Abstract: A thermal solar system having a fire rating of at least A. In a specific embodiment, the system includes a thermal solar module having an aperture region and a backside region. The system has a shaped thickness of material having a first side and a second side. In a preferred embodiment, the shaped thickness of material is characterized by a fire rating of at least A. The material has a thickness suitable to be free from penetration of moisture according to one or more embodiments. The thickness of material also has a structural characteristic capable of maintaining a shape and coupling to the backside region of the thermal solar module according to one or more embodiments. The system also has an air plenum provided between the thermal solar module and the thickness shaped thickness of material. In a preferred embodiment, the system further has a frame assembly operably coupled to the shaped thickness of material to support the shaped thickness of material and the thermal solar module.

Abstract: A method for selecting between centralized and distributed maximum power point tracking in an energy generating system is provided. The energy generating system includes a plurality of energy generating devices, each of which is coupled to a corresponding local converter that includes a local controller. The method includes determining whether there is at least a threshold amount of mismatch between operating characteristics of the energy generating devices. The energy generating system is placed in a centralized maximum power point tracking (CMPPT) mode when there is not at least the threshold amount of mismatch and is placed in a distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) mode when there is at least the threshold amount of mismatch.

Abstract: Highly efficient solar fans used in portable and built in configurations. A ventilation fan can be used for exhausting air out from underneath roofs, and/or for being portable in use and application. The fan can include optimized airflow blades having a twisted configuration that can move at a rotational speed operation of up to approximately 500 rpm. The approximately 15 inch diameter twisted blades can be premolded on a hub that together form a single molded unit of plastic. They can also be fabricated using metal. The unit can be mounted in an exhaust outlet having a conical diffuser on or adjacent to a roof. Another embodiment allows for portable solar powered fans used anywhere there is a need for ventilation and moving of air. The blades can rotate by a solar powered motor, where the blades and motor can generate up to approximately 1040 cfm while using no more than approximately 16 Watts. Portable fans can be powered by solar panels. One embodiment has solar panels mounted to a handtruck.

Abstract: Highly efficient ventilation fans for exhausting air out from underneath roofs, and for being portable in use and application. The fan can include optimized airflow blades having a twisted configuration that can move at a rotational speed operation of up to approximately 500 rpm. The approximately 15 inch diameter twisted blades can be premolded on a hub that together form a single molded unit of plastic. They can also be fabricated using metal. The unit can be mounted in an exhaust outlet having a conical diffuser on or adjacent to a roof. Alternatively, the fan can be portable for use most anywhere there is a need for ventilation and moving of air. The blades can rotate by a solar powered motor, where the blades and motor can generate up to approximately 1040 cfm while using no more than approximately 16 Watts.

Abstract: A roof portion including solar roof panels and field vents is disclosed. The roof portion includes a sloped roof deck and a cover layer spaced above the roof deck to form a gap between the roof deck and the cover layer. The cover layer includes a layer of cover elements, and a field of one or more solar panels generally within the layer of cover elements. The cover layer also includes a first plurality of field vents positioned within the cover layer substantially immediately below the solar panel field. The cover layer further includes a second plurality of field vents positioned within the cover layer substantially immediately above the solar panel field. The field vents permit airflow between the gap and the atmosphere above the roof.

Abstract: Highly efficient ventilation fans for exhausting air out from underneath roofs, and/or for being portable in use and application. The fan can include optimized airflow blades having a twisted configuration that can move at a rotational speed operation of up to approximately 500 rpm. The approximately 15 inch diameter twisted blades can be premolded on a hub that together form a single molded unit of plastic. They can also be fabricated using metal. The unit can be mounted in an exhaust outlet having a conical diffuser on or adjacent to a roof. Alternatively, the fan can be portable for use most anywhere there is a need for ventilation and moving of air. The blades can rotate by a solar powered motor, where the blades and motor can generate up to approximately 1040 cfm while using no more than approximately 16 Watts.

