Abstract: A solar energy driven power generation system includes a solar energy receiver configured to collect solar energy. A vapor generator is operably connected to the solar energy receiver. A vapor turbine is operably connected to the vapor generator and is configured to be driven by a flow of vapor from the vapor generator. An electrical power generator is operably connected to the vapor turbine and driven thereby. A thermal conditioning system is operably connected to the vapor turbine and is driven by a flow of output vapor or hot liquid from the vapor turbine. A method of power generation includes collecting solar thermal energy and generating vapor utilizing the solar thermal energy. A vapor turbine is driven by the vapor and electrical power is produced via the rotation of the vapor turbine. Output vapor from the vapor turbine is utilized to drive a thermal conditioning system.

Abstract: An integrated truck and trailer power system comprises auxiliary power generation and storage devices mounted on a trailer, such as an array of solar panels mounted on the roof of the trailer and a storage battery mounted on the trailer, and switching devices for controlling flow of power there between and to an electrically powered HVAC system of the truck, whereby the truck can be maintained at a comfortable temperature by supply of power stored by the auxiliary power storage device.

Abstract: The present inventive disclosure is directed generally to an improved automobile air-conditioning system that can be operated while the automobile's engine is not running. In variations, a typical vapor-compression-cycle air-conditioning system is modified to allow the refrigerant compressor to be driven from either of two power sources: (1) from a traditional engine-mounted pulley system, or (2) from a DC-motor powered by an electrical source independent from the engine. In another variation, the air-conditioning system is driven by one or more thermal-electric-cooling (TEC) modules, wherein the TEC-based system is powered by an auxiliary DC-power source that in some variations is powered by, or at least supplemented by, a solar-energy grid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner using hot water heated by a solar heating system, the air conditioner comprising: a heater 10 that has a vacuous interior and a plurality of hot water branch pipes 13 immersed in the refrigerant; a condenser 30 connected with the heater 10 through a steam pipe L1; an ejector 20 mounted to the steam pipe L1; a flow regulator 40 installed on the exit side of the condenser 30; a refrigerant return line L2 connected to the flow regulator 40 to return the refrigerant to the heater 10; an evaporator 50 connected to the flow regulator 40 to receive condensate; a first steam supply line L4 connected with the evaporator 50 to supply the evaporated refrigerant to the ejector 20; and a second steam supply line L5 that is branched from the first steam supply line L4 and then connected with the steam pipe L1 and has a vacuum pump P2 installed therein.

Abstract: The present invention describes an atmospheric potable water generator apparatus and method of use powered entirely by renewable energy sources, which generates water from atmospheric air. The apparatus uses solar energy to heat atmospheric air in a condensing air chamber, uses wind to cool the air, condenses water on a cooling surface thereby creating potable water from atmospheric air. The apparatus may be used off the energy grid and can be applied on a large scale or for personal portable use.

Abstract: A heat pump liquid heater (HPLH) system coupled to an array of photovoltaic cells that operate at enhanced efficiency is disclosed. The HPLH system comprises a panel or a box structure coupled to the HPLH. The box structure supports an array of photovoltaic cells and a circulation mechanism. The HPLH generates a coolant as a by-product using ambient air and electric power. The coolant that is circulated around the photovoltaic cells may extract the heat generated by the photovoltaic cells and the temperature of the photovoltaic cells may decrease to a specific level or maintained within an allowable temperature range. The reduction in temperature causes the photovoltaic cells to operate with enhanced efficiency and may generate more electric power. The size of the panel or the number of photovoltaic cells required to generate a required power may be reduced that reduces the cost of the HPLH system.

Abstract: A solar-powered adsorption-desorption refrigeration and air conditioning system that uses nanostructural materials such as aerogels, zeolites, and sol gels as the adsorptive media. Refrigerant molecules are adsorbed on the high surface area of the nanostructural material while the material is at a relatively low temperature, perhaps at night. During daylight hours, when the nanostructural materials is heated by the sun, the refrigerant are thermally desorbed from the surface of the aerogel, thereby creating a pressurized gas phase in the vessel that contains the aerogel. This solar-driven pressurization forces the heated gaseous refrigerant through a condenser, followed by an expansion valve. In the condenser, heat is removed from the refrigerant, first by circulating air or water. Eventually, the cooled gaseous refrigerant expands isenthalpically through a throttle valve into an evaporator, in a fashion similar to that in more conventional vapor recompression systems.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to distribution of electrical energy, and more particularly to distribution of solar electric energy at or near particular power points of solar cells.

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.

