Solar Patents (Class 165/48.2)
  • Patent number: 11313172
    Abstract: A pivot window includes a laminated body capable of rotating in a state where a first plate material is directed outdoors and in a state where a second plate material is directed outdoors. The laminated body uses at least one of solar heat, atmospheric heat, and atmospheric humidity, and provides a humidity control effect to the room in both of the state where the first plate material is directed outdoors and the state where the second plate material is directed outdoors. The laminated body is not limited to the one providing the humidity control effect, but may be the one providing a temperature control effect. The laminated body may use the concentration of a specific gas in the atmosphere such as atmospheric oxygen concentration, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, and atmospheric volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration, and may provide a component concentration adjusting effect to the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: YAZAKI ENERGY SYSTEM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuju Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11306977
    Abstract: A pivot window includes a laminated body. The laminated body includes two sheets of a plate material; a peripheral end member provided at a peripheral end parts of the two sheets of the plate material; and a cell array plate material which is interposed between the two sheets of the plate material and which has a plurality of cells respectively having a gas phase and encapsulating a latent heat storage material having a melting point and a freezing point in a specific temperature range. The pivot window further includes a rotation mechanism for causing the laminated body to perform at least half rotation in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: YAZAKI ENERGY SYSTEM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuju Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11280224
    Abstract: A pre-booster pumping system for increasing power generation of a turbine of a thermal power plant includes a booster pump system including an inlet end, an output end and at least one booster pump; the inlet end of the booster pump system being connected to the air draining end of the turbine through an input tube; each booster pump including an air inlet and an air outlet; the waste gas drained from the air draining end of the turbine being inputted to the booster pump; the vapor pressure being increased in the booster pump and then the vapor being outputted from the output end; and a condenser having an input end; the output end of the booster pump system being connected to the condenser through the output tube; the condenser serving to receive the waste gas from the booster pump system and cool the waste vapor as water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignees: ELIVAC COMPANY, LTD., ELIVAC INC
    Inventors: Raymond Zhou Shaw, Bin Wu, Xiaoqing Pan
  • Patent number: 11122712
    Abstract: A cooling device for data center includes: a housing chamber configured for housing the data center; an air inlet plenum positioned at one side of the housing chamber and configured for inflowing of external natural wind; an air outlet plenum positioned at another side of the housing chamber; an air return plenum defining two opposite ends communicated with the air inlet plenum and the air outlet plenum, and comprising a return air damper; a controller connected to the return air damper and adapted for controlling the opening and closing of the return air damper; and a refrigeration module located in the air inlet plenum and connected to the controller. A cooling system for data center is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Shenzhen Fugui Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tze-Chern Mao, Yen-Chun Fu, Chih-Hung Chang, Hui-Hsuan Wang, Yao-Ting Chang, Chao-Ke Wei
  • Patent number: 10982862
    Abstract: A heat recovery system includes a compressor, a solar panel, and a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger in fluid connection to form a closed circuit. The compressor is configured to facilitate fluid movement in the fluid circuit between the solar panel, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The solar panel includes a plurality of solar cells connected in parallel, and each solar cell includes a plurality of metal tubes for fluid to pass through. A temperature sensor is mounted within each of the solar cells and configured to measure temperature inside the respective solar cell. Each solar cell is connected to the circuit via a respective pressure valve, and the status of the pressure valve is configured to depend on the measurement of the temperature sensor in the respective solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Commercial Energy Savings Plus, LLC
    Inventor: Stewart Kaiser
  • Patent number: 10774837
    Abstract: A heat pump apparatus includes an outdoor heat exchanger, a fan configured to introduce outdoor air into the outdoor heat exchanger, and a control device configured to control a defrosting operation of the outdoor heat exchanger. The fan rotates at a first rotational speed within a first period, after the defrosting operation is finished and the fan starts rotating. The fan rotates at the first rotational speed within a second period, after a non-defrosting operation is finished and the fan starts rotating. The first period is shorter than the second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Uemura, Koichi Arisawa