Abstract: The solar powered fan for a portable enclosure includes an electrical fan, which is pivotally mounted within the interior region of a portable edifice, such as that associated with a portable toilet facility. The pivotal mounting of the fan allows for selective user adjustment of the angular position of the fan with respect to the roof of the housing. Mounted on the roof, exterior to the enclosure, is a hollow housing having at least one solar panel mounted to an upper surface thereof. The solar panel charges a rechargeable battery received within the hollow housing which, in turn, is in electrical communication with the electrical fan.

Abstract: A solar roof-ventilating device for compulsorily generating the flow of indoor and outdoor air includes a hollow ventilating casing provided on the roof to communicate the inside and outside of the roof with each other. The interior of the ventilating casing is provided with a heat dissipator constituted of a plurality of heat-dissipating pieces. A plurality of heat-conducting pipes penetrates through the heat dissipator. The other end of the heat-conducting pipe is connected to a heat-absorbing plate made of heat-absorbing materials. The front of the heat-absorbing plate is coated with a layer of black coating to facilitate the heat-absorbing speed of the heat-absorbing plate. Therefore, after the heat-absorbing plate has absorbed the solar energy, the heat can be conducted to the heat dissipator via the heat-conducting pipe. In this way, the temperature of the heat dissipator increases to generate a rising hot air, thereby to compulsorily cause the flow of the indoor air and achieve the ventilating effect.

Abstract: A gas exchange apparatus is provided which provides for both passive fluid flow and blower associated fluid flow through a barometric valve. A battery powered blower is provided which allows for operation of the barometric valve during times when the barometric valve would otherwise be closed, and provides for enhanced volume of gas exchange.

Abstract: A ventilator in a cover for a deck on a boat. A base of the ventilator has first openings therein through which the deck is connected to a chamber formed by the first intermediary member and the base. A motor retained in the first intermediary member has a fan that is located in the chamber to expel air from the deck to the surrounding environment by way of second openings therein and third openings in a second intermediary member. A projection in the first intermediary member receives a connector from a solar panel that is located in an end member. The end member is joined to the first intermediary member to align the second and third openings with the chamber and the connector with the motor such that the fan is activated when light is received by the solar panel and air is continually thereafter drawn from the deck.

Abstract: A solar powered heating and ventilation system maintains an unoccupied vehicle at a more comfortable temperature relative to the outside temperature using both heating and cooling as appropriate. The system uses an air duct having a fan, heating element, vents, flaps, a selector switch, power control circuitry, a thermostat, and a clock/timer. The system also uses an electronic solar power panel and battery as power sources. The thermostat senses air temperature and causes the power control circuitry to regulate the temperature. The clock/timer may be manually set to activate and/or deactivate the power control circuitry at predetermined times. The system provides power to the fan and heating elements via a selector switch and power control circuits. The power control circuitry is connected to the vehicle battery and electronic solar power cells. The duct is located on the interior ceiling of the vehicle and has at least three vents.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a fan/skylight combination unit mounted on a common frame 19 wherein the preferred embodiment includes a fan assembly 14 powered by photovoltaic panels 16 thereby providing increased natural lighting into the interior of the structure 12 while removing excessive heat therefrom. The white outer dome 38 reflects heat therefrom and the air space between the inner 40 and outer 38 domes serves as a thermal barrier to prevent the transfer of heat from the atmosphere into the, interior of the structure 12. The solar rays collected by the photovoltaic panel 16 energize the fan motor 20 and forcibly ventilates the interior of the structure 12.

Abstract: A solar powered heating and ventilation system maintains an unoccupied vehicle at a more comfortable temperature relative to the outside temperature using both heating and cooling as appropriate. The system uses an air duct having a fan, heating element, vents, flaps, selector switch and power control circuits. The system also uses an electronic solar power panel and battery as power sources. The system provides power to the fan and heating elements via a selector switch and power control circuits. The power control circuits are connected to the vehicle battery and electronic solar power cells. The duct is located on the interior ceiling of the vehicle and has at least three vents.

