Utilizing Solar Energy Patents (Class 62/235.1)
  • Publication number: 20080078194
    Abstract: A solar energy air-conditioning auxiliary system includes a solar power supply, a voltage detector, a motor, a motive power allocation unit, an automobile air-conditioning system and an engine. While an automobile is being driven, the motive power allocation unit allocates and controls a motor power with a lower proportion of motor output and a higher proportion of engine output to start the operation of the automobile air-conditioning system, after the motive power allocation unit receives a signal detected by the voltage detector and the voltage of a cell is considered sufficient. The automobile air-conditioning system is operated completely by the motive power outputted by the engine to drive the automobile air-conditioning system to operate by a motive power output with the relative proportion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Kuo-Len Lin, Tien-Chih Tseng, Wen-Jun Liu, Hai-Rui Ye
  • Publication number: 20080078195
    Abstract: An automobile switchable solar air-conditioning auxiliary system includes a solar energy supply device, a control device, a power device and an automobile air-conditioning system. During the running of a vehicle, the control device is actuated to switch to the solar energy supply device to supply the necessary electricity, whereby a motor drives a mechanical compressor of the automobile air-conditioning system to operate and thus the automobile air-conditioning system generates and introduces cold air into the vehicle. When the electricity in the solar energy supply device is insufficient, the control device automatically switches to the engine to drive the compressor. In this way, the solar energy is used as an auxiliary power supply for the automobile air-conditioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Kuo-Len Lin, Tien-Chih Tseng, Wen-Jung Liu, Hai-Rui Ye
  • Patent number: 7343754
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at a water collection device which condenses water vapour in atmospheric air to water. The device comprises means for drawing the atmospheric air into the device; means for condensing the moisture vapour in the atmospheric air into water, and means for collecting the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan G. Ritchey
  • Publication number: 20080047277
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling at least two functions selected from the group consisting of ventilation, air cleaning, seat temperature and inside temperature of a vehicle when the vehicle engine is turned off, the system comprising: (a) a solar cell module providing driving power from solar heat; and (b) a controller operating the solar cell module by stepwise magnitudes of a current input from the solar cell module. A method for controlling the system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yong Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20080047285
    Abstract: A solar powered air conditioning system includes an energy generating loop and a cooling loop. The energy loop includes a tank containing liquid refrigerant, a pump, a heat supply container including a coil, a magnifier lens and a turbine generator. The lens intensifies energy from the sun and directs it to the coil. When the pump is engaged, the refrigerant travels to the heat supply container where the sun heats and changes it from a liquid to a gas. The gas is conducted to the generator producing electricity. The cooling loop includes a shutoff valve, a fan disposed in an environment of interest, a separator, a condenser and an evaporator. In a cooling cycle, the gaseous refrigerant moves from the generator to the separator. The refrigerant is passed to the condenser. The fan directs air to the condenser where the refrigerant absorbs heat to cool the environment of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: James Boule
  • Publication number: 20080041083
    Abstract: The solar-powered air conditioning system is a low cost, environmentally friendly system for cooling air through evaporative cooling. The system includes a motor-driven fan for producing a directed air stream. A water delivery system is in communication with an external water supply and produces water droplets, which are delivered into the directed air stream. Evaporation of the water droplets within the directed air stream lowers the temperature of the directed air stream via evaporative cooling. The motor-driven fan is powered by at least one solar panel, which may be mounted on a water tank for holding the water supply of the water delivery system. Further, a rechargeable battery may be provided for providing power when the solar panel generates insufficient power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Ayman H. Kassem, Abdullah M. Al-Garni, Farooq Saeed
  • Patent number: 7234314
    Abstract: A sealed well direct expansion geothermal heat exchange unit, whose sealed well can be placed in ground and/or in water, consisting of a conventional direct expansion, or other heat pump, system wherein the exterior refrigerant heat exchange lines are placed within an insulated and sealed container, which container is supplied with a circulating heat conductive liquid from and to a sub-surface sealed well encasement, which container liquid may be supplemented with heat from a solar heating system, and which unit's hot refrigerant vapor line may be supplementary cooled by means of condensate water evaporative cooling, as well as a means to provide any direct expansion, and any closed-loop water-source, geothermal heat pump system with an optional solar heating supplement in the heating mode, and with an optional water-cooled vapor line supplement in the cooling mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Earth to Air Systems, LLC
    Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
  • Patent number: 7089753
