Abstract: In order to solve the numerous problems with existing steam, vacuum, and hot water heating systems, presented are novel systems and methods of vapor vacuum heating having several improvements over the prior art, including: condensate return which can operate without steam traps; naturally-induced vacuum; improved vacuum pump operation for sustaining vacuum in such systems; liquid lift apparatus for use with such systems; and other improvements. All innovations presented herein make vapor vacuum heating more efficient and economical for industrial, commercial, and home applications. A field test conducted with these innovations show results of about 26-50% reduced energy usage, implying significant energy savings from the use of the present invention over current heating systems.

Abstract: In order to solve the numerous problems with existing steam, vacuum, and hot water heating systems, first presented is a novel system and method for a vapor vacuum system having low temperature condensate return which can operate without steam traps in both single-pipe and dual-pipe configurations. Secondly is disclosed systems and methods for integrating the disclosed vapor vacuum system with a condensing boiler. Thirdly is presented several systems and method of operating radiators having low temperature condensate return with the disclosed vapor vacuum system. Finally is presented condensing vacuum boiler designs that can be utilized with the disclosed vapor vacuum system. Also presented are embodiments having naturally-induced vacuum and utilizing district heat as well as combined heat and power. All innovations presented herein make vapor vacuum steam more efficient and economical for industrial, commercial, and home applications.

Abstract: A steam distribution control system and method for a steam heating system are provided. The steam heating system may include a plurality of radiators, a boiler that provides steam to the plurality of radiators, and a plurality of steam pipes that carry the steam to the plurality of radiators, respectively. The steam distribution control system may include a plurality of steam-air vents provided at the plurality of radiators, respectively, and a central controller in communication with the plurality of steam-air vents that selectively controls the plurality of steam-air vents to control an amount of steam distributed into each of the plurality of radiators. The method may include providing a steam-air vent at each of the plurality of radiators, and selectively controlling the plurality of steam-air vents to control an amount of steam distributed into each of the plurality of radiators.

Abstract: A temporary heating apparatus comprises a portable heat exchanger which transfers heat from a hot fluid circulating in a primary circulation loop thereof to a heated liquid circulating in a secondary circulation loop thereof. The heat exchanger is connectable to a hot fluid source such that hot fluid from the hot fluid source circulates through the primary circulation loop. A portable remote heating unit comprises a fluid coil releasably connected by flexible conduits to the secondary circulation loop, and a secondary pump is connected to the flexible conduits and the secondary circulation loop to pump heated liquid through the secondary circulation loop, flexible conduits, and the fluid coil of the remote heating unit. The heat exchanger isolates the heating circuit from the hot fluid source, allowing the use of steam as the hot fluid source, and further allowing high pressures in the heating circuit, such as encountered in tall buildings.

Abstract: A heating unit for heat-transfer fluid for a central heating installation including a tubular external wall, a first end wall and a second end wall forming a substantially cylindrical space; a first tubular internal partition located substantially concentrically within the tubular external wall and forming a first annular space between the tubular external wall and the first internal partition; a second internal partition having a diameter smaller than the first internal partition located substantially concentrically within the first internal partition and forming a second annular space between the first internal partition and the second internal partition; a central pipe located inside the second internal partition, the second annular space being in communication with the central pipe adjacent to the first end wall and in communication with the first annular space adjacent to the second end wall; an inlet orifice opening out of the first annular space adjacent to the first end wall; an outlet orifice in the

Abstract: A system for the thermoregulation of a room, including radiant panels, wherein the radiant panels are built up from thin rectangular cross-section channel elements which are assembled side-by-side, by inserting them by extremities thereof into slits made in two manifolds for feeding them with thermovector liquid. The radiant panels and frame element are endowed with complementary lock elements and with hinge elements for hinging a radiant panel on the frame elements. The hinge elements include hinged hydraulic fittings, and the frame elements are endowed with hydraulic fitting elements for a connection to a thermovector liquid feed circuit.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve including a housing that defines a housing inlet and a housing outlet and a valve body having an end wall and a side wall that define a valve chamber within the housing. The end wall defines an annular valve seat and a valve inlet opening encircled thereby while the side wall defines a plurality of valve outlet openings communicating with the valve chamber. Retained within the valve chamber is a resilient, annular seal encircling the valve inlet opening and a bi-metallic disc substantially parallel to the valve seat and normally spaced therefrom by a distance greater than the thickness of the annular seal. In response to a predetermined ambient temperature the bi-metallic disc deflects concavely into the valve chamber and into fluid sealing engagement wih one end of the annular seal forcing an opposite end thereof into fluid sealing engagement with the valve seat.

Abstract: A building heating system with a plurality of steam radiators is provided with a control unit for the steam boiler. The control unit receives signals representative of the outside temperature and the pressure of the steam in the feeder conduit. The control unit shuts off the boiler when the steam pressure in the feeder conduit exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to a given measured outside temperature. After the pressure has decreased to a value below the predetermined value for the measured temperature, the control unit restarts the boiler. Another control unit receives signals representative of the condensate temperature and the pressure in the return conduit. This control unit operates a vacuum pump in the return line and assures that the vacuum pressure in the return line is less than that which causes the condensate to vaporize.