Abstract: A cabin ventilator for car, wherein a flexible vent pipe (1) allowing to communicate between a cabin inside space (4) and a cabin outside space (5) is disposed, a blower (2) is connected to the vent pipe (1) so as to exhaust air from the cabin inside space to the cabin outside space, a solar battery panel part (3) is disposed in the cabin inside space at a position where sunlight is radiated for supplying electric power to the blower, and a shade assembly (16) is installed on at least one of the inside surface of a window glass (15), an inside window frame portion, and a dashboard (6) so that the shade assembly can cover the window glass together with the solar battery panel part from the inside of the cabin during the parking of the car.

Abstract: A vehicle ventilation device and system for facilitating air exchange between the interior and exterior of a standing or parked vehicle using a fan and a photoelectric source, whereby said fan is powered by said photoelectric source and said fan is facilitating air exchange between the interior and the exterior of the vehicle through the airbag vent valve of the vehicle.

Abstract: A solar system for a motor vehicle, which is provided with a solar generator and a DC/DC converter unit, the solar system being switchable for supplying a power consuming device in the motor vehicle or for recharging of the motor vehicle battery. The DC/DC converter unit is made with two poles on the output side and functionally comprises a first and a second DC/DC converter which are respectively optimized with respect to the supply function of the power consuming device and the recharging function, there being a changeover unit which acquires the voltage at the output of the DC/DC converter unit and switches the output depending on the acquired voltage to either the first DC/DC converter or the second DC/DC converter.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a substrate, a photo-electricity generating device (i.e., a solar cell or a block of solar cells), a filler resin sealing the photo-electricity (generating device on the substrate, and a surface film covering the filler resin. An insulating film is inserted between the photo-electricity generating device and the substrate so as to be inside the substrate, and an inorganic fibrous sheet is inserted between the photo-electricity generating device and the surface film so as to be disposed inside the insulating film. The substrate is befit at a portion thereof free from the insulating film. The solar cell member thus provided can exhibit a long-term reliability for outdoor use because the moisture is affectively prevented from penetrating the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar-powered ventilation system for a building structure for ventilating building structures even during no wind days. The solar-powered ventilation system for a building structure includes a building structure having a roof and a conduit member extending through the roof inside the building structure; and also includes a turbine member being securely mounted to the building structure over the conduit member and having a centrally-rotating spindle and a plurality of curved vanes securely attached to and spaced about the spindle; and further includes solar panels securely mounted to a top of the conduit member and upon which the turbine member is rotatably mounted, a motor connected to the spindle for the rotation thereof, and a battery connected to the motor and to the solar panels for storing electrical energy and for energizing the motor.

Abstract: A turbine roof ventilator includes a rotatable shaft defining an upper end and a lower end. A turbine hood is located on the upper end of the shaft and is adapted to turn with the shaft. A cylindrical sleeve is disposed below the turbine hood. The shaft is mounted in a bearing housing which is fixed relative to the cylindrical sleeve while allowing the shaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis. A fan or vane assembly is disposed on the lower end of the shaft and adapted to turn with the shaft so that as the turbine hood turns, the fan sucks air into the housing to improve the rate of flow of air through the roof ventilator.

Abstract: A circuit for power supply of a ventilation fan for cooling the interior of a motor vehicle and/or a motor vehicle battery by means of solar cells, with a manually actuated switch for switching the solar cell power supply to the ventilation fan or battery. An automatic control provides a fully automatic mode for automatic switching of the solar cell power supply depending on the temperature in the motor vehicle interior and/or the battery charging state which can be overridden by activating an actuating element of a manually activated switch in a semiautomatic mode. Furthermore, there is an optical display for indicating which of the automatic and semiautomatic mode is activated.

