Abstract: A universal barrier system includes universal barrier components that may be assembled together to shield floors and walls from moisture and provide a thermal break in an operational area of the universal barrier component. A lap zone of the universal barrier component may allow universal barrier components to be assembled and installed to protect floors, walls, ceilings, footings and the like from moisture and heat gain or loss by minimizing the need for tapes and other joining methods. The universal barrier system may also act as a sound deadening material. The operational area and lap zone of the universal barrier component may be disposed on a vapor block layer to provide some rigidity. The operational area of the universal barrier component may include a thermal break disposed upon the vapor block layer. The thermal break may include an outer protective layer.

Abstract: An insulating structure for an appliance includes an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein an insulating cavity is defined therebetween. A plurality of hollow nano-spheres are disposed within the insulating cavity, wherein each of the hollow nano-spheres includes a diameter in the range of from approximately 50 nanometers to approximately 1000 nanometers and has a wall that defines the internal space, and wherein the wall of each hollow nano-sphere has a thickness that is in a range of from approximately 0.5 nanometers to approximately 100 nanometers. A fill material is disposed in the insulating cavity and wherein the fill material is disposed in the space defined between the plurality of hollow nano-spheres, and wherein the fill material includes at least one of powdered silica, granulated silica, other silica material, aerogel and insulating gas.

Abstract: Functionalized microspheres for being dispersed in matrix materials to reduce the density and weight of the materials may be configured to include a covalently bound surface component which is configured to covalently bond with the matrix material so that when combined with the matrix material a strong, light-weight matrix material may be produced.

Abstract: Functionalized microspheres for being dispersed in matrix materials to reduce the density and weight of the materials may be configured to include a covalently bound surface component which is configured to covalently bond with the matrix material so that when combined with the matrix material a strong, light-weight matrix material may be produced.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the efficiency of an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system is described. In some examples, the system collects thermal energy using a solar collector, warms ocean water located within the solar collector, and provides the warmed water to an OTEC system, such as to a vaporizer of a heat engine. In some examples, the OTEC system provides electricity and other energy to another system, creating a cycle of sustainable economic development of energy and resources.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a strain isolation layer assembly. The assembly has a rigid solar layer; a strain isolation layer having a discontinuous configuration, a vertical rigidity, and a horizontal shear flexibility; and an underlying substrate layer. The strain isolation layer is coupled between the rigid solar layer and the underlying substrate layer to form a strain isolation layer assembly, such that the strain isolation layer isolates the rigid solar layer to reduce one or more strains induced on the rigid solar layer.

Abstract: A solar collection system is described that includes an elongate central truss angled upward from ground horizontal and mounted on a plurality of ground support legs, a collector subsystem mounted at one end of the central truss, a cross truss perpendicular to the central truss and mounted at an end of the central truss opposite the collector subsystem, and a reflector subsystem mounted on the cross truss. The collector subsystem includes a truncated trapezoid-shaped housing with a front side facing the reflector subsystem, the front side including a glassed-in opening fronting a V-shaped core heat mechanism enclosed within the housing interior that captures reflected photon energy from the reflector subsystem which heats a fluent medium within the V-shaped core heat mechanism for output to an external source for thermal power operations.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system includes fluid conduits disposed in a loose solid material. The loose solid material may be disposed inside a waterproof barrier, and the fluid conduits may be configured to define a plurality of zones having different temperatures in operation. The system may include a solar collector or other source of heated oil or other fluid that is routed to the thermal energy storage unit and/or an energy-consuming facility.

Abstract: Solar heat collector with a pipe in which flows an energetic fluid and a structure consisting of a frame of plastic material with metallic profiles encapsulated during the injection of said plastic material, which allows establishing orifices therein, providing a robust and lightweight collector with few components and dimensionally stable.