  • Patent number: 10578371
    Abstract: A thermal bridge utilizes a piping and operational strategy to provide chilled water to meet chiller plant demand during both thermal storage charge and discharge modes of operation. The thermal storage comprises a thermal storage device, such as a thermal storage tank. The thermal bridge includes a loop comprising one or more chillers and chilled water pumps that generate chilled water flow. Multiple operating modes for nominal, thermal storage charging, thermal storage charging and discharge, or thermal storage discharge are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Higgins
  • Patent number: 10132538
    Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly includes a plurality of tubes, each having an inlet end and an outlet end. An inlet header is configured to receive a cooling fluid and to distribute the cooling fluid to the inlet ends of the plurality of tubes. An outlet header includes an outer shell and defines an outlet chamber. The outlet chamber is configured to receive cooling fluid discharged from the outlet ends of the plurality of tube. A supply conduit supplies the cooling fluid to the inlet header. The supply conduit includes a conduit portion extending through the outlet header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventor: Steve L. Fritz
  • Patent number: 10060681
    Abstract: A heat pipe augmented passive solar space heating system modulates the temperature inside a building structure, particular during heating seasons when the ambient temperature is below levels customarily associated with adequate room comfort, and in some embodiments comprises a solar absorber, a heat pipe surrounding wholly or partially by insulation, the heat pipe having three main sections which are an evaporator at one end proximal to the solar absorber, a condenser at the other end proximal to an interior room being heated, and a rubber adiabatic section between those. Additional aspects such as a mechanical valve in the adiabatic section are disclosed to limit unwanted thermal gains when cooling is needed because the ambient temperatures already exceed room comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: M. Keith Sharp, Brian S. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8944146
    Abstract: A modular thermal panel comprising a paver having a top and bottom surface, and a heat exchanger having connected top and bottom panels with channels formed there between for receiving a heat exchange fluid. The top panel of the heat exchanger is coupled to the bottom surface of the thermal mass unit, an insulator panel is coupled to the bottom panel of the heat exchanger, and inlet and outlet tubes are coupled to the heat exchanger for feeding heat exchange fluid to and from the heat exchanger. The size of the heat exchanger is substantially equal to the size of the paver and the edges of the heat exchanger are substantially aligned with the edges of the paver. The heat exchanger is made of thermally transmissive material including polymers, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper and the thermal mass unit is made of a material which includes modular or pre-formed or formed in place concrete, cement, gypsum concrete, or stone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Therma-Hexx Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Barmore
  • Patent number: 8931276
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid renewable energy system having an underground heat storage apparatus. A solar collector is provided on or around a building structure and collects solar heat to heat a heat medium. A transfer pipe transfers the heat medium, heated by the solar collector, into the underground. The heat storage apparatus stores heat received from the heat medium and heats, using the stored heat, both cold water supplied from the building structure through a supply pipe and air supplied from an inlet duct. A return pipe returns the heat medium from the heat storage apparatus to the solar collector. An inlet pipe supplies hot water produced by the heat storage apparatus to the building structure. A connection duct supplies air heated by the heat storage apparatus into the building structure to heat the room of the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Dongho Kim
  • Patent number: 8733429
    Abstract: A hybrid heating and/or cooling system may combine different energy sources (e.g., solar and geothermal) into a single system. The hybrid heating and/or cooling system may include one or more heat pumps, a heat exchanger system, a solar and/or waste energy system, and a delivery system for delivering heat (and/or cool air) to a space such as a building. These systems may be interconnected and controlled using various conduits, pumps, valves and controls. The solar energy system may provide heat (e.g., low grade heat) to the working fluid at the input to the source side of the heat pump and/or may provide heat (e.g., high grade heat) to the delivery system for direct solar and/or waste energy heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The H.L. Turner Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J Harrison, William A Turner
  • Patent number: 8726898
