collect solar radiant energy and convert that to thermal energy in a heat transfer fluid that flows through conduits and manifolds formed between the plates. The collector module may be directly integrated into the exterior of building structures in an array. The collector module also may be glazed or integrated with photovoltaic solar panels.

Abstract: The absorber pipe 10 according to the invention features a thermal opening 14, on which means are provided that reduce the radiation 26 emitted outwards from the absorbing surface 13 as a result of its operating temperature to an increasing extent as the operating temperature increases.

Abstract: A solar cell collector unit that materially contributes to a more efficient use and conservation of green energy includes a first metal sheet having alternating corrugated crest and valley portions on an upper surface and alternating open channels on an under surface and having a first dimension with a first peripheral edge about its entire perimeter. A second substantially flat metal sheet having a second dimension with a second peripheral edge about its entire perimeter and less than the first dimension. The first and second metal sheets overlie one another with flattened copper tubing disposed within the open channels and sandwiched there between, while crimping and folding the first peripheral edge over the second peripheral edge to form nested protuberances about its perimeter to provide stiffness and rigidity there about and forming a low cost single solar cell unit.

Abstract: An air heating system is for use with a mechanism for flowing air. The system includes a plenum and a solar absorber. The solar absorber defines a first boundary of the plenum. The solar absorber is permeable to air. The mechanism for flowing air is for pulling air into the plenum through the permeable solar absorber. The plenum has an axial direction, wherein along a cross section of said plenum normal to the axial direction the permeable absorber has an average shape that is substantially convex when the permeable absorber is viewed from outside of the plenum.

Abstract: A solar collector or multi-glazed window includes a desiccant-filled vent which reduces chamber pressure fluctuations, thereby minimizing failure of seals, while inhibiting contamination by moisture. Excess pressure due to solar-heated gas is vented from the chamber, and insufficient pressure due to cooled gas is relieved by additional gas entering the chamber after being dried by the desiccant. Expandable chamber seals can further mitigate pressure fluctuations by enabling chamber dimensions to vary as the gas temperature changes. When the sun warms the desiccant, absorbed moisture is carried away by venting, solar-heated gas. A purging system can fill and purge the chamber, and a dry gas source can provide input gas at a slightly elevated pressure. A pressurized, gas-maintenance system can maintain a constant overpressure in a plurality of chambers. Solar absorbers can be formed by one or two corrugated sheets having fluid tubes installed in channels formed therein or therebetween.

Abstract: A heat collector comprises a transparent glazing exposed to the ambient. The transparent glazing is spaced from a back surface to define a plenum therewith. A plurality of perforations is defined through the transparent glazing for allowing outside air to flow through the transparent glazing into the plenum and substantially maintain the transparent glazing at the ambient temperature, thereby providing for higher thermal efficiency.

Abstract: This invention provides novel devices and methods for the heating of air with solar radiant energy. The devices of the present invention feature a housing partitioned into essentially isolated sections wherein the sections are in fluid communication with each other through a plurality of channels located within the partitions. The two unique features of the invention, essentially isolated sections and partitions comprising a plurality of channels, increase the temperature achieved by the solar heater by 1) creating multiple, sequential sections that function independently of each other providing a higher starting temperature in each section and, therefore, a higher final temperature, 2) providing second means of heating the air within the channels located within the partitions and, 3) by virtually eliminating the mixing of incoming cold air with the heated air of the solar air heater.

Abstract: An apparatus for pre-heating ventilation air for a building. The apparatus includes a first sunlight-absorbent collector panel on the building. The panel is exposed to ambient air and defines a first air collection space between itself and the building. The first sunlight-absorbent collector panel has a plurality of air inlet openings to allow the ambient air to pass through the openings to the first air collection space. A second sunlight-absorbent collector panel on the building is adjacent the first sunlight-absorbent collector panel and defines a second air collection space between itself and the building. The second sunlight-absorbent collector panel has a plurality of air inlet openings to allow air to pass through the openings to the second air collection space. A glazing covers the second sunlight-absorbent collector panel and defines an intermediary air flow chamber between itself and the second sunlight-absorbent collector panel.

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: The present invention relates to an integral solar energy collector storage systems. Generally, an integral collector storage system includes a tank system, a plurality of heat exchange tubes with at least some of the heat exchange tubes arranged within the tank system, a first glazing layer positioned over the tank system and a base plate positioned under the tank system. In one aspect of the invention, the tank system, the first glazing layer an the base plate each include protrusions and a clip is provided to hold the layers together. In another aspect of the invention, the first glazing layer and the base plate are ribbed to provide structural support. This arrangement is particularly useful when these components are formed from plastic. In yet another aspect of the invention, the tank system has a plurality of interconnected tank chambers formed from tubes. In this aspect, a supply header pipe and a fluid return header pipe are provided at a first end of the tank system.

Abstract: A radiant energy absorber (39) having an absorber tube (40) formed with V-shaped grooves (41) in its outer surface to enhance energy collection. The radiant energy absorber (39) may also include an inner tube (43) and a helically extending wire (48) in the annular space between the inner tube (43) and outer tube (40) which defines a helically extending flow passage along which the medium flowing into the absorber is constrained to pass.