    Abstract: A cooling member for a mobile ice rink includes a feed manifold extending in a transverse direction and a discharge manifold, and a number of longitudinal pipes which extend transversely to the manifolds and can be connected at a first end to a manifold, two longitudinal pipes in fluid communication with one another at a second end via a connector, so that a fluid path is formed from the feed manifold to the discharge manifold via the two connected longitudinal pipes. In a transport position, the pipe sections are at an angle with respect to one another or are positioned on top of one another, and in an operational position the pipe sections extend in the extension of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Finhoeks B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Adolfus Johannes Marie Hoeks
  • Patent number: 6945063
    Abstract: An atmospheric water harvester extracts water from high relative humidity air. The temperature of the surface of a condensation member is lowered in the presence of moist air to promote condensation of water vapor on its surface, and the water so obtained by condensation is collected. The atmospheric water harvester includes a photovoltaic member that generates electricity to power the refrigeration of the condensation member. At least as much electrical power is produced as is used to condense the water vapor so that no additional sources of electrical power are required. Each atmospheric water harvester (or array of harvesters) is rapidly installed and then operated in an unattended state for considerable periods of time. Arrays of autonomous atmospheric water harvesters can be installed as free-standing units or as roofs on either new or existing buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael D. Max
  • Patent number: 6883588
    Abstract: Heat dissipating apparatus or system for dissipating heat generated by a payload on a spacecraft having a plurality of surfaces. The system includes at least one radiator-condenser coupled to one or more of the surfaces of the spacecraft and a heat pump including an evaporator, a compressor, and an expansion valve coupled in a closed-loop manner to the radiator-condenser. The system components are coupled together using small diameter, thin- and smooth-walled tubing. The system enables the radiator-condenser to be elevated above the source or payload temperature, and, along with the use of thin walled tubing, reduces the mass of the spacecraft. Because the radiator-condenser temperatures are elevated, multiple surfaces of the spacecraft (west, east, earth and aft) can be effectively used as radiating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.
    Inventors: Lenny Low, Randy Pon
  • Patent number: 6828499
    Abstract: A condensation panel to be used for harvesting water from atmospheric moisture during those times of the diurnal cycle when relative humidity is at or near 100% utilizes very localized cooling to optimize condensation on a surface whose materials promote the condensation and collection of the water. The panel is passive in the sense that it can be deployed and left in an unmaintained condition for considerable periods of time. At least one time each day, almost certainly in the morning, water harvested by the process of assisted condensation can be collected for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael David Max
  • Patent number: 6820420
    Abstract: A solar-based power generating system including an electrical alternator or generator for generating electrical power in which the alternator or generator is driven by a refrigerant circulating through a closed-loop heat transfer system including an evaporator exposed to solar energy and a condenser disposed within a large heat sink such as a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Global Energy Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Hebert
  • Patent number: 6775999
    Abstract: A solar reflector for an evaporator in a heat pump system. The evaporator has heat transfer plates and is located in an outdoor environment. The solar reflector has a curved surface configured to reflect solar radiation to the heat transfer plates of the evaporator. The curved surface can be in the shape of a truncated parabola. The curved surface can also be curved in a dish-like shape defining an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter, and the lower perimeter defines a bottom opening configured to receive the evaporator. The solar reflector can also be made of a plurality of partially overlapping curved surfaces configured to reflect solar radiation to the heat transfer plates of the evaporator. In this case the solar reflector includes a hinge ring, and each of the curved surfaces are hingedly attached to the hinge ring. Preferably the hinge ring defines an opening to receive the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Ken Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20040098998
    Abstract: A solar thermal system, comprising a solar pond (10) for accumulating salt water heated by solar radiation and a moisture supply device (20) allowing the vapor evaporated from the water having impurities such as sea water to be absorbed by the salt water; a method of maintaining the solar pond; and a method of forming the solar pond; the system, wherein the moisture supply device may have an absorbing heat pump for receiving the supply of the salt water and the water having the impurities, and the salt water with excellent cleanliness is circulated to the solar pond by the operation of the moisture supply device, whereby scale deposit and propagation of algae in the solar pond can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Mikio Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20040040325
    Abstract: An arrangement including a recreational vehicle with living space therein, a roof and a battery; an air conditioning unit proving conditioned air to the living space; a protective shroud enclosing the air conditioning unit and a solar panel for providing energy output for charging the battery wherein the solar panel is mounted on an outer surface of the protective shroud or on the air conditioning unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: David Evans
  • Publication number: 20040000159