    Abstract: Solar thermal collector comprising a plurality of parallel vertical tubes, connected to each other by one upper horizontal tube and one lower horizontal tube through which a heat carrying fluid flows, a glass surface that covers the parallel vertical tubes, the upper horizontal tube and the lower horizontal tube, and a dissipating device installed in an upper part of the solar thermal collector, the heat dissipating device comprising a thermostatic valve, a heat exchanger and a return pipe, wherein the thermostatic valve is housed in the upper horizontal tube, the thermostatic valve and the heat exchanger being connected to a pipe by way of an inverted U-shaped tube provided at a greater height than the inlet to the heat exchanger, such that, under normal working conditions, energy losses by heat transfer by convection from the thermostatic valve to the heat exchanger are interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Jose Maria Torrens Rasal
  • Patent number: 8661840
    Abstract: A liquid circulation heating system performs air-heating by heating a liquid to produce a heated liquid and releasing heat of the heated liquid from a heating radiator. This liquid circulation heating system includes: a heat pump circuit for circulating a refrigerant, having a radiator for heating the liquid by radiating heat from the refrigerant; and a solar heating apparatus for heating the liquid by solar heat. In this liquid circulation heating system, a first passage passing through the radiator and a second passage passing through the solar heating apparatus are formed as passages through which the liquid flows to produce the heated liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Isayama, Kazuo Nakatani, Takayuki Takatani, Noriho Okaza, Takashi Sawada, Yuuki Yamaoka, Masahiro Ohama
  • Patent number: 8640688
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat collection system for a roof, the system including a roof deck, a membrane upwardly adjacent of the roof deck; a fluid channel disposed between the membrane and the roof deck, the fluid channel having a defined entry port and a defined exit port, the entry port and the exit port being disposed in fluid communication via the fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8595998
    Abstract: A structure and method of controlling building temperature are provided utilizing both solar and geo-exchange means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: GE Research LLC
    Inventor: Mark Isaacs
  • Patent number: 8584665
    Abstract: A brewery plant with at least one mash container, a lauter tun, a wort pan and a water housing, wherein at least part of the thermal energy requirement of the brewery is covered with solar collectors, and the solar collectors directly or indirectly heat a fluid. Also, a brewing method where the thermal energy requirement for at least of a part of the brewing process stages is at least partially covered with a fluid heated directly or indirectly by solar collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Kurt Stippler, Klaus-Karl Wasmuht
  • Patent number: 8474446
    Abstract: A solar collector includes a first header, a second header and one or more riser tubes that connect the first header and second header. The solar collector is mounted to a surface, e.g., a roof, such that the headers are substantially parallel to a horizontal axis. The first header is curved so as to define a low point that facilitates drainage of liquid from the solar collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Caleffi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Robert M. Rohr, Max J. Rohr
  • Patent number: 8353284
    Abstract: A solar water-heating apparatus comprises an outer container sized and configured to receive a smaller inner container. The inner container includes an opening formed in an upright wall and an opening formed in a floor. A gap is located between the two containers. Once the device has been filled with a liquid, the liquid present within the gap may be heated by solar energy. The device may include a valve to prevent unintended flow of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Vern A Mehler
  • Patent number: 8349378
    Abstract: A brewing process including taking off a fluid having a starting temperature from a heat store; feeding the fluid to a plurality of heat consumers for releasing heat; and returning to the heat store the fluid which has a final temperature. The brewery installation has a heat store for controlling the flow of the fluid in the installation, and a plurality of heat consumers each of which is connected to the primary circuit for releasing heat. Improved efficiency is achieved in part by the final temperature of the fluid which flows out of the respective heat consumers is measured and the return of the fluid is controlled as a function of the measured final temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Karl Wasmuht, Cornelia Folz
  • Patent number: 8341895
    Abstract: A mounting device for solar modules having a large aspect ratio in a parallel arrangement on a flat horizontal substrate includes mounting rails having through-holes at predetermined locations. Insertion elements are attached to the mounting rails at the through-holes. Each insertion element includes a one-piece shaped element having a contiguous surface interrupted by an insertion slit configured to receive a lengthwise edge area of a solar module, the insertion slit extending at a predetermined insertion angle. A plastic wedge is configured to secure the received lengthwise edge area of the solar module in the insertion slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Solon SE
    Inventors: Sascha Oliver Schwarze, Maik Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8322092