Abstract: A device for dissipating heat from a car and having discharge ports the angle of which is adjustable. The device includes a body, an air discharge rotary cylinder having discharge ports, a fan blade shaft, and a securing device. The body is comprised of left and right casings that together define upper and lower cylindrical receiving chambers for receiving the rotary cylinder and the fan blade shaft respectively. The securing device includes a wedge-shaped insert plate and an elastic clamp plate. The insert plate extends downwardly from the bottom of the body and is adapted to insert into a gap between a window glass pane and a window frame of a car, with the clamp plate clamping against the car door. The body is connected via a main body to a car window drive circuit. Before the driver enters the car, the window can be lowered using a remote controller and the fan blade shaft in the body can be actuated to begin drawing out the hot air inside the car to thereby lower the temperature inside the car.

Abstract: A ventilation opening closure to close off a standard opening in a support structure such as a roof or wall includes a base and a cover plate. The base comprises a base ring, a seal ring between the base ring and the support structure, and a bevel-shaped seal ring to align and seal the cover plate with the base ring. The closure may include a pair of complementary hinges that the closure can be opened to the right or to the left. Alternatively, rather that the second hinge, the closure may include a latch means to more quickly shut the closure.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement with a first string of solar cells which are connected together in series and a second string of solar cells which are connected together in series, the electric power generated by the solar cells being used to operate an ohmic or inductive load. In contrast to known circuits, in which series-connected strings of solar cells are connected in parallel and have roughly identical no-load voltages, it is provided according to the invention that the strings of series-connected solar cells generate different no-load voltages to adapt to the current/voltage characteristic of the load. Preferably, at least one reverse-current blocking diode is connected in series with the string which generates a lower no-load voltage than the other. The series connection with a lower no-load voltage can be selectively formed with solar cells of the same no-load voltage by a smaller number of solar cells, or with solar cells of different power by the same number of solar cells with a lower no-load voltage.

Abstract: A solar power-operated cooling system installed in a motor vehicle for circulation of air, including a solar power device having a plurality of photovoltaic cells mounted for converting the radiant energy of sunlight into electric power and a power output terminal for output of electric power from the photovoltaic cells, an electric connector having an input terminal connected to the power output terminal of the solar power device and at least two output terminals, at least one blowing fan and at least one exhaust fan respectively installed in the interior door panel assemblies of the motor vehicle and electrically connected to the output terminals of the electric connector and driven to draw fresh air into or to draw hot air out of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Circuit arrangement for supplying power to a fan and/or battery from solar energy generator in a motor vehicle. A DC voltage converter using impedance matching between the solar energy generator and the fan or the battery includes a switch that is alternately opened and closed by a pulse-width-modulated operating signal, and is part of the circuit arrangement. To generate the operating signal, a microprocessor, a frequency generator and a pulse width modulator, which is acted on by the output signal of the frequency generator and a control signal of the microprocessor, are provided. These components also are used as components of an actuating device to displace a movable part of a sun roof, a changeover signal switching between use for charging a battery and/or powering a fan and use operating the sun roof. Thus, the circuit arrangement is able to fulfill multiple functions.

Abstract: An automatic vehicular ventilating system ventilates the passenger room of a vehicle such as automobiles, aircraft, railway passenger cars and ships to maintain air in the passenger room at a fixed temperature automatically. The automatic vehicular ventilating system includes a solar power supply unit having a solar panel as a power supply, a first switch responsive to the output of a thermostat, and a second switch in communication with at least at least one of an ignition switch of the vehicle and a hand brake of the vehicle; an exhaust unit having an air exhaust damper; and a fresh air supply unit having an air supply damper. The air exhaust damper and the air supply damper are driven by electric power supplied from the solar power supply unit.