Abstract: A thermal flask has a body and a vacuum solar heating device. The solar heating device is detachably mounted on an opening defined in the hollow body. The vacuum solar heating device has a transparent tube, a connecting collar and a solar energy absorber. The tube has an inner wall, an outer wall, a closed end, an open end and a vacuum chamber defined between the inner and outer walls. The connecting collar is mounted on the open end of the tube and has an inner thread screwed onto an outer thread formed around the opening in the hollow body. The solar energy absorber is mounted in the tube to absorb solar energy and radiant heat. Accordingly, the vacuum solar heating device can heat the liquid in the flask, and the temperature of the liquid will be maintained for a desired long time while traveling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral solar energy collector storage systems. Generally, an integral collector storage system includes a tank system, a plurality of heat exchange tubes with at least some of the heat exchange tubes arranged within the tank system, a first glazing layer positioned over the tank system and a base plate positioned under the tank system. In one aspect of the invention, the tank system, the first glazing layer an the base plate each include protrusions and a clip is provided to hold the layers together. In another aspect of the invention, the first glazing layer and the base plate are ribbed to provide structural support. This arrangement is particularly useful when these components are formed from plastic. In yet another aspect of the invention, the tank system has a plurality of interconnected tank chambers formed from tubes. In this aspect, a supply header pipe and a fluid return header pipe are provided at a first end of the tank system.

Abstract: A container for holding a liquid having transparent walls and an opening near its upper end, utilizes a heat absorbing insert element within the container comprised of a sheet of flexible black material that can be situated therein so as to expose a relatively large surface area to the sun's rays which pass through the container's transparent walls, thereby increasing the rate of solar heat absorption and rate of heating water within the container.

Abstract: There is provided the combination of a corrugated solar collector panel and a building surface to which it is attached, in spaced relationship. At least some of the panel corrugations are flat and located such that they face in the general direction of the sun during at least a portion of the daylight hours. Generally uniformly distributed apertures are provided in the panel, and specifically at flat areas in the corrugations. The combination further includes photovoltaic cells mounted to the corrugations at flat portions thereof containing the apertures, with the cells being supported substantially parallel with and adjacent to but spaced apart from the flat surfaces, thus leaving air passages between the photovoltaic cells and the solar collector, whereby air can enter and leave the enclosed space by flowing through the air passages and along the undersides of the photovoltaic cells, thus removing excess heat build-up from the voltaic cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid flow controlling member including a primary flow path having a relatively small capacity of containing fluid and a secondary flow path located on a side of the primary flow path and having a relatively large capacity of containing fluid. The primary flow path absorbs part of the flowing fluid and the remaining fluid flows along the surface of the primary flow path in an exposed manner.A difference between the velocities of the exposed fluid flows moving through the primary and secondary flow paths is created so as to define a boundary area for restrictedly controlling at least the exposed flowing fluid on the primary flow path.

Abstract: A high-temperature receiver for converting concentrated solar radiation has a channel with an inlet and an outlet. An areal air-permeable support element is connected to the inlet. An absorber structure for absorbing solar radiation is supported by the support element and is made of an air-permeable mat material. Air is transported as a cooling medium through the absorber structure in a flow direction identical to a direction in which the solar radiation hits the absorber structure. The mat material has a first density in an area where the solar radiation enters the absorber structure and a second density in an area where the absorber structure faces the support element. The first density is lower than the second density. The first density favors absorption of the solar radiation and the second density provides for a secure fastening of the absorber structure on the support element.

Abstract: A portable solar heating device is provided comprising an outer housing of transparent synthetic plastics material and a bladder within the outer housing. The bladder is of flexible sheet synthetic plastics material and has an expanded condition when filled with liquid and a collapsed condition when empty. The device has at least one port leading into the bladder, and means for minimising the area over which the bladder contacts the housing when the bladder is in its expanded condition, thereby to leave an airgap between the bladder and the housing over most of the surface area of the bladder.

Abstract: A fiber optical solar power generating system provides a tower outside a structure to be supplied with solar energy and on which a multiplicity of collectors are provided. An optical fiber trunk carries the collected optical energy to the structure in which a photovoltaic and/or a light/heat transducing stack can be provided and to which light is distributed from the optical fiber trunk so that the transducers need not occupy large areas of the property.

Abstract: A solar heat collector roof comprises an absorber plate (1) for incident radiation energy and a heat exchange plate (2) placed directly thereunder. The heat exchange plate is corrugated in such a manner that it comprises channels extending down along the roof. The heat exchange plate (2) is moreover in direct contact with the absorber plate (1) thereabove. A heat carrying or heat removing liquid medium (3), e.g. water, flows in the channels. The liquid medium (3), which removes heat from the heat exchange plate (2), is supplied at such a rate that the flow rate down along the roof in the channels lies below the rate at which the surface tension of the heat carrying medium (3) is broken, so that a winding and travelling flow pattern is imparted thereby to the liquid medium (3), and up along the channel walls (4).

Abstract: An absorber body with flow paths for water or a flowable heat carrier for the direct or indirect heating of fluid or fluids or the like flow agents by solar energy in which the flow paths are produced by the deformation of plastic material, is improved in respect of its production and use in that a panel (12) is provided with slot-like openings, the width of which approximately corresponds to the width of the flow path, and welded on the panel is a foil (14) which is deformed through the openings to form respective shaped foil portions (15) of approximately channel-like cross-section as partial delimitation of the flow path and is sealingly covered on the side remote from the channel-like cross-section. In that arrangement, a carrier plate, a cover foil (50) or an insulating body (54) may be provided on the side of the panel (12) which is remote from the channel-like cross-section of the foil portion (15).