    Abstract: A geosolar temperature control construction for buildings and method of controlling building temperature by using both geo-exchange and solar means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: GS Research LLC
    Inventor: Mark Isaacs
  • Patent number: 8245459
    Abstract: A rooftop photovoltaic module mounting system includes a footer and a photovoltaic module mounting framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc
    Inventors: Michael A. Belikoff, Henry B. Cabuhay, Chris Mahn, Michael J. Monaco, David Pappicco, Mark Zeni
  • Publication number: 20120196522
    Abstract: A structure is provided for protecting a Radio Frequency Remote Head (RRH). The structure includes a solar head and a solar body. An upper side of the solar head is sloped to prevent an inflow of rainwater and has at least one solar panel, and a lower side thereof has at least one round cable hole surrounded by a rubber material. The solar body is situated on a lower end of the solar head and includes a plurality of solar panels, a side of each of which is sloped to prevent an inflow of rainwater and is openable upward. An upper end of the solar body has an air outlet formed to exhaust air, and a lower end thereof has an air inlet formed to receive air. The air outlet and the air inlet each have a plurality of supports arranged at specific intervals and connected by a protection net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji-Hyeon Choi, Seong-Yong Park, Han-Seok Kim, Jun-Sung Lee
  • Patent number: 8146296
    Abstract: To provide an enclosure structure for a building, which can maintain a high power generation efficiency without formation of irregularities on the surface of the enclosure such as a roof, nor application of an external force to solar battery modules, and which can form a lightweight enclosure capable of photovoltaic generation. An enclosure structure for a building, comprising an outer film material made of a light transmitting material and arranged on the outer surface side of the building, an inner film material arranged along inside of the outer film material, an intermediate film material disposed between the outer film material and the inner film material, an air supply means for supplying air to the space between the outer film material and the inner film material, and solar battery modules 7 provided on the inner surface of the intermediate film material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kaoru Nishikawa, Takuya Nakao
  • Patent number: 8136583
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of optimising heat exchanges between (i) a thermally-conductive absorbent plate (1) which is exposed to thermal radiation and a heat-transfer fluid (3) circulating in at least one thermally-conductive conduit tube (2) that is in thermal contact with the plate (1) and (ii) within the heat-transfer fluid (3). The invention is characterized in that, in order to promote heat exchanges, the method uses zones of the aforementioned plate (1) in order to form part of the wall of the conduit tube (2), such that the heat-transfer fluid (3) is in direct contact with the plate (1) so as to reduce the thermal resistance between the plate (1) and the heat-transfer fluid (3) circulating inside the conduit tube (2), said conduit tubes (2) being disposed on the two faces of the plate (1) and being interconnected by means of holes (4) that provided on the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Roland Vilmart, Vincent Vilmart
  • Patent number: 8132374
    Abstract: In regards to the invention titled “External Wall Panel Unit for Saving Energy and External Wall Structure System Using the Same,” there are an external wall panel unit and an external wall structure system for saving energy. The external wall panel unit is attached to an external wall structure (1) of a building to form an external wall of the building, and includes: an external frame (10); a frame rainwater tube (20); a frame duct (30); and a window (40). The external wall structure system using the external wall panel units is installed in such a way that a plurality of the external wall panel units are arranged and mounted vertically and horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Space Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Leem Lee, Hee Sung Kang, Nam Kyu Park, Young A Park, Gi Hong Jeong, Jong Hee Lee, Sung Jin Baek, Seung Bok Leigh
  • Publication number: 20120048343
    Abstract: An outdoor base station house having thin film solar cells, comprising: a sentry-box-shaped building body, at least a thin film solar cell, and a power source module. Said sentry-box-shaped building body is provided with a top portion, and said thin film solar cells are arranged on said top portion of said sentry-box-shaped building body. Said thin film solar cells absorb green light, blue light, and ultraviolet light, and convert them into electrical energy, and reflect part of infrared light and said ultraviolet light that are not absorbed. Red light, orange light, yellow light pass through said thin film solar cells and reach inside of said sentry-box-shaped building body. Said power source module is disposed inside said sentry-box-shaped building body, and stores electrical energy converted by thin film solar cells for supplying it to a wireless communication base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: AN CHING NEW ENERGY MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: YEE SHYI CHANG, CHANG CHI MEI, CHI-JEN LIU