Abstract: A solar collector assembly comprises a plurality of heater collection tubes. A thermal enhancement manifold assembly is integrated into the solar collector assembly to enhance thermal efficiency. The enhancement manifold assembly includes a supply manifold subassembly which selectively distributes a refrigerant between at least two supply manifolds and a return manifold subassembly which distributes the refrigerant between at least two return manifolds. A thermal enhancing tube provides fluid communication between each supply manifold and respective return manifold. The thermal enhancing tubes are assembled within an interior volume of the solar heater collection tubes. Each manifold pairing is operatively governed by a respective fluid control valve. The manifold pairings alternate between an active state and an inactive state, optimizing thermal transfer between the collection tube and a refrigerant.

Abstract: Rotational multi-vane positive displacement valves, preferably for use with a solar air-conditioning system. Each valve has an outer cylindrical valve body housing having an inlet port and an outlet port and an inner rotational cylinder disposed within the outer cylindrical valve body housing. The inner rotational cylinder can be supported by a longitudinal shaft offset from a center position of the outer housing. The inner rotational cylinder has a plurality of spring loaded vanes along a substantial portion of its longitudinal axis equally spaced around a circumference of the inner rotational cylinder. The outlet port is preferably located at least 100 degrees in direction of rotation from the inlet port, when the inner cylinder has four vanes. The shaft can extend beyond the outer valve housing and is adapted for attachment to external appliances.

Abstract: An adsorption structure is described that includes at least one adsorbent member formed of an adsorbent material and at least one porous member provided in contact with a portion of the adsorbent member to allow gas to enter and exit the portion of the adsorbent member. Such adsorption structure is usefully employed in adsorbent-based refrigeration systems. A method also is described for producing an adsorbent material, in which a first polymeric material provided having a first density and a second polymeric material is provided having a second density, in which the second polymeric material is in contact with the first polymeric material to form a structure. The structure is pyrolyzed to form a porous adsorbent material including a first region corresponding to the first polymeric material and a second region corresponding to the second polymeric material, in which at least one of the pore sizes and the pore distribution differs between the first region and the second region.

Abstract: A solar-powered adsorption-desorption refrigeration and air conditioning system uses nanostructural materials made of high specific surface area adsorption aerogel as the adsorptive media. Refrigerant molecules are adsorbed on the high surface area of the nanostructural material. A circulation system circulates refrigerant from the nanostructural material to a cooling unit.

Abstract: A secondary coolant refrigeration system powered primarily by a photovoltaic source and by an alternating current (AC) source as a backup is disclosed. The secondary coolant refrigeration system has a pump for pumping secondary coolant fluid through a secondary coolant fluid loop. The system includes a variable frequency drive for controlling the speed of the pump. The variable frequency drive includes drive circuitry configured to provide variable frequency power to the pump via an output interface. The variable frequency drive also includes a first interface configured to receive power from the photovoltaic source and a second interface configured to receive power from the AC source. The circuit is further configured to cause the variable speed drive to be powered by the photovoltaic source when the power received from the first interface is adequate and by the AC source when the power received from the first interface is not adequate.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning system and method of superheating working fluid is provided. The solar air conditioning system superheats the working fluid using radiant energy from the sun, and then delivers the working fluid as a superheated and higher-pressured gas to a condenser within the solar air conditioning system. The solar air conditioning system includes a solar collector within which the working fluid is superheated.

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant is provided. The plant includes a steam-electric power plant associated with a steam generation system operationally connected thereto for providing heat to drive its operation, a solar collection system designed to heat thermal fluid and is in communication with the steam-electric power plant to provide heat thereto for driving its operation, and a non-solar power plant including a power generation unit and a waste heat recovery unit. The solar thermal power plant further includes a controller configured to selectively operationally connect the solar collection system and the waste heat recovery unit to the steam-electric power plant to provide heat thereto.

Abstract: A solar powered air conditioner comprising of at least one solar panel, an inverter that converts the DC voltage created by the solar panels to AC voltage connected to the solar panel, a battery charger that receives the AC voltage from the inverter and converts the AC voltage to DC voltage, a charge controller connected to the battery charger, a rechargeable battery connected to the charge controller, a contactor connected to the rechargeable battery and to a thermostat, a DC powered motor connected to the contactor, and an air conditioning system, the air conditioning system having an air compressor and an air conditioning motor, the air compressor connects to the DC powered motor via a belt, and the air conditioner motor connects to the contactor.

