Abstract: The invention relates to salt mixtures composed of Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2.6H.sub.2 O and LiNO.sub.3 in a mass ratio of 86-81:14-19 for storing and utilizing thermal energy in the form of heat of phase transformation. They are eminently suitable as latent heat storage media for heat reservoirs for storing and utilizing the waste heat of motor vehicle engines.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning tubing by balls circulated with the fluid through tubing, includes a ball collector housing having an apertured partition permitting the fluid, but not the balls, to pass therethrough, so that the balls accumulate in the upper compartment and are recirculated into the tubing by controlling various valves. The upper compartment is closed by a removable cover to permit adding balls to the upper compartment or removing balls therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to salt mixtures composed of Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2 .multidot.6 H.sub.2 O and LiNO.sub.3 in a mass ratio of 86-81: 14-19 for storing and utilizing thermal energy in the form of heat of phase transformation. They are eminently suitable as latent heat storage media for heat reservoirs for storing and utilizing the waste heat of motor vehicle engines.

Abstract: A heat-storage apparatus providing for especially efficient charging and discharging of a storage medium with heat and greatly facilitating simultaneous charging and discharging of different regions of the medium. The apparatus comprises a vessel having insulating walls and containing a heat transfer fluid bath and a plurality of mobile heat storage elements, each of which contains a phase change material for the storage of heat, and which are disposed within the fluid bath in a sufficiently loose configuration to allow heat-storage elements to migrate about the vessel. A charging conduit and a discharge conduit are disposed within the vessel in the fluid bath so as to induce a migratory circulation of heat-storage elements between regions where elements are being charged and regions where elements are discharged.

Abstract: This invention is a process for formation of a gas hydrate to be used as a cool storage medium using a refrigerant in water. Mixing of the immiscible refrigerant and water is effected by addition of a surfactant and agitation. The difficult problem of subcooling during the process is overcome by using the surfactant and agitation and performance of the process significantly improves and approaches ideal.

Abstract: A heat storage material which comprises CaCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2 O, as a main component, containing at least one anhydride selected from the group consisting of an anhydrous bromide and an anhydrous nitrate.

Abstract: A highly effective modular passive solar energy heating unit for heating an enclosed space employs phase change heat storage material, which is optically transparent to visible light when in high-stored-energy liquid state enabling a viewer to see through clearly and which is translucent milky white when in low-stored-energy solid state for providing pleasant illumination to the enclosed space when first illuminated by sunlight in the morning. This phase change material, in a sealed container having two opposite surface areas transparent to sunlight, is polyethylene glycol having a heat of fusion of about 33 to 37 cal./gm. (4,170 to 4,670 Btu's per cubic ft.), a melting point of about 13.degree. to 25.degree. C. (55.degree. F. to 77.degree. F.), a specific gravity of about 1,125 at 20.degree. C., and desirable isotropic freezing and melting characteristics with only very modest volume change during phase change.

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of an article comprised of predetermined material during treatment of the article in vacuum comprises providing a heat conductive substance having a solid, rigid state at the temperature of the treatment, having a molten state at a higher temperature below the minimum damage temperature of the article, and being chemically nonreactive, nonwetting and nonadhesive at the higher temperature with a first portion of the article. The first portion of the article to be treated is immersed in molten heat conductive substance, a second portion of the article to be treated remaining unimmersed, exposed for treatment, and the substance is caused to solidify about the immersed first portion.

Abstract: A portable thermally insulated case has an outer shell formed of a bottom wall and upwardly extending side walls integral with each other with integral rigid polyurethane foam adhering to the inner surface of each of the walls. A cover, which has rigid polyurethane foam on its inner surface, is hinged to the rear upwardly extending wall to close an access opening at the top of the outer shell. Each of the bottom and upwardly extending walls of the outer shell has a separate container in contact with the inner surface of the polyurethane foam and defining a recess therebetween. The cover has a container supported within the rigid polyurethane foam and substantially closing an access opening at the upper ends of the separate containers adjacent the upwardly extending walls so that the containers substantially surround any object within the recess. Each of the containers has a phase change material therein to supply heat to any object within the recess.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the heat recovery from plants in which waste heat is produced at different waste heat sources and fluids are emitted at different temperatures, said method and said apparatus striving after a total optimization of the heat recovery without efficiency losses caused by missing instantaneous compensation between the amount produced waste heat and the need thereof. Said method comprising the steps of collecting waste heat in emitted fluid or fluids at every waste heat source of group of mutually similar waste heat sources and assorting said waste heat with regard to temperatures and as required accumulate it at the highest temperature as possible. Collected heat is then fed back directly or indirectly via the accumulators to the heat requiring unit the temperature need of which is with as low value as possible below the temperature of the feed-back heat. Said apparatus is characterized in that said waste heat sources (M.sub.1 -M.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus which thermally protects sensitive components in tools used in a geothermal borehole. The apparatus comprises a Dewar within a housing. The Dewar contains heat pipes such as brass heat pipes for thermally conducting heat from heat sensitive components to a heat sink such as ice.