  • Patent number: 8104466
    Abstract: A solar energy collecting assembly useful for transferring solar heat to a heat utilizing system via heat transfer fluid flow, comprising anisotropic graphite sheets coupled to a pipe containing heat transfer fluid, and various configurations and embodiments. Methods useful for extracting collected solar heat and transferring said heat to a heat transfer medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Tom Kerber
  • Patent number: 8083902
    Abstract: The evaporative desalination system removes salt and contaminants from brine or salt water to produce purified potable water. The evaporative desalination system includes an inclined housing having a raised upper end and a lower end. An upper wall of the inclined housing is formed from an optically transparent material, such as glass. A plurality of stepped evaporator trays are mounted within the inclined housing, and a water collection tray is disposed within the inclined housing adjacent the lower end. Ambient light is transmitted through the optically transparent upper wall, causing the salt water contained within the plurality of stepped evaporator trays to evaporate. Evaporated water vapor rises from each evaporator tray to form a layer of condensed pure water on the inner surface of the upper wall. The condensed pure water drips toward the lower end of the inclined housing to collect in the water collection tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Ayman H. Kassem, Wael G. Abdelrahman
  • Publication number: 20110277981
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a system includes a gas treatment system configured to treat a gas and a controller configured to control flow of a heat transfer fluid between a solar thermal collector and the gas treatment system. Conduits may interconnect the gas treatment system and the solar thermal collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mahendhra Muthuramalingam, Veerappan Muthaiah
  • Patent number: 8037931
    Abstract: A hybrid heating apparatus heats potable water with waste heat from heat recovery units and insolation from solar collectors. A single circulation pump circulates fluid between at least one heat exchanger and each of the heat recovery units and preferably the solar collector. A single controller receives sensor readings from the heat recovery units and the solar collector units and receives a demand to heat the potable water. To satisfy the demand, the controller determines the extent to which the demand may be satisfied from heat available from the heat recovery units and the solar collector units and sends command signals both to the circulating pump to circulate the fluid and to appropriate ones of valves at connections to those heat recovery units and solar collector units to allow fluid to circulate to be heated to flow to the heat exchanger for effecting heat exchange to heat the potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventors: Krassimire Mihaylov Penev, Gordon Patrick Whelan
  • Patent number: 7992631
    Abstract: A temperature control system for a building comprises a thermal collection system, a plurality of underground heat sinks, and a heat exchanger. The thermal collection system includes at least one fluid channel. The thermal collection system is configured to heat or cool fluid within the at least one fluid channel. A first and a second underground heat sink are configured to receive the fluid from the thermal collection system. The first underground heat sink absorbs heat from the fluid in order to heat the first underground heat sink. The second underground heat sink transfers heat to the fluid in order to cool the second underground heat sink. The heat exchanger is configured to receive fluid from the first or second underground heat sink in order to heat or cool the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Kenton F. Brett
  • Patent number: 7832392
    Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) includes a solar collector assembly (30), an inlet assembly (10) at an entrance of the solar collector assembly, and an outlet assembly (50) at an exit of the solar collector assembly. The solar collector assembly includes a heat-absorbing set (31) and a transparent panel (38) being assembled to a top of the heat-absorbing set. The heat-absorbing set comprises a plurality of heat-absorbing units (32) engaged with each other. Each of the heat-absorbing units includes two adjacent supporting members (33) and a heat-absorbing plate (35) sandwiched between and buckled with the two supporting members. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel (314) with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel (315) below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tay-Jian Liu, Xin-Jian Xiao
  • Patent number: 7793652
    Abstract: A free-floating, integrated, solar operated water heater appliance, for heating the body of water includes a flotation device for buoyantly supporting the appliance in the body of water. A water heater element, fueled by solar energy, heats water pumped through the heater element by an integral pump, driven by solar energy. A solar energy reflector/container supports the heater element and concentrates solar energy onto the outer surface of the heater element. A parabolic dish reflector concentrates solar energy onto the inner surface of the heater element. Water is circulated through the heater element and returned, in elevated temperature, to the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Domingo Delgado