Abstract: A heat pump operation method includes: obtaining, on a per time unit basis, generated power, load power, surplus power, and an impact magnitude; and controlling operation of the heat pump to cause the heat pump to consume an amount of power for generating heat adjusted to follow the surplus power obtained on a per unit time basis. In the controlling, when the impact magnitude is greater than a predetermined first threshold value, the operation of the heat pump is controlled to permit consumption of the power supplied from an energy supplier and approximate a reverse flow of the surplus power to zero, and when the impact magnitude is less than or equal to a predetermined second threshold value, the operation of the heat pump is controlled to permit the reverse flow of the surplus power and approximate the consumption of power supplied from the energy supplier to zero.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar power system for use as a solar roofing concept based on an absorber system with a solar thermal absorber and a circulation system for circulating absorber liquid through the absorber and a core system which extracts energy from the absorber liquid and provides hot water to a building. An intelligent controller uses data about external conditions to control the core system, where both current conditions and predicted conditions are taken into account. In preferred embodiments, the system can generate heat, hot water and electric energy to cover the need for a normal household. When excess heat is generated, the thermal energy can be used by an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) machine for electricity production. A forecasting and control unit using external weather measurements in combination with internet weather forecasts will by fuzzy logic calculate the optimum periods of time for use of the heat pump during the colder periods.

Abstract: A system configured to thermally regulate exhaust portions of a power plant system (e.g. steam turbine) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: a condenser adapted to connect to and thermally regulate exhaust portions of a steam turbine; and a cooling system operably connected to the condenser and adapted to supply a cooling fluid to the condenser, the cooling system including a solar absorption chiller adapted to adjust a temperature of the cooling fluid.

Abstract: Provided is an air conditioner with a solar cell. The air conditioner includes a solar cell panel that can be switched to one of a first disposition where a power generation region of the solar cell panel is exposed to the sun and a second disposition where the power generation region is not exposed to the sun. Therefore, the power generation region of the solar cell panel can be protected from external environments.

Abstract: A ventilation system utilizing fans to bring air into a building and exhaust air out of the building using solar panels that can be quickly and easily mounted on the building, such as on roof vents, windows, and the like, with quick application fasteners adjacent to the fans. A sensor may be operatively connected to a controller or logic circuit to measure environmental factors to determine whether to activate the fans. The ventilation system is configured to be a modular device with versatile fasteners for easy installment in windows or attics without the need for modification of the building, such as cutting holes.

Abstract: A system for extracting a target atmospheric gas from an atmosphere, including a carbon-neutral energy source and a cooling unit connected to a condenser, is disclosed. An optional collection chamber and optional reaction chamber are also disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of providing hydrocarbon feedstocks, a method of removing a gas from an atmosphere, and a method of reducing the concentration of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention discloses a heat-power conversion magnetism device. The heat-power conversion magnetism device includes a magneto caloric effect material so that the magnetic field thereof can be changed according to a temperature difference. The heat-power conversion magnetism device is rotated by changing the magnetic field of the magneto caloric effect material. A system for converting energy by use of the heat-power conversion magnetism device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning system and method of superheating working fluid is provided. The solar air conditioning system superheats the working fluid using radiant energy from the sun, and then delivers the working fluid as a superheated and higher-pressured gas to a condenser within the solar air conditioning system. The solar air conditioning system includes a solar collector within which the working fluid is superheated.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity, heat, or a combination of electricity and heat are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system for powering a reciprocating device includes a refrigerant passing in a closed loop between a refrigerant compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The system includes a heat source for heating the refrigerant, and an engine for receiving the heated refrigerant. The engine includes a housing, a shaft axially movable within the housing, a piston attached to the shaft, a shifter for reversing piston direction, and porting for passing the refrigerant into and out of the engine housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing air-conditioning to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a solar photovoltaic panel positioned in a window or windshield to provide direct current to power a thermoelectric assembly to pump excess heat out of the interior of the car. The car is air-conditioned in a parked state and pre-air-conditioned before use.

Abstract: An HVAC system that uses a mechanical compressor powered by vaporized refrigerant and/or electric power, to increase efficiency in a jet ejector cooling cycle. The device is further able to convert thermal energy to electric power which may be used to meet internal or external requirements, for example, to activate control a system or charge a battery. Compatible input power includes only thermal energy, only electric energy or a combination of the two. Motive thermal energy may be input at a wide range of temperature and include both waste and non-waste heat sources such as that from an internal combustion engine and fuel-fired heater. Solar thermal and solar photovoltaic may also be used when collected from either concentrated or non-concentrated sources. Embodiments of the device are equally well suited to both mobile and stationary applications.