Abstract: A portable auxiliary fan unit that can be installed into the sunroof of an automobile and exhaust the air from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The fan unit includes a panel assembly which has a passage that provides fluid communication between the passenger compartment and the outside of the car. Within the passage is a fan which can induce air flow from the interior of the vehicle to the ambient. The fan is powered by a plurality of solar cells located beneath a transparent top panel member. The fan unit is installed into an opening of the roof that is created by fully retracting the sliding roof panel of the car. The unit has a pair of levers at opposite edges of the transparent panel. The levers are inserted into grooves that normally guide the sliding roof panel, to secure the panel and fan to the roof of the car. Once installed, the solar cells power the fan, which causes air to flow from the passenger compartment to the outside of the car.

Abstract: A process for ventilating the interior of a motor vehicle having a closure which can be opened by a drive motor, an interior temperature-setpoint value generator, at least one interior temperature sensor, at least one outside temperature sensor and a logic component with inputs, outputs and a computer portion. Existing components (sensors, logic components) of different units are used and operatively linked so that the driver is largely relieved of the need to manipulate numerous controls.

Abstract: Ventilator roof for use in motor vehicles with a roof opening in a fixed roof surface which can be closed by a cover. The cover can be swung by pivoting around a pivoting axis, at, or near its rear edge, into a ventilation position in which the cover front edge is below the roof surface, while the cover rear edge is kept at the height of the roof surface, and a ventilation gap is formed between the cover front edge and the front edge of the roof opening. At least one electrically powered blower is built into a ventilation channel leading from the ventilation gap into the vehicle interior. The blower can be powered by solar cells or the on-board vehicle power unit (battery) with safeguards to prevent use when the vehicle power unit lacks sufficient charge. In some embodiments, arrangements are also provided to enable the blower to provide ventilation of the interior space of the vehicle even when the cover is closed.

Abstract: An exhaust path penetrating through a portion of a vehicle's body to exhaust air in a cabin of a vehicle with an air-flow activating means and a valve which opens only when the fresh-air activating means works, a fresh-air conducting path penetrating through a portion of said vehicle's body to conduct fresh-air into the cabin with an air-flow activating means and a valve which opens only when the air-flow activating means works, and an electric circuit which drives each of said air-flow activating means and each of said valves with electricity supplied from solar cells mounted on an external face of said vehicle's body to receive sunlight and generate electricity.

Abstract: In a vehicle incorporating a control device connected to a solar battery, a storage battery, an operation unit, a first ventilating fan 3 and a second ventilating fan 4, when the operation mode is set by a change-over operation of the operation unit 2 to a parking ventilation mode in which the first and second ventilating fans 3 and 4 are driven by supply of an electromotive force of the solar battery 6, a voltage and a current from the electromotive force of the solar battery 6 are gradually increased and continuously applied to the fan to perform gradual activation of the first ventilating fan 3. Thereafter, a switch unit 26 is closed, and the voltage and the current from the electromotive force of the solar battery are thereby simultaneously applied to the second ventilating fan 4, thus completing activation of the first and second ventilating fans.

Abstract: In a vehicle incorporating a control device connected to a solar battery, a storage battery, an operation unit and a ventilation unit, a preliminary ventilating device is set to either of charging mode in which the storage battery is charged from the solar battery, forced exhaust mode in which the ventilation unit is driven by power supplied from the storage battery, and in parking ventilating mode in which the ventilation unit is driven by an electromotive force supplied from the solar battery. Charging of the storage battery from the solar battery is possible even when the charging is controlled on the basis of the results of the measurement of the open-circuit voltage of the solar battery. When the solar battery exhibiting a voltage current curve lower than the reference curve is used, the ventilating fan can be activated before the amount of sunlight received by the solar battery has been maximized.

Abstract: A ventilator insert to be received within the generally wedged-shaped confine provided by a hinged sunroof glass. The ventilator insert may have a powered impeller to positively move air between the external environment and the vehicle cabin which impeller may be powered by a self-contained power supply connected with a charging source such as a photovoltaic panel and/or the vehicle's own electrical system.