Abstract: A heat storage system intended for long term storage between seasons of surplus heat collected in a solar energy system for example, comprises one or several networks of ducts laid out in an earth pack, e.g. underneath a building to be heated and in between foundation members thereof. The system economizes as to expenditure of space and material, in particular with respect to storage of heat at a relatively low temperature level as is encountered in solar energy systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using phase-change compounds for insulating purposes. Selected phase-change compounds are stored in the voids of particles of suitable insulating materials that are maintained surface dry whereby temperatures of walls and ceilings containing such insulation are maintained at a much more constant temperature than can be achieved using insulating materials alone.

Abstract: An improved heat sink device for transferring heat from a heat generator to lower-temperature surroundings comprising a device-embedded compound that absorbs heat, delaying temperature rise in the heat generator, at a specific temperature by melting or entering into an endothermic chemical change or reaction and which is absorbed and retained within the device by a mesh or fabric of a multiplicity of fibers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for increasing the cycle stability of a latent heat accumulator medium consisting essentially of a pure or saturated sodium sulfate salt melt. The cycle stability is increased by adding sulfuric acid to the latent heat accumulator medium in an amount of from 0.5 to 3%, by weight, based on the weight of the latent heat accumulator medium. The pH value of the latent heat accumulator medium is lowered without precipitation of impurities or the occurance of supercooling in the latent heat accumulator medium.

Abstract: Supercooling of sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate is prevented by adding thereto naphtharene or naphthol and/or at least one of calcium sulfate, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium iodide, and sodium iodide, or a pyridine.

Abstract: A heat-storing composition comprising acetic acid and at least one of sodium acetate, ammonium acetate, potassium acetate and calcium acetate works at a desired temperature in a temperature range of 5.degree.-20.degree. C. and is chemically stable with a high heat-storing capacity.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage medium comprising Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4.10H.sub.2 O and Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4.12H.sub.2 O. This material provides advantages over Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4.10H.sub.2 O alone such as constancy of heat delivery temperature and energy output, improved reversibility, and greater usable volumetric storage capacity after repeated cycling.

Abstract: A heat storage material comprises NaCH.sub.3 COO.3H.sub.2 O as a main component and a nucleating agent comprising 95 to 10 wt. % of anhydrous sodium acetate and 5 to 90 wt. % of at least one of the other sodium salts selected from the group consisting of Na.sub.3 PO.sub.4, Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4, NaH.sub.2 PO.sub.4, NaNH.sub.4 PO.sub.4.4H.sub.2 O, Na.sub.5 P.sub.3 O.sub.10, C.sub.6 H.sub.5 Na.sub.2 PO.sub.4.2H.sub.2 O, NaBO.sub.2.2H.sub.2 O, Na.sub.2 B.sub.4 O.sub.7.10H.sub.2 O, Na.sub.2 C.sub.2 O.sub.4, NaBr, NaCl, CH.sub.2 (COONa).sub.2.H.sub.2 O, (CHCOONa).sub.2.H.sub.2 O, (CH.sub.2 COONa).sub.2.6H.sub.2 O, HOC(CH.sub.2).sub.2 (COONa).sub.2.2H.sub.2 O, CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COONa, CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.6 COONa, HOOCCH(NH.sub.2)(CH.sub.2).sub.2 COONa.H.sub.2 O sodium oleate, and sodium stearate.