Abstract: A travelling wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus capable of generating electrical energy from heat energy is provided. The travelling wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus includes a hosing with two ends connected by an inertance component, a porous stack, a resonator, and a piezoelectric bimorph. The housing comprises a compressible fluid and has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion receives heat energy from a heat source for creating a temperature gradient between the first portion and the second portion. A cold heat exchanger within the second portion is positioned at one end of the porous stack. The compressible fluid traverses between the first portion and the second portion through the porous stack and the inertance component to generate travelling acoustic waves. The travelling acoustic waves resonate with the resonator for generating acoustic energy.

Abstract: A standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus capable of generating electrical energy from heat energy is provided. The standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus includes a housing, a porous stack and a piezoelectric bimorph. The housing comprises a compressible fluid and has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion receives the heat energy from a heat source for creating a temperature gradient between the first portion and the second portion. A cold heat exchanger within the first portion is positioned at one end of the porous stack. The compressible fluid traverses between the first portion and the second portion through the porous stack to generate standing acoustic waves for generating acoustic energy. The piezoelectric bimorph positioned at an end of the first portion opposite to an end of the first portion having the cold heat exchanger, oscillates based on the acoustic energy for generating the electrical energy.

Abstract: The apparatus has a cooling arrangement with an expander/compressor system, condenser and evaporator primarily for air conditioning. An external heat source is provided for transfer of heat to the expander housing. For example, this heating medium is an electrical heat source in thermal contact with the outer side of the expander housing. Alternatively, the expander is provided inside an externally heated liquid buffer tank.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system, comprising: a compressor (22); a first electric motor (26) that provides a motive force to the compressor; at least one fan (52, 56, 82, 84, 86); a second electric fan motor (54, 56, 88, 90, 92) that provides a motive force to the fan; a solar PV electrical power source (220); an electric energy power source (230); a engine driven generator electrical power source (210); and a power management controller (40) coupled to route power selectively and concurrently from two of the electrical power sources (210, 220, 230) to provide electrical power to the first motor (26) and the second motor (54, 56, 88, 90, 92).

Abstract: A heat pump that uses solar heat as an evaporation heat source of a refrigerant. The heat pump includes a solar heat collector, a compressor to compress a refrigerant, a first heat exchanger to condense the refrigerant compressed by the compressor and to perform heat exchange between the condensed refrigerant and water, a second heat exchanger to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger and heat collected by the solar heat collector, a third heat exchanger to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger and external air, and a first flow channel switching valve to allow the refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger to selectively flow to the second heat exchanger or the third heat exchanger therethrough.

Abstract: An air conditioning system. The system includes apparatus for circulating a refrigerant in a path, further having apparatus for compressing the refrigerant and generating heat in the refrigerant. The system further includes apparatus for providing a driving force to the apparatus for compressing in response to the generated heat.

Abstract: A sunlight heat utilized steam absorption chiller is provided with a generator which uses steam generated by sunlight heat as a heat source, an absorber, an evaporator, and a condenser, and has a heat exchanger for allowing heat exchange between a dilute solution flowing from the absorber to the generator and a strong solution flowing from the generator to the absorber. The chiller is provided with a burning heat source for generating steam, and either the steam generated by the burning heat source or the steam generated using sunlight heat can be used as the heat source for the generator. The chiller is provided with a steam drain heat recovery unit for allowing heat exchange between at least part of the dilute solution flowing from the absorber to the generator and a steam drain discharged from the generator so as to allow heat recovery from the steam drain.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to heat pumps that utilize at least one solar receiver operating with the same working fluids. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a hybrid solar heat pump comprised of at least one microchannel heat exchanger with integral solar absorber, at least one compression device as the heat pump for concurrent compression to a higher pressure and mass flow regulator of the working fluid, and at least one working fluid accumulator with the entire system operating with the same working fluid.

Abstract: A closed loop system utilizing a solar refrigerant turbocharger and pump in conjunction with a solar collector to operate a heating and cooling system for a building by utilization of a renewable energy source. The liquid pump within the solar turbocharger is used to boost the refrigerant pressures into the solar collector, the refrigerant absorbs heat inside the solar collector and changes phase from a liquid to a vapor. The vapor is expanded across the turbine causing the turbine to spin. The ability of the refrigerant to change phase or flash from a liquid to a vapor is due to the solar energy that is transferred from evacuated tubes into the solar collector manifold and into the refrigerant. The gas is routed to the solar turbo pump turbine to drive the compressor and liquid pump. The resulting fluid gas leaving the turbine is routed to the condenser for normal operation.