    Abstract: A liquid air conditioner of geothermal energy type, wherein comprises a heat collector (1) of geothermal energy type, a heat exchanger (2), an energy lift device (3), a discharging pump (4), a returning pump (5), an air conditioner (6); said energy lift device consisting of a heating cycle (30) and a heat exchanging cycle (38), said two cycles are sequentially connected through pipelines by a compressor (31), a condenser (32), a liquid reservoir (33), a drying filter (34), a restriction choke (35), an evaporator (36) and a gas-liquid separator (37); Discharging tube (32a) of the heat exchanging cycle connects with air conditioner (6). Returning tube (103) of air conditioner connecting to a liquid inlet tube (32b) of heat exchanging cycle (38); discharging tube (36a) of the heat exchanging cycle connecting to a returning tube (22b); discharging tube (22a) of said heat exchanger (2) connecting to liquid inlet tube (36b); is used for in-door cooling and heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Shengheng Xu
  • Patent number: 6662572
    Abstract: There is provided a climate control system for a parked vehicle that includes a solar panel, thermostatic switch, fans, and thermoelectric coolers. The solar panel can serve as the sole source of electricity for the system. The system affords convenient installation and removal by including solar panels that are removably attached to the exterior of a vehicle. A connecting wire electrically connects the solar panels to a housing that is removably mounted to a partially opened window on the vehicle. The thermostatic switch, fans, and thermoelectric coolers are included within the housing. The thermostatic switch alternates the direction of the current flow through the thermoelectric coolers to selectively heat or cool the interior of the vehicle. The interior surface of the thermoelectric coolers are in contact with interior heat sinks that have air circulated across them by an interior fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Richard T. Howard
  • Publication number: 20030182960
    Abstract: A relatively fresh approach to the evaporative air conditioner industry of today. It uses solar power to convert used-up water that normally is evacuated by different means like bleeding off water from the hose of distribution assembly. It uses a three section water deposit, four submergible pumps and a solar panel and rechargable 12 volts battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Elpidio Lozoya
  • Patent number: 6626003
    Abstract: Process for air conditioning of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle by means of an air conditioning system (7) using solar power which is obtained via at least one solar module (1) which is attached to the motor vehicle, especially on the motor vehicle roof, and which is also used for charging a battery (4) of the motor vehicle, in which the solar power is used additionally or alternatively to charge the motor vehicle battery (4), and also to operate a ventilation system (6) when the vehicle is unoccupied, and in which the air conditioning system (7) is activated prior to entry of a passenger into the passenger compartment, the air conditioning system being operated so as to draw most of its power from the motor vehicle battery (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Kortüm, Reinhard Wecker
  • Patent number: 6615601
    Abstract: A sealed well direct expansion geothermal heat exchange unit, whose sealed well can be placed in ground and/or in water, consisting of a conventional direct expansion, or other heat pump, system wherein the exterior refrigerant heat exchange lines are placed within an insulated and sealed container, which container is supplied with a circulating heat conductive liquid from and to a sub-surface sealed well encasement, which container liquid may be supplemented with heat from a solar heating system, and which unit's hot refrigerant vapor line may be supplementary cooled by means of condensate water evaporative cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
  • Patent number: 6595020
    Abstract: An alternative powered evaporative cooler has a squirrel cage fan. A low voltage DC motor is provided to power the squirrel cage fan. A pulley system is coupled to the squirrel cage fan and the low voltage DC motor for transferring energy from the low voltage DC motor to rotate the squirrel cage fan. A low voltage DC power source is provided to power the low voltage DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: David I. Sanford
  • Publication number: 20030097845
    Abstract: A heating and cooling apparatus to be applied to an object to control the temperature of the object. A number of thermoelectric modules are adapted to be positioned in contact with the object in a pattern. A voltage source is adapted to apply a voltage to the thermoelectric modules to cause a temperature change in each thermoelectric module so as to control the temperature of the object in accordance with the pattern and with the voltage applied to thermoelectric modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: John Saunders, Jamey D. Jacob, Dayong Gao, Michel A. Myers
  • Patent number: 6544116
    Abstract: A ventilation apparatus for selectively moving air of an interior of a motor vehicle. The ventilation apparatus includes a main exhaust system for moving interior air from the interior of the vehicle to an exterior of the vehicle. A first area air handling system for moving air between the interior and the exterior of the vehicle in a first area. A second area air handling system for moving air between the interior and the exterior of the vehicle in a second area. A first actuator for controlling the rate of airflow through the main exhaust system, the first area air handling system, and the second area air handling system. A second actuator for switching between a plurality of modes of operation. The main exhaust system is preferably mounted adjacent to the ashtray and operates in an exhaust mode only, while the area systems can be switched to operate between the exhaust mode or in an intake mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Cerbo
  • Patent number: 6539738