Abstract: This invention relates to solar engineering. The solar collector, which comprises a closed enclosure and an absorber 5 with channels for a liquid heat carrier, is designed in the form of a cylindrical portion having radius R1 and an axis coinciding with the axis of the central cylindrical portion 1 of the enclosure. The absorber 5 consists of thin-walled, interconnected modules. The modules are provided with bulges on the rear side thereof, in which channels with slots are made for arranging pipes forming heat-carrier flowing channels. In addition, the absorber can be designed in the form of a storage tank. The shape of the collector is optimized in such a way that the axes of the two lateral cylindrical portions 2 thereof are remote at distance L and the central cylindrical portion 1 is as remote as possible from a plane 3 tangential to the lateral cylindrical portions 2 at a distance H having the defined ratio of geometric parameters.

Abstract: A solar receiver with a longitudinal axis, including an absorber, a beam extending over an entire length of the solar receiver and configured to suspend the receiver in the power plant, a protective envelope mounted around the beam and including a thermal insulator surrounding the beam, the protective envelope configured to protect the beam from heating due to solar flux, the beam and the protective envelope configured to slide one with respect to the other along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In a solar heat collector, a bottom plate and a side plate of a case which is opened in an upper surface are formed of a vacuum thermal insulation material in which a core material is enveloped by a skin and a vacuum is created in an interior of the skin, the skin is formed by welding together circumferential edges of two metal panels which are disposed to face each other with the core material sandwiched therebetween, a plurality of line grooves are formed in the metal panels, and the two metal panels are disposed so that sides thereof from which bottoms of the line grooves protrude are oriented inwards with the core material sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A solar receiver includes a manifold, a sealed enclosure around the manifold and a plurality of tubes connected to the manifold and extending through the sealed enclosure.

Abstract: A heat collector of a dish-type solar thermal power generation system and the solar thermal power generation system having the heat collector. The heat collector of the dish-type solar thermal power generation system comprises a heat collecting cavity and at least one layer of heat absorbing coil. The heat collecting cavity is provided with an opening. The heat absorbing coil forms a cavity structure. The cavity structure is provided with a hole. The cavity structure is arranged within the heat collecting cavity. The hole and the opening are aligned. A low temperature inlet of the heat absorbing coil is arranged on the cavity structure at a location where incident light energy distribution density is at maximum. The heat collector is capable of preventing ablation of the heat absorbing coil due to localized overheating and burning of the heat collector due to abrupt drop in convective heat transfer coefficient caused by phase transition of working fluid.

Abstract: A solar heater for space heating is formed by a frame that provides structural support for a plate that absorbs sunlight. In one aspect, the plate is directly molded into the frame. In another aspect, the plate is incorporated into an assembly which is then sealed to the frame. The solar heater is configured such that multiple similarly configured solar heaters may be coupled together in a series and/or parallel arrangement.

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 thermal receiver includes a heat absorption body and a support body. The heat absorption body includes at least one honeycomb unit having a plurality of flow paths arranged for circulation of a heat medium. The heat absorption body includes silicon carbide. A surface of the at least one honeycomb unit to which solar light is radiated is subjected to a roughening treatment or a coating treatment. The support body accommodates and supports the heat absorption body and allows circulation of the heat medium.

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 heat collector for using solar energy to heat a fluid flowing therethrough includes a housing having a portion facing the sun. A predetermined plurality of tubular members are disposed within the housing with each tubular member connected to a fluid input and a fluid output for carrying a fluid through the housing. An absorption film is attached to the sun facing portion of the housing. A filler member engages the absorption film and a predetermined portion of each tubular member for improving heat transfer efficiency of the absorbed solar energy from the absorption film to each tubular member. A material of the filler member has thermal conductivity greater than a thermal conductivity of air at zero degrees Celsius.

Abstract: Solar panel tube, comprising a first pipe (11); a second pipe (12); a first insulating material (13) surrounding said first pipe; a second insulating material (14) surrounding said second pipe; said first insulating material comprising a supporting layer treated with aerogel; said second insulating material comprising a supporting layer treated with aerogel; wherein said first and second insulating materials (13, 14) are wrapped in a nylon thread winding (20) and said first and second insulating material are further wrapped by a protective layer (15).

