Utilizing Solar Energy Patents (Class 62/235.1)
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Publication number: 20080078194Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: Kuo-Len Lin, Tien-Chih Tseng, Wen-Jun Liu, Hai-Rui Ye
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Publication number: 20080078195Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: Kuo-Len Lin, Tien-Chih Tseng, Wen-Jung Liu, Hai-Rui Ye
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Patent number: 7343754Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Jonathan G. Ritchey
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Publication number: 20080047277Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Applicant: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Yong Chul Kim
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Publication number: 20080047285Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2007Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventor: James Boule
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Publication number: 20080041083Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2006Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Ayman H. Kassem, Abdullah M. Al-Garni, Farooq Saeed
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Patent number: 7234314Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Earth to Air Systems, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
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Patent number: 7089753Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Finhoeks B.V.Inventor: Wilhelmus Adolfus Johannes Marie Hoeks
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Patent number: 6945063Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Michael D. Max
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Patent number: 6883588Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.Inventors: Lenny Low, Randy Pon
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Patent number: 6828499Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Michael David Max
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Patent number: 6820420Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Global Energy Group, Inc.Inventor: Thomas H. Hebert
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Patent number: 6775999Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2001Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventor: Ken Wilkinson
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Publication number: 20040098998Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Mikio Kinoshita
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Publication number: 20040040325Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: David Evans
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Publication number: 20040000159Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventor: Shengheng Xu
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Patent number: 6662572Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Richard T. Howard
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Publication number: 20030182960Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Elpidio Lozoya
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Patent number: 6626003Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventors: Franz-Josef Kortüm, Reinhard Wecker
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Patent number: 6615601Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
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Patent number: 6595020Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: David I. Sanford
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Publication number: 20030097845Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2002Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventors: John Saunders, Jamey D. Jacob, Dayong Gao, Michel A. Myers
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Patent number: 6544116Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Inventor: Michael Cerbo
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Patent number: 6539738Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: University of Puerto RicoInventors: Jorge E. González-Cruz, Gerson Beauchamp-Báez
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Publication number: 20030051498Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2001Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventor: David I. Sanford
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Publication number: 20030041608Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Jorge E. Gonzalez-Cruz, Gerson Beauchamp-Baez
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Patent number: 6513339Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Work Smart Energy Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: William Leslie Kopko
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Patent number: 6499309Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Lucky Star Enterprise & Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chao-Hsiung Yeh
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Publication number: 20020174672Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventor: Ken Wilkinson
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Patent number: 6474089Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: Sih-Li Chen
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Patent number: 6469487Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
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Patent number: 6453678Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Kabin Komfort IncInventor: Shaam P. Sundhar
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Patent number: 6453693Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
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Publication number: 20020104318Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: Ali Jaafar, Victor I. Chornenky
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Patent number: 6418745Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Mechanical Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Frank W. Ratliff
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Patent number: 6389830Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Refrigeration Research, Inc.Inventors: Edward W. Bottum, Sr., Edward W. Bottum, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020053214Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventors: Luis V. Melendez-Gonzalez, Jorge E. Gonzalez-Cruz, Gerson Beauchamp-Baez
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Patent number: 6357246Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Keum Su Jin
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Publication number: 20020026797Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Inventor: Shaam P. Sundhar
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Publication number: 20020023450Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Applicant: Government of the United States of America, National Aeronautics & Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron
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Patent number: 6349563Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Inventor: Mikio Kinoshita
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Publication number: 20020020181Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: Government of the United States of America, National Aeronautics & Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron
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Patent number: 6305185Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Inventor: Dwight Sloan
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Publication number: 20010022091Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2001Publication date: September 20, 2001Inventors: Edward W. Bottum, Edward W. Bottum
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Patent number: 6253563Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
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Patent number: 6244062Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Inventor: David Prado
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Patent number: 6240737Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Inventor: Robert Charles Albiez
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Patent number: 6216480Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventors: Nelson E. Camus, Stephen John Schwika
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Patent number: 6196010Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: John Harry Mohrman