    Abstract: A design of a compact solar air conditioning system especially suited for tropical climates includes an air-cooled single-effect absorption machine driven by an array of high performance flat-plate collectors along with a thermal storage tank. The absorption machine uses lithium-bromide as a refrigerant and a water-based absorption fluid. The operation of the compact solar air conditioning system is determined by an optimal control strategy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: University of Puerto Rico
    Inventors: Jorge E. González-Cruz, Gerson Beauchamp-Báez
  • Publication number: 20030051498
    Abstract: An alternative powered evaporative cooler has a squirrel cage fan. A low voltage DC motor is provided to power the squirrel cage fan. A pulley system is coupled to the squirrel cage fan and the low voltage DC motor for transferring energy from the low voltage DC motor to rotate the squirrel cage fan. A low voltage DC power source is provided to power the low voltage DC motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: David I. Sanford
  • Publication number: 20030041608
    Abstract: A design of a compact solar air conditioning system especially suited for tropical climates includes an air-cooled single-effect absorption machine driven by an array of high performance flat-plate collectors along with a thermal storage tank. The absorption machine uses lithium-bromide as a refrigerant and a water-based absorption fluid. The operation of the compact solar air conditioning system is determined by an optimal control strategy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Jorge E. Gonzalez-Cruz, Gerson Beauchamp-Baez
  • Patent number: 6513339
    Abstract: An air conditioning system that can be driven by solar energy. A solar collector used energy from the sun to evaporate water from a desiccant fluid. The desiccant fluid is then flows into a mass transfer device which removes moisture from an air stream. Calcium chloride is the preferred desiccant material and can serve as an energy-storage medium. Electric or fuel backup can be used with this system to regenerate the desiccant material. In some embodiments an indirect evaporative cooler is added to provide sensible cooling. A new desiccant cooling system that is specially designed to work with the properties of this desiccant and meet comfort requirements of conventional air conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Work Smart Energy Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: William Leslie Kopko
  • Patent number: 6499309
    Abstract: A water supply system for supplying water by condensing air humidity is disclosed. The water supply system is provided with a housing adapted to be mounted on a building. An air humidity condensing system is mounted in the housing to condense air humidity to water. A water collector is arranged below the air humidity condensing system for collecting the water collected by the air humidity condensing system. A water-storage tank is used to storage the water and then supply the water via distributing ducts to the building. A solar collector panel is further supported over the housing to supply electric energy by converting solar energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Lucky Star Enterprise & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Hsiung Yeh
  • Publication number: 20020174672
    Abstract: A solar reflector for an evaporator in a heat pump system. The evaporator has heat transfer plates and is located in an outdoor environment. The solar reflector has a curved surface configured to reflect solar radiation to the heat transfer plates of the evaporator. The curved surface can be in the shape of a truncated parabola. The curved surface can also be curved in a dish-like shape defining an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter, and the lower perimeter defines a bottom opening configured to receive the evaporator. The solar reflector can also be made of a plurality of partially overlapping curved surfaces configured to reflect solar radiation to the heat transfer plates of the evaporator. In this case the solar reflector includes a hinge ring, and each of the curved surfaces are hingedly attached to the hinge ring. Preferably the hinge ring defines an opening to receive the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Ken Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 6474089
    Abstract: A natural air conditioning system for a car is characterized in a heat energy accumulator, a car battery, a cooler, and a solar collector panel connected to compressor, fan and condenser assembly, expansion valve, and fan and evaporator assembly that are included in a typical car air conditioning system. When the car air conditioning system is in operation, a part of cold energy produced in the system is stored in the heat energy accumulator and the cooler. And, when the car air conditioning system is in an off state, power provided by the solar collector panel or the car battery drives the fan associated with the evaporator and cold energy previously stored in the heat storage accumulator is released to keep an indoor space of the car at a comfortable temperature. Cold energy stored in the cooler also enables the cooler to serve as a spare car refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Sih-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 6469487
    Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
  • Patent number: 6453678
    Abstract: An air conditioning unit is provided for a parked truck/boat to cool the sleeping cabin. The cabin air conditioner having a cooling unit comprising a cooling chamber with at least one insulated wall having on opposite sides there of a heat sink and a cooling block having there between thermoelectric chip(s) or a high efficient D.C. compressor or cold storage phase change material. The air conditioning unit also comprises an air intake conduit, a cool air conduit, an exhaust conduit and means of supplying power to the cooling unit. A method for cooling the. sleeping cabin through the use of the air conditioning unit disclosed in the invention is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Kabin Komfort Inc
    Inventor: Shaam P. Sundhar
  • Patent number: 6453693
    Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
  • Publication number: 20020104318
    Abstract: A miniature thermoelectric cooling device for storing small amounts of thermally unstable substances, like drug vials with insulin for diabetic patients or protein based drugs for thrombolytic therapy, is disclosed. A solar energy collector coupled with a rechargeable battery is provided as the energy source. The miniature cooler is small enough to be belt-carried at all time by a person, whose life or health depends on the drugs. When switched to a heating mode, the thermoelectric device can temporarily elevate the temperature of the drug to a body temperature thus providing comfortable conditions for the injection. A combined solar-and-battery power supply allows keeping an article in the cooler at low temperatures around o'clock at all times during substantially long travels in hot or tropical conditions where even short term exposure to surrounding temperatures can destroy the potency of the drug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Ali Jaafar, Victor I. Chornenky
  • Patent number: 6418745
    Abstract: A new and improved heat powered heat pump system and method of making same is provided. More particularly, the present invention relates to a heat powered heat pump system which uses standard commonly available refrigerant fluids, supplements pressurizing the refrigerant fluid by use of an external available heat source, enables selective switching between heating or cooling modes, and utilizes a thermal four-chambered compressor having a double piston head that is partially powered by an external heat source. Since the heat powered heat pump system may be made in various sizes and configurations, it may be utilized to cool and heat the interior of vehicles using waste engine heat and an initializing battery powered heating element to provide for immediate heating and cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Mechanical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank W. Ratliff
  • Patent number: 6389830
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating and cooling includes a solar collector for transferring heat energy from incident solar rays to a liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a first portion to a gaseous state. An eductor-venturi reduces a pressure of the gaseous refrigerant material and a condenser removes the heat energy thereby changing the refrigerant material back to the liquid state. A heat exchanger associated with the condenser receives the heat energy removed from the refrigerant material. A float evaporator mounted in a cold chamber transfers heat energy from the atmosphere to the liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a second portion to the gaseous state and cooling the cold chamber atmosphere. A float actuated valve connected to the float evaporator is responsive to a level of the liquid refrigerant material in the evaporator for regulating a flow of the liquid refrigerant material into the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Refrigeration Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward W. Bottum, Sr., Edward W. Bottum, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020053214
    Abstract: A solar powered air conditioning system includes an absorption machine coupled to three primary loops. A heat loop provides energy to the absorption machine. A cooling tower loop exhausts heat from the absorption machine. A chilled water loop is used to draw heat from a room or building. The heat loop provides energy from a boiler and/or from a number of solar collectors. In one mode of operation, the solar collectors circulate through a storage tank. The flow through the solar collectors is regulated to maximize energy collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Luis V. Melendez-Gonzalez, Jorge E. Gonzalez-Cruz, Gerson Beauchamp-Baez
  • Patent number: 6357246
    Abstract: A heat pump type air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The air conditioning apparatus comprises a heat pump and a heat piping. The heat pump includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducer for a room cooling operation, another pressure reducer for a room heating operation and an outdoor heat exchanger. The compressor, the four-way valve, the indoor heat exchanger, the pressure reducer for a room cooling operation, the pressure reducer for a room heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger and the four-way valve are connected one after another in series by means of a first conduit. The four-way valve is additionally connected to the compressor by means of a suction conduit. Two points on a portion of the first conduit directly connecting the outdoor heat exchanger to the four-way valve are additionally connected to each other by means of a second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Keum Su Jin
  • Publication number: 20020026797
    Abstract: An air conditioning unit is provided for a parked truck/boat to cool the sleeping cabin. The cabin air conditioner having a cooling unit comprising a cooling chamber with at least one insulated wall having on opposite sides there of a heat sink and a cooling block having there between thermoelectric chip(s) or a high efficient D.C. compressor or cold storage phase change material. The air conditioning unit also comprises an air intake conduit, a cool air conduit, an exhaust conduit and means of supplying power to the cooling unit. A method for cooling the. sleeping cabin through the use of the air conditioning unit disclosed in the invention is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Shaam P. Sundhar
  • Publication number: 20020023450
    Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight. The conversion of solar power into stored thermal energy is optimized by a compressor control method that effectively maximizes the compressor's usage of available energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: Government of the United States of America, National Aeronautics & Space Administration
    Inventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 6349563