Abstract: A heater plate assembly for heating with heat retained from an external heat source including a plate housing adapted to be heated by the external heat source, the plate housing having an internal cavity, and heat retaining means including glass beads disposed in the internal cavity of the plate housing for retaining heat from the external source for subsequent retained heating of the plate housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using phase-change compounds for insulating purposes. Selected phase-change compounds are stored in the voids of particles of suitable insulating materials that are maintained surface dry whereby temperatures walls and ceilings containing such insulation are maintained at a much more constant temperature than can be achieved using insulating materials alone.

Abstract: A hydrostatic bladder-type storage means for storing mechanical energy by a compressible media in a pressure bottle. An interior of the pressure bottle contains an elastically resilient bladder accommodating the medium. The pressurized medium is introduced into the bladder from one side of the bottle, with the bladder being surrounded by hydraulic oil which is adapted to be forced into and removed from a cavity located between the bottle and the bladder. A porous elastic body of foamed synthetic resinous material is provided in the bladder with the medium filling pores of the foam body. The foam body is intimately joined to the wall of the bladder and has a specific thermal capacity which is greater than the thermal capacity of the medium.

Abstract: Ethylene carbonate is used as a heat storage medium in a process for the storage of heat wherein the medium changes phase during the release and absorption of heat.

Abstract: A cast magnesium oxide based structure is utilized as a heat storage material. In preferred embodiments, the magnesium oxide heat storage material is cast directly about a source of heat. In another embodiment, a block of cast magnesium oxide based heat storage material is placed in contact with a source of heat forraising the temperature and storing heat and later moved to a different environment for transferring heat to that environment.

Abstract: A heat storage system comprises a phase change medium and a nucleating agent. The phase change medium is prepared by mixing a gest molecule and water if necessary, with a gelating agent, an emulsifier and/or a furan compound. The nucleating agent is filled in a capillary or a porous substrate.

Abstract: A heat storage material having a melting point in the range of 90.degree. to 100.degree. C. and is excellent in that it is neither corrosive, inflammable nor toxic. The heat storage material comprises a mixture of dimethyl terephthalate and one member selected from the group consisting of dimethyl fumarate and dihydroanthracene.

Abstract: A large capacity tank for the seasonal storage of hot water from electrical power-generating thermal and nuclear plants to be used seasonally to heat buildings, consisting of a large basin which comprises partitions dividing the basin into several portions communicating with each other in parallel and/or series relationship, at least one hot water supply input from said plants, leading to the distribution systems which open into one portion of the basin and at least one cold make-up and/or return water supply input for the distribution systems opening into another portion of said basin.

Abstract: A container of phase change energy storage material such as Glauber's salt is deployed behind the glazing of the south wall of a building structure for absorbing heat to heat the structure and/or for radiating heat to cool the structure. Several construction modules and mounting arrangements are shown, including ones where panels are backed with thermal insulation and pivotally mounted for reversibility.

Abstract: A composition for the storage of heat energy utilizing the heat of fusion of the composition. The composition includes a salt-hydrate, a nucleating agent and a porous solid. The porous solid is selected from calcium sulfate hemihydrate and soluble calcium sulfate anhydride.

Abstract: A reversible liquid solid phase change composition comprising Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2.6H.sub.2 O/NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3, and one of the group of MgO, CaO, Mg(OH).sub.2, and/or Ca(OH).sub.2, added to the composition in an effective amount to suppress supercooling of the Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2.6H.sub.2 O/NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3 liquid phase.

Abstract: A reversible liquid solid phase change composition comprising hydrated Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2 and one of the group of Sr(OH).sub.2, SrCO.sub.3, Ba(OH).sub.2, BaO, BaCO.sub.3 and/or NaBO.sub.2 added to the composition in an effective amount to suppress supercooling of the MgNO.sub.3 liquid phase.

Abstract: A reversible liquid solid phase change composition comprising hydrated Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2 and one of the group of MgO, Mg(OH).sub.2, MgCO.sub.3, CaO, Ca(OH).sub.2, and/or CaCO.sub.3, added to the composition in an effective amount to suppress supercooling of the Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2 liquid phase.

Abstract: A reversible liquid solid phase change composition comprising hydrated Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2 /MgCl.sub.2, and one of the group of MgO, Mg(OH).sub.2, and/or NaBO.sub.2, added to the composition in an effective amount to suppress super-cooling of the Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2 /MgCl.sub.2 liquid phase.