Abstract: Insulating element for expansion compensation device and method for manufacture thereof, of the type used in solar energy collector absorber tubes, being formed by a single piece in the form of a ring and with a bellows-like end portion, which is filled with rock wool or other equivalent insulating material, so as to create a hot air chamber which minimizes heat losses.

Abstract: A solar collection system is described that includes an elongate central truss angled upward from ground horizontal and mounted on a plurality of ground support legs, a collector subsystem mounted at one end of the central truss, a cross truss perpendicular to the central truss and mounted at an end of the central truss opposite the collector subsystem, and a reflector subsystem mounted on the cross truss. The collector subsystem includes a truncated trapezoid-shaped housing with a front side facing the reflector subsystem, the front side including a glassed-in opening fronting a V-shaped core heat mechanism enclosed within the housing interior that captures reflected photon energy from the reflector subsystem which heats a fluent medium within the V-shaped core heat mechanism for output to an external source for thermal power operations.

Abstract: A passive solar collector utilizes a support constructed of precisely machined foam to simplify the construction and calibration of the reflective surface. Further improvements include sensor-based positioning, and a receiver having inflow and outflow conduits adapted to improve thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A collector system (12) is disclosed that comprises a row of linearly conjoined collector structures (13). The collector system is arranged to be located at a level above a field of reflectors (10) and to receive solar radiation reflected from the reflectors within the field. The collector structure (13) comprises an inverted trough (16) and, located within the trough, a plurality of longitudinally extending absorber tubes (30) that, in use, are arranged to carry a heat exchange fluid. The absorber tubes (30) are supported side-by-side within the trough and each absorber tube has a diameter that is small relative to the aperture of the trough. The ratio of the diameter of each absorber tube to the trough aperture dimension is of the order of 0.01:1.00 to 0.10:1:00 and, thus, a plurality of absorber tube functions, in the limit, effectively to simulate a flat plate absorber.

Abstract: It aims to provide a solar heat collecting apparatus that can efficiently collect energy from solar light. The solar heat collecting apparatus comprises an opened container part 22 that accumulates heat, a closed part 25 that closes the container part 22 and has an opening part 26 to let the collected solar light in, and a light absorbing part 36 that absorbs the solar light dispersed by passing through the opening part 26 so that it is converted into heat.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system includes an evacuated structure having an internal space filled with an aerogel layer, in which a vacuum is sustained by a vacuum pump operating when it is determined that a pressure within the internal space has risen to a predetermined level. For example, such a system is used within a dome structure extending over and around a heat receiving structure within a solar heating system or within a system providing thermal insulation for a building structure, a refrigerator, or a railroad car.

Abstract: A solar heating cell includes a core substantially in the form of a parallelepiped having two open sides. O-rings are disposed within channels running about the edges of the two open sides and glass plates are clamped with compression clips to the two open sides forming air and watertight seals with the O-rings. The solar heating cell is filled with a liquid mixture, primarily water. A solar heating panel is made by mounting a number of the solar heating cells on a support apparatus in an opening through an external wall of a building.

Abstract: A solar energy-based water heating and power generating module includes a factory-fabricated compound module panel usable as a cover panel for building, car or ship and capable of absorbing solar energy for heating water flowing in a water chamber and a circulation pipe, and a power generator formed of a field magnet set, an oscillator and a coil and actuated by a temperature difference energy to generate heat.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system includes an evacuated structure including an internal space in which a vacuum is sustained by a vacuum pump operating when it is determined that a pressure within the internal space has risen to a predetermined level. In one embodiment, such a system is used within a dome structure extending over and around a heat receiving structure within a solar heating system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an assembly having bodies of different thermal expansion rates comprises a first body, a second body having a different thermal expansion rate than the first body, and a plurality of high conductivity members attached to both the first and second bodies. The high conductivity members are more flexible than the first and second bodies in order to allow for varied thermal expansion of the first and second bodies. The assembly may comprise a solar collector assembly, wherein the first body is a solar cell attached to a substrate, and the second body is a heat sink.