    Abstract: A salt water desalinating device, characterized by having an absorption refrigerating machine using a first dilute salt water and concentrated salt water and characterized in that a second dilute salt water to be desalinated is evaporated by heat flowing out from the high-temperature heat source of the absorption refrigerating machine and vapor evaporated from the second dilute salt water is condensed by heat to be absorbed to a refrigeration source. A plurality of the absorption refrigerating machines may be series-connected in a series arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Mikio Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20020020181
    Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight. The conversion of solar power into stored thermal energy is optimized by a compressor control method that effectively maximizes the compressor's usage of available energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: Government of the United States of America, National Aeronautics & Space Administration
    Inventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 6305185
    Abstract: A cooler device with integrated solar power and stereo system including a cooler portion comprised of an open upper end, a closed lower end, a front wall, a rear wall, opposed side walls, a hollow interior, and a pair of carrying handles on the opposed side walls. The open upper end has a lid hingedly coupled thereto. A solar panel is secured to an upper surface of the lid of the cooler portion. A stereo system is disposed within the front wall of the cooler portion. The stereo system is in communication with the solar panel in conjunction with an internal storage battery. A trickle charger is provided to allow the internal storage battery to be charged with household current. A compass and thermometer is provided on at least one of the carrying handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Dwight Sloan
  • Publication number: 20010022091
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating and cooling includes a solar collector for transferring heat energy from incident solar rays to a liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a first portion to a gaseous state. An eductor-venturi reduces a pressure of the gaseous refrigerant material and a condenser removes the heat energy thereby changing the refrigerant material back to the liquid state. A heat exchanger associated with the condenser receives the heat energy removed from the refrigerant material. A float evaporator mounted in a cold chamber transfers heat energy from the atmosphere to the liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a second portion to the gaseous state and cooling the cold chamber atmosphere. A float actuated valve connected to the float evaporator is responsive to a level of the liquid refrigerant material in the evaporator for regulating a flow of the liquid refrigerant material into the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Edward W. Bottum, Edward W. Bottum
  • Patent number: 6253563
    Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photo voltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
  • Patent number: 6244062
    Abstract: A solar collector system for converting solar radiation to thermal energy and electricity has an upper cover with a material that is transparent to solar radiation. A solar energy absorbing structure is disposed under the upper cover and has a heat conducting material such as metal. In addition, a first heat transfer system is disposed in contact with the solar energy absorbing structure and has a material that transfers heat from the solar energy absorbing structure to a first substance flowing within the first heat transfer system. The solar collector system also has electric cells that absorb solar radiation and convert it into electricity. The cells are configured and disposed on at least a portion of the upper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: David Prado
  • Patent number: 6240737
    Abstract: A solar-powered refrigerator which includes a switch operable to independently regulate supply of an electric current to one or more variable-speed compressors, each of the variable-speed compressors being in fluid communication with a respective coolant circuit in thermal communication with the interior of a cooling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Charles Albiez
  • Patent number: 6216480
    Abstract: A System for capturing, storing and delivering energy, comprises a capture means (1; 9; 15) for capturing energy; storage means (22) for storing captured energy; and charging means (20, 21; 23, 24, 25, 26) for charging said captured energy into said storage means (22), wherein said capture means (1; 9; 15) provides electrical energy and said storage means is an electrolyte-based rechargeable battery (22) in which the electrolyte comprises adenosine triphosphate (ATP). A Solar panel (1; 9; 15) used in this system comprises reflectors (2, 3; 7, 8) directing reflected photons onto the panel (1; 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventors: Nelson E. Camus, Stephen John Schwika
  • Patent number: 6196010
    Abstract: A temperature control zone enclosure for exterior compressor/condensers has been developed to serve as a means of protecting the compressor/condensers from inclement weather and to automatically allow those units to operate at optimum temperature. The enclosure is comprised of a back, two sides and partial front and top walls with rigid insulation sandwiched between an outer and inner layer of material impervious to atmospheric conditions. The majority of the front and slanted top of the enclosure is comprised of two movable dual-glazed panels. Those movable panels are equipped with automatically operating interior light-reflecting horizontal slat blinds that change position in concert with the moveable dual-glazed panels that are operated by a non-electric temperature sensing operating device connected to the panels by a set of fulcrum advantaged rigid members activated as temperatures rise or fall within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: John Harry Mohrman