Abstract: A reversible liquid solid phase change composition comprising hydrated Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2 and one of the group of MgSO.sub.4, CaSO.sub.4, CuSO.sub.4, NiSO.sub.4, CoSO.sub.4, and/or ZnSO.sub.4, added to the composition in an effective amount to suppress supercooling of the MgNO.sub.3 liquid phase.

Abstract: A multi-stage solar storage system comprising a high-energy conversion section, a low-energy conversion section, a light-shutter, and a solar-energy transmittal aperture positioned in a thermal insulated enclosing structure, and an associated utilization means. The high-energy conversion section with a solar-energy transmittal aperture is positioned on top of a low-energy conversion section and placed beneath a thermal-insulated light transmittal capping-lens thermal-sealed against a thermal-insulated outer housing encapsulating the solar energy conversIon areas. The solar-energy conversion section is of a light-to-heat converting thermal-transfer material with an auxiliary conventional multi-temperature heat source.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shelter device in the form of a box-like structure for the protection of electronic apparatuses against atmospheric agents.The shelter comprises walls of insulating material forming a thermal resistance, as well as an amount of material(s) having a high specific heat operating inside the structure and forming a thermal capacity, the thermal resistance and capacity being able to maintain a shelter inner temperature that is constant and is correlated to the outer mean temperature over a time period of at least 24 hours.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for control of the climatic environment of an underground enclosure having at least one source tending to emit a quantity of extraneous heat and associated with premises presenting a potential need for heating. Utilization is made directly of the regulating characteristics of the ground at a depth taking account of thermal inertia in order to enable the ground to operate as a heat source or thermal absorbent. For this purpose, apparatus is provided which is arranged entirely under the level of the ground at a mean depth which should not exceed 10 m, at latitudes in France, but this depth is variable according to the particular geological nature of the terrain. To take advantage of the thermal buffer the temperature of which is generally about 12.degree. C. in the Parisian region, the apparatus includes a wall structure with some of the walls formed of a material with a high coefficient of thermal exchange.

Abstract: Thermal energy storage apparatus has a heat-insulating casing containing a length of flexible material extending between a pair of driven mandrels so that the material can be wound on either mandrel selectively. Between the mandrels the unwound material is heated as it passes a window in the casing through which solar energy is focused, and the heated material is collected in closely coiled form on the receiving mandrel, where it has a low exposed surface area for its thermal mass, to store the heat received. The stored energy is extracted from the coiled material by winding it onto the other mandrel while a gas flow is passed over the unwound material.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system and method for storing substantial quantities of heat for extended periods of time. The system includes a heat collecting liquid which is in a heat-exchange relationship with a source of heat or thermal energy, a housing containing a large volume of particulate material such as rocks for the storage of thermal energy, a heat transfer gas in a heat-exchange relationship with the rocks and means for causing the heat collecting liquid and the heat transfer gas to flow in counter-current, indirect heat-exchange relationship with one another, the means further includes provisions for reversing the direction of flow of the liquid and gas for the introduction and removal of heat from a portion of the body of rock.

Abstract: A heat-exchanger composed of a body of ceramic sponge defining randomly located interconnected walls bounding a plurality of randomly located interconnected cavities and a plurality of elongate heat-conductive members embedded in the body and having a surface in heat-exchanging relation with the body and an end zone at the surface of the body and another opposite end zone which is located depthwise in the body, so that, heat may be conducted between the interior of the body and the surface of the body along the heat-conductive members. The heat-conductive members may be of suitable material, such as silicon carbide or metallic glass. In another case a silicon carbide rod is attached to a ceramic plate so as to conduct heat directly from one side of the plate to the other. A method of increasing the efficiency of a tube heat exchanger with sponge baffles is described. A method of resistance heating of an auto catalytic converter is detailed.

Abstract: A thermal storage system for use with a solar collector and/or heat pump includes a plurality of discrete heat reservoirs having regular geometric shapes such as spheres or cylinders for forming a self-sorting array of the reservoirs when stacked in a storage bin. Each reservoir has a shell formed of heat conductive material defining an interior cavity that contains a material of high specific heat for storing heat in the reservoir. A preferred material for economy for reservoir shells in spherelike shapes is plastic with heat conductivity enhancers such as glass or metal particles incorporated into the plastic.