Abstract: Described herein are solar energy apparatus that overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings of conventional solar energy absorption structures. The solar energy apparatus may comprise inexpensive material and have smaller dimensions to reduce the overall cost of the apparatus. The apparatus may also have coatings which help to maximize the amount of solar energy absorbed and minimize the deterioration of the apparatus due to overheating. The apparatus may include a system for monitoring and controlling the temperature of the apparatus to prevent overheating.

Abstract: Volumetric solar receivers are disclosed. An illustrated volumetric solar receiver includes a heat absorbing cavity (1), a glass window, and a working fluid inlet pipe (2) and an outlet pipe (3) connecting with the heat absorbing cavity (1). The glass window comprises a double-layer hollow glass (41 and 42). The hollow portion of the glass window forms the inner cavity (43). This inner cavity (43) is provided with an outlet (44) connected to the heat absorbing cavity (1). The working fluid inlet pipe (2) is connected with this inner cavity (43) and further with the heat absorbing cavity (1) via the outlet (44) of this inner cavity. This arrangement keeps the temperature at the glass window low and prevents local overheating, and also avoids waste of heat carried away by the cooling fluid from the glass window.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting apparatus comprises a casing body, a lid for the casing body, a plurality of pillars, and a shield member. The lid for the casing body allows sunlight to pass through the lid and forms a vacuum space in collaboration with the casing body. A plurality of the pillars support the lid. The heat collecting panel is disposed so as to be apart from a side wall of the casing body in the vacuum space, and penetrated by a plurality of the pillars. The shield member blocks at least a part of clearance gaps from the heat collecting panel to the side wall and a plurality of the pillars.

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.

Abstract: A solar-powered fluid heating system, having a thermal collector, a unitary water conducting assembly, and heat retention and efficiency components that are all included in a framework so as to provide a unitary construction. The framework includes a frame structure having non-conductive receptacles for receiving the edge marginal regions of the thermal conductor, so as to be free-floating to allow for thermal expansion and reduction of stresses on components as well as the heat resistant and enhancing components. The arrangement within the frame structure includes a dimpled or waffled metal water conducting assembly that rests upon a layer of insulation material held in the framing structure by a back sheet. The opposite side of the water conducting component is a solar selective sheet having a blackened surface upon which a thermal collector is disposed.

Abstract: A transparent thermal insulation arrangement for heating buildings with solar energy includes a glass plate, and absorber and an edge bond between the glass plate and the absorber. The absorber has an absorber plate which is inherently rigid and is assembled with the glass plate by the edge bond. An intermediate space is formed between the glass plate and the absorber plate and is filled with an inert gas. In addition, a space is formed between the absorber plate and the wall of the building which may be filled with air.

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 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: Solar panel (1) comprising an absorber element (2), a heat-insulating insulation element (3) placed between the absorber element (2) and an underlayer, and a frame structure (4) surrounding the insulation element (3) and the absorber element (2). The invention is characterized in particular in that said insulation element (3) and said frame structure (4) are integratedly formed into an essentially box-shaped, self-supporting base element (5) having a recess (7) to accommodate said absorber element (2), which base element (5) consists in the main of a foamed plastic material. The solar panel (1) preferably also comprises a transparent covering sheet (6) placed over said absorber element (2).

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 solar-powered water heating system provides heated water to a pool in an aesthetically-pleasing, leak-resistant manner. The invention provides a heat gathering unit disposed in a tray that fits within the deck boards of a typical roof. Shingles are disposed over the heat gathering unit and any leaks that occur within the heat gathering unit flow out over the top of the shingles. A drain conduit is provided below supply and return pipes so that any leaks flowing out of the supply and return pipes and their connections with the heat gathering unit will be directed out of the building structure to a location where the leak may be readily detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar collector, comprising: a cover layer to be directed toward the incident solar radiation; a system of tubes which is thermally coupled to the cover layer and through which heat transfer medium, in particular liquid such as water, can flow between a feed connection and a discharge connection; a substantially form-stiff carrier layer supporting the tube system and the cover later. The solar collector according to the invention has the special feature that: the cover layer consists of a weather-resistant plastic roof-covering foil; the tubes consist at least partially of a plastic material welded fixedly to the cover layer; the carrier layer is provided with recesses in which the tube system is accommodated.