  • Patent number: 7794572
    Abstract: A water purification apparatus (10) includes an evaporating chamber (13), a light concentrator (11), and a heat pipe (12). The evaporating chamber is for containing impure water. The evaporating chamber has a connecting opening (134) and a vapor outlet (131). The light concentrator is for concentrating sunshine. The heat pipe has an evaporating section (121) and a condensing section (122). The evaporating section is irradiated by the concentrated sunshine, and the condensing section is disposed in the evaporating chamber through the connecting opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20100071869
    Abstract: Apparatus for cooling, the apparatus including a solar tower having a collector extending radially outwardly from a base of a chimney, the collector being for heating air at least in part using solar radiation to thereby induce air flow radially inwardly from a perimeter of the collector and up the chimney and at least one cooling air pipe, the cooling air pipe extending at least partially along a length of the chimney to allow cool air to be drawn through the pipe at least partially using the air flow, the cool air being used to provide cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: CODE VALLEY CORP PTY LTD
    Inventor: Noel William Lovisa
  • Publication number: 20090301687
    Abstract: An integrated energy system for a home or other building utilizes a heated reservoir for energy storage. The reservoir is mainly heated by one or more solar collectors. The system also includes an environment-coupled piping loop through which a cooling fluid is circulated such that heat is exhausted from the cooling fluid to the environment. The thermal energy from the reservoir and the cooling fluid are then used in an integrated set of systems that provide space heating, space cooling, and electrical generation. Electricity is generated by a thermoelectric generator that exploits the temperature differential between the reservoir and the cooling fluid. The system may include heating and storage for domestic hot water, and may use excess power for hydrogen production. Backup heating and electrical systems may be provided for.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Phillip C. Watts
  • Publication number: 20090211568
    Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a porous thermally massive material, a storage fluid, a storage fluid pump, a storage fluid supply system and a storage fluid receiving system. The thermally massive material has a top portion and a bottom portion. The storage fluid supply system is for supplying the fluid to the top portion and the storage fluid receiving system is for receiving the fluid at the bottom portion. The storage fluid exchanges heat with the porous thermally massive material while flowing from the top portion to the bottom portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Edward J. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7575001
    Abstract: A furnace and method using a heat pump 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 cooling system. In the heating mode, recycled air acquires heat from the heat pump's condenser coil and transfers this heat to the on-demand hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: J & H Solar LLC.
    Inventor: Stewart Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20090183853
    Abstract: A solar-powered cooling and heating system comprising one or more vertical water containers of special design as the thermal storage device (the structured water wall), a compressor driven by a DC motor powered directly by solar photovoltaic panel(s) for cooling, and a south-faced window for direct solar heating. The solar photovoltaic panel(s) is placed on an awning above the south-facing window; the said awning is designed to allow full sunlight in the winter but no direct sunlight in the summer through the window. The thermal inertia of the structured water wall allows optimum heating and cooling day and night for all seasons of a year. It allows an automatic self-adjustment utilizing the natural annual and diurnal cycles to achieve maximum comfort and efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Chengjun Julian Chen
  • Publication number: 20080256952
    Abstract: A solar-powered hydrogen production system includes a thermochemical system and solar heating system. The thermochemical system produces hydrogen. The solar heating system has a molten salt heat transfer medium for providing thermal energy to the thermochemical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Z. Litwin, Stanley M. Pinkowski
  • Publication number: 20070284077
    Abstract: A heat pump use for expelling solar thermal energy by electromechanically transferring heat to a major component and continuously expels it from an upper level of a static structure. The invention receives and transfer solar thermal energy between two metal sheets that restricts heat and by means of airflow heat energy is transfer to a condensing unit. Solar energy is thereby expelled out into the ambient conventionally by means of airflow from a condensing unit draining system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Matteo Bonifacio Gravina
  • Patent number: 7028685