Abstract: An automatic solar-powered car ventilator to be installed between the upper horizontal bar of the window sash and the upper horizontal edge of a movable window glass in a window in a car door having a main body and two auxiliary bodies extending from both sides of the main body to be cut to suit the width of the movable window glass. A ventilating means including a fan, a motor to drive the fan to suck in the open air and exhaust out the air in the car. A base to mount the fan and the motor and a housing to shield the fan, the motor and the base. A solar-energy board being combined with the main body or the ventilating means by means of two clamps on the board movably catching hold of either two holders on the main body or on the ventilating means to generate electricity to power the motor by absorbing the sunlight.

Abstract: A solar powered exhaust fan having a pipe adaptor for connection to the interior of portable buildings. The exhaust fan may be either DC or AC energized. Automatic and manual switches are provided.

Abstract: A solar powered cooling apparatus for a vehicle brake system utilizing a solar cell panel mounted within a vehicle front bumper to selectively actuate a blower motor located within an air duct housing. The air duct housing is connected to the front bumper of which has a plurality of forward openings with filtering screens so as to direct cool air flowing from the openings to the associated disk brake rotor. A plurality of openings are also formed on the top panel of the bumper of which the solar panel is operatively associated and where the openings can be adjusted via a slide plate operative through a push-pull cable located in a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor for an air-conditioning system in a vehicle has a measuring head with a number of solar cells arranged in a defined pattern for determining the intensity of the solar radiation and the position of the sun relative to the sensor. Attachment elements on the sensor permit assembly of the sensor only in one way in the vehicle. A dome over the solar cells is transparent only to solar radiation.

Abstract: A vehicle vent (12) for exhausting air from a vehicle occupant compartment includes a float valve (32) that prevents water that enters an outlet (24) of the vent from passing into the vehicle through the vent inlet (20) but which has a drain passage (36) for permitting a limited flow of the water to a drain (38) on the vent inlet side of the float valve (32). The vent (12) preferably includes a fan (40) that is most preferably energized by a solar panel (48). Mounting of the vent (12) can be provided on the vehicle roof, on the roof just forward of a vehicle back window, or as part of a sunroof.

Abstract: There is provided in combination with a building roof over an air space requiring forced ventilation of solar energy heated air from the space through a vent hole in the roof, an electrically operated exhaust fan mounted in air exhausting relation on the roof and over the vent hole, and a solar panel for supplying electrical power to a fan driving motor when exposed to solar rays. Air exhaust passage through the device includes a backwash turbulence preventing ring-shape plate extending between a supporting ring body which is of smaller diameter than an exhaust air directing hood on which the solar panel is mounted, and a ring channel member supporting the exhaust fan in a manner to draw the exhaust air through the ring channel into the hood.

Abstract: A device for detecting the solar radiation quantity of the sunlight coming in the passenger compartment of an automobile is construct to correct a solar radiation quantity by adding an amount of correction to the solar radiation quantity obtained based on the composite of plural detected values from a solar radiation sensor when the direction of the sunlight is deviated from the direction of travel of the automobile beyond a prescribed range, whereby the solar radiation quantity used for the control of an automobile air-conditioner is prevented from being lowered in case of deviated solar radiation. The solar radiation quantity coming into a rear portion of the passenger compartment is detected and compared with the front solar radiation quantity. A larger one of the front and rear solar radiation quantities is used as a solar radiation quantity for the control of the automobile air-conditioner to cope with the solar radiation coming from every direction relative to the direction of travel of the automobile.

Abstract: A solar radiation detecting device for an automobile air-conditioner includes a left solar radiation sensor, a right solar radiation sensor and a horizontal solar radiation sensor for detecting quantities of the sunlight coming into the passenger compartment of an automobile so that an incident direction, an incident altitude and an incident intensity of the sunlight are calculated based on the detecting solar radiation quantities. The incident direction and altitude are used to vary the distribution air discharged from a vent outlet of the air-conditioner into the passenger compartment.