Abstract: A solar power heating system includes a plurality of concentrating solar collectors each comprising a frame having two side walls and a reflecting layer attached to the inside thereof. Each of the side walls has two engaging members so as to conveniently connect with others. An isolating block is received between the two side walls and a circulating tube is engaged in the isolating block with a section of the circulating tube being exposed from the top of the isolating block. An absorbing layer is attached to the top of the isolating block and the section of the circulating tube. A lens device is connected between the two side walls so that water flowing through the circulating tube is heated by the absorbing layer. A heat exchanging device is connected to concentrating solar collectors.

Abstract: An outer wall element for buildings wherein, between the inner wall shell and a solar-radiation permeable outer wall shell, a solar-radiation permeable and heat-insulating layer is arranged, the latter being separated from an inner heat-insulating layer of the inner wall shell by an interface that absorbs the solar radiation from the outer heat-insulating layer. At least the inner wall shell is provided with marginal lining elements, which can be parts of a frame, panels or the like, extending at least up to the interface and conveying heat to the inner wall side. In order to protect the lining elements from the high temperatures reached in the outer heat-insulating layer because of the use of solar energy, the outer heat-insulating layer and the lining elements are separated from each other by insulating elements with poor heat conductivity, which starting from the lining elements cover the inner heat-insulating layer along a marginal strip in the interface.

Abstract: A solar thermal cell must include such a means of stopping solar radiation that no radiation is reemitted. Known art black, heat-binding absorbing surfaces are of this kind. The collecting of solar radiation energy should take place using a liquid jacket covering the entire southfacing pane of the roof, the said liquid jacket being implemented by means of a relatively inexpensive, well-sealed structure that should also be capable of withstanding strains such as that caused by snow.Underneath solar thermal cell's intermediate spaces (5) for the heatcollecting liquid, there is a dark-surfaced mineral wool board (1) stopping solar radiation. The intermediate space (5) may be located between two light-admitting membranes (2 and 3) and overlying there may be a light-admitting sheet of corrugated fiberglass (4). Between the membranes (2 and 3) or equivalent there may be ridges (6) forming intermediate spaces (5) between the mebranes (2 and 3). The intermediate spaces (5) may be arranged in tiers; e.g.

Abstract: This invention the multiple reflection solar energy absorber makes possible the direct absorption of solar energy into a transparent working fluid, thereby heating the fluid and discharging it through a nozzle to produce power. The invention comprises a method for producing an ultra high concentration of solar flux and a means to circulate the working fluid into an interior cavity confining the ultra high energy concentration producing absorption of heat energy. The apparatus of the invention comprises a primary and a secondary solar energy concentrator, a multiple reflection chamber, a working fluid, a nozzle and thermal insulation. The invention can be constructed in several embodiments suitable for heating both liquids and gases.

Abstract: An improved affordable, rugged, but light-weight box-oven-type solar cooker with the ability to overcome the recognized prior art limitations, such as: difficulty in achieving cooking temperatures in morning, evening and winter; restriction in reflector adjustment; heat loss through glazier cover; the inability to produce high temperatures in a short period of time and, more importantly, the inability of heat storage to continue cooking after sundown. The cooker assembly comprises a revolutionary round or hemispherical shaped cooking chamber (16) allowing the maximum amount of sunlight to cover its inner surface, creating a higher and more even heat distribution for cooking; an unhinged reflector frame (30) is pivotally mounted by arms (38R; 38L) to the housing (10) and can adjust through a 360.degree. angle. With this unlimited mobility the sun's rays can be focused into the cooking chamber (16) substantially at any angle of the sun's position regardless of time of day, or geographic location.