Abstract: Provided is a temperature control system, including a closed refrigerant circuit having an evaporator unit configured for absorbing heat via the refrigerant, thereby evaporating it, a compressor unit configured for increasing the pressure and temperature of refrigerant within the circuit, and a condenser unit configured for rejecting heat from the refrigerant, thereby liquefying it. The compressor unit includes a mechanical compressor configured for increasing the pressure of the refrigerant and a thermal collector configured for utilizing an external heat source to increase the temperature of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A liquid cooling system comprising: a liquid inlet and outlet; one or more liquid reservoirs in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and outlet; an evaporative element in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir; and a fan in flowable communication with a surface of the evaporative element is provided. The liquid cooling system can cool drinking water. The liquid cooling system can be powered by AC power, DC power, solar power or a combination. The liquid cooling system can be used in-line in a hydration system, for example.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for collection of thermal energy. The system comprises an energy collector, an energy reservoir, an energy collection medium enclosed in a loop allowing fluid flow of the energy collection medium between the energy collector and the energy reservoir in a forward flow from the energy collector and in a backward flow to the energy collector for transferring energy between the energy collector and the energy reservoir, a collector pump adapted to control a flow rate of the energy collection medium, and a reservoir temperature measuring device being adapted to measure a reservoir temperature of the energy reservoir.

Abstract: A community-scale water condensing system which reclaims and stores double-filtered potable water from the air utilizing at least one condenser unit including polyethylene pipe suspended over a collection tank and shaken by a self-contained power source upon activation of a moisture sensor to release water into the collection tank. Water flows from the collection tank into a storage tank through a ball valve and a water storage filter. At least one dispensing unit operationally communicates with the storage tank, each dispensing unit including at least one feeder line with an output valve that can be accessed by an individual through a water tap or other outlet mechanism. A water usage filter disposed between each output valve and each water tap removes debris from the water prior to dispensing the water from the water tap. An auxiliary dispensing unit selectively dispenses additional water during maintenance or shutdown of the other dispensing units.

Abstract: The invention described herein represents a significant improvement in the efficiency of heating and cooling processes for applications such as buildings. The working fluid condensation process is time separated from the working fluid vaporization process. Work on the working fluid through a phase transformation is performed at a first time and the heating or cooling of a building through a reverse phase transformation is done at a second time. A storage medium is provided to store the capacity to heat or the capacity to cool in the form of the phase transformed working fluid stored at a positive or a negative pressure. Controlling logic calculates what the heating and cooling load will be in the future and when least expensive and most efficient operating times are forecasted to be. The compression or vacuum energy input phase of operation is be performed during the most optimal window as seldom as once per week while the application heating or cooling process is performed continuously as needed.

Abstract: A solar powered air conditioner comprising of at least one solar panel, an inverter that converts the DC voltage created by the solar panels to AC voltage connected to the solar panel, a battery charger that receives the AC voltage from the inverter and converts the AC voltage to DC voltage, a charge controller connected to the battery charger, a rechargeable battery connected to the charge controller, a contactor connected to the rechargeable battery and to a thermostat, a DC powered motor connected to the contactor, and an air conditioning system, the air conditioning system having an air compressor and an air conditioning motor, the air compressor connects to the DC powered motor via a belt, and the air conditioner motor connects to the contactor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a solar powered heat exchange system preferably used to drive a water collection device, which condenses water vapor in atmospheric air to water. The device comprises means for drawing the atmospheric air into the device; means for condensing the moisture vapor in the atmospheric air into water; and means for collecting the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner using hot water heated by a solar heating system, the air conditioner comprising: a heater 10 that has a vacuous interior and a plurality of hot water branch pipes 13 immersed in the refrigerant; a condenser 30 connected with the heater 10 through a steam pipe L1; an ejector 20 mounted to the steam pipe L1; a flow regulator 40 installed on the exit side of the condenser 30; a refrigerant return line L2 connected to the flow regulator 40 to return the refrigerant to the heater 10; an evaporator 50 connected to the flow regulator 40 to receive condensate; a first steam supply line L4 connected with the evaporator 50 to supply the evaporated refrigerant to the ejector 20; and a second steam supply line L5 that is branched from the first steam supply line L4 and then connected with the steam pipe L1 and has a vacuum pump P2 installed therein.

Abstract: A solar collector assembly comprises a plurality of heater collection tubes. A thermal enhancement manifold assembly is integrated into the solar collector assembly to enhance thermal efficiency. The enhancement manifold assembly includes a supply manifold subassembly which selectively distributes a refrigerant between at least two supply manifolds and a return manifold subassembly which distributes the refrigerant between at least two return manifolds. A thermal enhancing tube provides fluid communication between each supply manifold and respective return manifold. The thermal enhancing tubes are assembled within an interior volume of the solar heater collection tubes. Each manifold pairing is operatively governed by a respective fluid control valve. The manifold pairings alternate between an active state and an inactive state, optimizing thermal transfer between the collection tube and a refrigerant.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.