Abstract: One or a number of subsoil cavities are employed for the storage or recovery of hot liquids. At the time of heat storage, a heat-transporting liquid is extracted at low temperature at the lower end of each cavity, heated by heat exchange with an external fluid and reinjected at the upper end. At the time of heat recovery, the heat-transporting liquid is extracted at high temperature at the upper end of each cavity, cooled by heat exchange with an external fluid and reinjected at the lower end. The system comprises flow-arresting means for maintaining a minimum operating pressure at the top of each cavity, air or gas purge means, an expansion reservoir and a safety unit for ensuring one-way flow of the heat-transporting liquid from the expansion reservoir to each cavity.

Abstract: This specification discloses a self contained solar heating supplemental unit characterized by solar collector; a mast carrying a solar collector above the earth's surface; a dual function base carrying the mast and the solar collector and serving as a thermal storage unit; first heating coil disposed in the base; first interconnecting conduits interconnecting the solar collector with the first heating coil; a pump for circulating a heat conducting fluid through the solar collector and the base for transferring heat from the solar collector to the base; insulation surrounding the base to minimize heat leakage therefrom; and at least one second heat withdrawal coil disposed in the base and having connectors for connection with the second withdrawal circuit for withdrawing heat from the base for utilization.

Abstract: A food holder arrangement is disclosed for use in delivering meals including both hot and cold food items to points of consumption remote from the point of preparation with the hot and cold food temperatures maintained. The food holder arrangement includes a flat tray having a heat retaining insert extending over a portion of the area of the tray. A pair of covers are also provided, one extending over the area occupied by the heat retaining insert, the other extending over a remaining area of the tray, with this other cover having in its top a heat absorbing insert. This location of the respective inserts is such that upon preheating and prechilling of the inserts, convection currents result within the respective covers which are augmented by conductive and radiation heat transfer effects so as to maintain the hot and cold food temperatures.

Abstract: A heat absorbing panel is provided having an outer casing of resinous material intermixed with aggregate material. A central core is provided within the casing. The core includes substantial amounts of a phase change material having a melting point in the range of normal room temperature.

Abstract: A solar energy panel and an energy storing medium for use therewith is the subject of the present invention. The solar energy panel comprises a container having a transparent pane and designed to hold an energy storing medium. By utilizing a transparent material the solar radiation is passed directly to the energy absorbing medium thereby increasing the operating efficiency. A novel energy storing medium is also used in the energy panel. This medium comprises a paraffinic or aromatic hydrocarbon having a specific gravity of less than one, a melting point higher than 50.degree. F. and a relatively high heat of fusion. By using an organic compound a medium is provided which has the desired energy storage capability and which is noncaustic and relatively light weight.

Abstract: A large capacity tank for the seasonal storage of hot water from electrical power-generating thermal and nuclear plants to be used seasonally to heat buildings, consisting of a large basin which comprises partitions dividing the basin into several portions communicating with each other in parallel and/or series relationship, at least one hot water supply input from said plants, leading to the distribution systems which open into one portion of the basin and at least one cold make-up and/or return water supply input for the distribution systems opening into another portion of said basin.

Abstract: A system for utilizing latent heat stored in a crystallizable liquid heat storage medium subject to super-cooling, wherein the storage medium is continuously circulated past a heat exchanger positioned in the upper portion of an enclosed space containing a body of such storage medium to effect super-cooling thereof, then past a bed of seed crystals in the lower portion of such space to effect partial crystallization thereof, and then back past the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The daily variation of the outside temperature is utilized for control of the air temperature in a premise, in such a way, that outside air is directed to the premise through channels in the building structure surrounding the premise. The channel walls are adapted to absorb or give off heat to the air flowing through the channels. This utilization is, for example, such that that cold night-time air during the night might flow through the channels and cool the mass surrounding the channels, for example a framing of joists of concrete, which cooled mass during the day-time cools warm outside air prior to its entering the premise.

Abstract: A thermal storage unit comprising a bed of particulate solid material, a liquid situated in heat-exchanging relation with said bed and cooperating with said bed to define a liquid-solid system containing a thermocline, and means for introducing liquid into and extracting liquid from said liquid-solid system.