    Abstract: A method of air-conditioning a building with low heat loss, having the following steps: providing a fresh-air/outgoing-air system for feeding fresh air through a heat accumulator being located beneath said building and extracting said outgoing air through the heat accumulator; routing the fresh-air and the outgoing air in first and second tubes, where the first tubes are nested in the second tubes so as to recover heat energy present in the outgoing air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Edmond Krecke
  • Patent number: 6978826
    Abstract: A heating and cooling apparatus comprises a generally hollow heating and cooling tower body having a ceiling part for receiving solar heat and a columnar part for storing the solar heat received by the ceiling part. The columnar part has a lower portion adapted to be positioned in the ground for receiving a flow of cool air from the ground and a heat absorbing-and-radiating section for absorbing and radiating heat to heat the heating and cooling tower body using the stored solar heat and to cool the heating and cooling tower body using the flow cool air from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Hideo Matsubara
  • Patent number: 6923249
    Abstract: A passive thermal control system maintains the operating temperature range of protected equipment within desired limits by controlling the conductive attributes of thermal interfaces and physical relationships within the system so as to achieve a desired thermal balance. In one embodiment, an integrated cell unit (100) includes a solar array (102), a Lithium ion cell (108) and an antenna assembly (114) such as a phased array antenna. In operation, a thermal gradient (116) is defined between the array (102) and the assembly (114) as the assembly (114) radiates heat from the array (102) into space. The operating temperature range of the cell (108) is controlled by appropriate design of the thermal interfaces between the cell (108) and the assembly (114) and/or interfaces within the assembly (114), such as a thermal interface associated with dielectric spacers provided between emitter pairs of the assembly (114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Harry H. Porter, Jose Valenzuela, James D. Williams, Timothy W. Harvey
  • Patent number: 6827081
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for modulating the temperature of an enclosure includes a thermal storage means on a roof portion, and panels positioned above the thermal storage means. One panel is fixed in position, either over the thermal storage means or adjacent thereto. A pair of movable panels are arranged at different levels from the fixed panel and are adapted to move with respect to sides of the fixed panel to cover or expose the thermal storage means for solar heating during the day or cooling at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: H.R. & E.J. Hay Charitable Trust
    Inventor: Harold R. Hay
  • Patent number: 6772605
    Abstract: A liquid air conditioner of the geothermal energy type, includes a heat collector of the geothermal energy type, a heat exchanger, an energy lift device, a discharging pump, a returning pump, an air conditioner; said energy lift device consisting of a heating cycle and a heat exchanging cycle, said two cycles are sequentially connected through pipelines by a compressor, a condenser, a liquid reservoir, a drying filter, a restriction choke, an evaporator and a gas-liquid separator. A discharging tube of the heat exchanging cycle connects with the air conditioner. A returning tube of the air conditioner is connected to a liquid inlet tube of the heat exchanging cycle; a discharging tube of the heat exchanging cycle is connected to a returning tube; and a discharging tube of said heat exchanger is connected to a liquid inlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Shengheng Xu
  • Publication number: 20040129413
    Abstract: An environmental air treatment system has a living space, a rooftop combination air intake and exhaust housing with an internal hollow chamber, and a thermal exchange unit within the chamber forming intake and exhaust sides and openings. A plurality of ducts form a continuous duct work system and have a plurality of duct work registers. An air movement fan housing is coupled to the duct work and the registers. Within the fan housing are a plurality of components: a fan, fan motor, a plurality of heat exchange units, and a plurality of pipe connections coupling with the heat exchange units. A hot water source and a cold water source are coupled to the heat exchangers. A thermostat is electronically controlled. A plurality of water mixing valves are coupled in-line of the hot and cold water supply pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Robert W. Yoho
  • Publication number: 20040108099
    Abstract: A bottom supported solar receiver tube/header assembly having a bottom clip for supporting the entire load of a plurality of tubes carrying a heat absorbing fluid. The tubes are allowed to expand vertically upwardly under thermal flux conditions created when the fluid absorbs heat from the solar receiver panel. A receiver panel assembly incorporating a plurality of the bottom supported receiver tubes requires less piping than a comparably sized, conventional receiver panel assembly with top supported tubes and even better facilitates access and maintenance of valves associated with the receiver panel assembly. The invention further allows a solar receiver panel assembly to be constructed with significantly fewer drain and vent valves than previously developed, top supported receiver panel assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Zachary Litwin