| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 126583000 | Of fluent medium | 40 |
| 20090308376 | SMART DEVICE FOR ABSORBING SOLAR ENERGY AND CONTROLING SUNLIGHT ADMISSION - The present invention provides a process for absorbing solar energy and, simultaneously having a continuous control of the light admission making it possible to install the device in external openings of buildings and equipment, such as windows, shutters or skylights. The system comprises two frames which support plates of transparent material, between which it is possible to introduce a colourful solution coming from an external reservoir. Both frames are interconnected through a flexible membrane which allows the plates to be pushed against each other, making the window transparent, or pushed away interposing the colourful solution, which will make the window uniform and gradually translucent or opaque. The said liquid comes from a reservoir and the access to the gap between the plates through is obtained by means of a channel that separates the two frames, allowing the liquid to flow evenly into the whole surface, thus being a homogenous and adjustable darkening obtainable. The inflow or outflow of the liquid between the plates is ruled by the vacuum level inside the reservoir containing the colourful solution. When the window is opaque or partially transparent, the solar energy heats the liquid which is then forced to flow by a circulating pump, passing through a heat exchanger which allows the energy absorption. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100170498 | AIR INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM FOR CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER GENERATION SYSTEMS - An air quality instrumentation system for a concentrated solar power generation system using a fluid heat transfer medium includes a pipe, a window and a spectroscope. The pipe extends from the concentrated solar power generation system and contains system air from within the concentrated solar power generation system. The window is positioned within the pipe to permit light to pass through the pipe and the system air. The spectroscope is positioned adjacent the window to assess concentration of a constituent within the system air, the concentration of the constituent providing an indication of an operating condition of the concentrated solar power generation system. | 07-08-2010 |
| 126584000 | Pressure responsive | 1 |
| 20120103321 | VAPOUR ONLY CYCLING OF HEAT TRANSFER FLUID FOR THE THERMAL STORAGE OF SOLAR ENERGY - Heat transfer fluid in vapour only state is cycled through solar collector(s) ( | 05-03-2012 |
| 126585000 | Temperature responsive | 33 |
| 20080216821 | Solar heating systems with integrated circulator control - Solar heating systems are provided which transfer heat from a solar thermal energy source to a hot water heating system, e.g., a domestic hot water system or a radiant heating loop. These systems utilize a circulator pump with an integrated controller which provides solar differential temperature control, optimizing functioning of the solar heating system. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20090188486 | PV water heater with adaptive control - A photovoltaic water heater includes a tank containing water and a heater element, a solar module, and a control circuit coupling the solar module to the heater element. One or more transducers in the system produce signals indicative of water usage. A microprocessor is programmed to produce a model of water usage from the signals and cause the heater element to heat water in accordance with the model. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090211567 | Energy storage for PV water heater - A system for heating water includes a first tank containing water and a heater element for heating the water, a solar panel, a control circuit coupling the solar panel to the heater element, and a second tank. The control circuit couples power to the heater element in proportion to available sunlight. The maximum temperature of the water in the first tank is higher than the maximum temperature of the water in the second tank. Water is drawn from the system through the second tank. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090320828 | Heating Medium Supply System, Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Electric Power Generation System and Method of Controlling These Systems - A heating medium supply system ( | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100059044 | PRESSURIZED OPEN LOOP FREEZE PROTECTED INTEGRAL STORAGE COLLECTOR SOLAR WATER-HEATING SYSTEM - An integral storage-collector solar water-heating system is disclosed. The system includes a tank and two absorbers, wherein the entire system is full of water. The water circulation goes from the bottom of the tank trough a fine-tube absorber plate, which is located between a transparent cover exposed to the sun and an insulated plate. The heated water passes through a second absorber that heats them to a usage temperature and cause them flows into the tank's space. The second absorber is created between the exposed wall of the tank, by a grid of tunnels that are grooved in a thermally insulated layer that are attached to the inside walls of the tank. The second absorber is covered with transparent cover too. The water flow into the upper part of the tank and a thermo-siphon valve prevents the back flow. After a double heating, the water is stored inside the tank and ready for use. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100083950 | SOLAR ENERGY WATER HEATING SYSTEM - In one aspect, the invention is directed to a solar energy water heating system for heating water in a water storage tank. In one particular embodiment, the system includes a controller, a solar energy collector whose energy contribution to water in the tank is controlled by the controller, and a non-solar heating system that is not controlled by the controller. Water in the tank may be heated by one or both of the non-solar heating system and energy from the solar energy collector. The controller can determine the amount of energy contributed by solar energy to the water in the tank. In another embodiment, the solar energy water heating system incorporates a controller that controls both the operation of the pump and the operation of the non-solar heating system. In another embodiment, a network of solar energy water heating systems is provided. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100147285 | SEMI-CYLINDRICAL SOLAR COLLECTING APPARATUS FOR SOLAR BOILER - The present invention relates to a semi-cylindrical solar collecting apparatus for a solar boiler that is provided with a plurality of solar collecting plates having a semi-cylindrical shape, thereby greatly enhancing solar collecting efficiencies, and that connects a plurality of heat-exchanging pipes adapted to be heated by the plurality of solar collecting plates with an underground heat-exchanging pipe by means of auxiliary pipes, such that water is circulated well by means of a circulation pump, thereby completely solving the frozen and burst problems of the heat-exchanging pipes and circulation pipes. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100218757 | SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM - The invention provides a system for providing heated domestic water. The system comprises a heating structure such as a solar collector and a tank connected by an upstream fluid path and a downstream fluid path. A control system is adapted to interrupt supply of water from a source to the system when the domestic water is delivered to a recipient. The invention further provides a heating system with a tank which is filled to a certain limit leaving a certain amount of free space, e.g. to adjust absorption of energy to a supplied amount of energy or for reserving space for drainage of the solar collector. The invention further relates to a solar collector which is protected against excessive temperatures. Furthermore, the intention provides a method for providing heated domestic water. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100224182 | Solar Hot Water System and Method of Operating a Solar Hot Water System - A solar hot water system is provided, comprising an ambient temperature sensor, a controller, a valve, a water storage tank, having an inlet and an outlet, and at least a first solar panel, having an inlet in fluid communication with the water storage tank outlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the water storage tank inlet. When the temperature sensor indicates to the controller that the ambient temperature is above a predetermined level, the controller controls the valve to direct flow from the water storage tank outlet to the solar panel inlet and from the solar panel outlet to the water storage tank inlet. When the temperature sensor indicates to the controller that the ambient temperature is below a predetermined level, the controller controls the valve to direct flow from the solar panel inlet to the valve and so to atmosphere. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20110041833 | SOLAR HEAT EXCHANGER CONTROLLER - A circuit board controller enables a solar hot water system to be used in conjunction with, and assist, a conventional heating system such as a furnace. If some heat is available from solar heating, then the solar heat is used for pre-heating so the conventional heating system does not have to perform as much work. If there is enough heat available from solar heating to provide all of the heat that is needed, then operation of the conventional heating system is locked out. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110056483 | SELF-LEARNING SOLAR COLLECTOR ORIENTATION CONTROL SYSTEM - The invention relates to a method for controlling the orientation of a sun collector (K | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110094498 | Drainback Solar Water Heater - A solar water heater includes a drainback unit with a drainback reservoir and an anti-airlock conduit for assuring that working fluid in the solar collectors is consistently drained from the solar collectors into a drainback reservoir once circulation the working fluid in the solar collectors has stopped. The drainback unit also provides rapid startup by positioning the heat exchanger outside of the drainback reservoir and by positioning the inlet and outlet of drainback reservoir in close proximity to each other. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110108018 | SOLAR BASED ENERGY CONVERSION APPARATUS - A solar energy conversion apparatus including a solar collection apparatus configured for tracking the sun, a first loop array for channeling a first heat transfer fluid to and from a fluid reservoir operating as a heat sink, a second loop array for channeling a second heat transfer fluid to and from the fluid reservoir for interfacing via a heat exchanger therewith, a third loop array for channeling a third heat transfer fluid to and from the fluid reservoir for interfacing via a heat exchanger therewith. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110168162 | Inexpensive bi-axial sun tracker for solar concentrators - A relatively simple, inexpensive, and easily manufactured device for accurately tracking the daily and seasonal movement of the sun anywhere, and in any climate, without the need for human and/or computer intervention. This sun tracker can be made to any size, out of common materials, and using standard assembly line techniques. Said sun tracker can be installed for any application by an unskilled person. Once installed, it will use a simple electro-mechanical configuration instead of a complex mechanical or costly computer control, as all prior art required. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168163 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SOLAR HEATING FUNCTIONALITY TO A FLUID HEATING SYSTEM - The present invention describes enhancement of non-solar water heating systems (such as systems that operate on gas, diesel fuel, or electricity energy) to work with solar heating panel as well. The retrofitable system addresses the need to provide a simple to install, cheap, and clean add-on solar panel and parts to existing non-solar based heating systems. The hot water extracted from the system has homogeneous temperature, and when water is not taken from the system the hot water are being collected in the existing boiler. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110180056 | WATER VALVE DEVICE, AND WATER HEATING APPARATUS FOR A SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME - A water valve device includes: a valve unit having an input port for receiving solar heated water from a solar water heating system, a first output port connected to a cold water inlet of a water heating device using non-solar energy, and a second output port; a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of water flowing through the input port of the valve unit to generate a temperature sensing signal corresponding to the temperature; and a controller controlling, based on the temperature sensing signal from the temperature sensor, the valve unit to operate in a first state, where the input port is in fluid communication with the first output port, when the temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, or in a second state, where the input port is in fluid communication with the second output port, when the temperature is not lower than the predetermined temperature. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110283993 | WATER HEATER WITH INSULATING LAYER - A water heater includes: an inner tank having an internal cavity configured to hold water therein; a heating device residing in the internal cavity; an outer lining that surrounds the inner tank, a gap being present between the outer lining and the inner tank; and insulation material located in the gap. The gap is under a vacuum of between about 5 and 200 microns. In this configuration, the water heater can have an R value in excess of 500. With this level of insulative capacity, water stored in the water heater may lose only 2° F. or less over a 24 hour period, thereby substantially outperforming conventional water heaters. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110308512 | SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY ARRAY AND DRIVE - Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling arrays of solar thermal energy collectors. Rows of the array are actuated sequentially or consecutively rather than concurrently. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120266864 | SOLAR HEATING AND PASTEURISATION SYSTEM - A solar water heating arrangement comprising a solar water heating element and a hot water storage vessel having a heat insulated internal volume for storage of hot water for use by a user and conduits linking them to form a fluid circulation loop is improved by providing a further, intermediate storage tank linked to the solar water heating arrangement to form another fluid circulation loop whereby the flow of fluid from the solar water heating element to the hot water storage vessel and the intermediate storage tank through the respective fluid circulation loops may be controlled for enhanced heat capture efficiency and heat storage management. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20130019858 | SOLAR HEATED WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A non electric, temperature controlled system for passing or bypassing a solar water heating apparatus includes a temperature controlled water distribution valve directing water to flow from a main supply of water toward a user depending on the setting and configuration of the temperature controlled water distribution valve within the system. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130112188 | CONTROL AND TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A SOLAR POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - Embodiments of a solar reflector assembly and methods of controlling a solar reflector assembly are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20140283815 | SOLAR COLLECTOR - A solar collector is made primarily of plastic materials. A wide variety of collector configurations may be made from similar parts, and thus the collector may be adapted to mount in locations where traditional flat panel collectors may not be feasible. The collector may conveniently be used with a nanofluid as the heat transfer fluid, to increase the heat transfer characteristics of the heat transfer fluid. A control system for stagnation remediation, freeze protection, or both may be utilized. For example, when the collector is in danger for stagnation or freezing, water may be circulated through a ground coupled heat exchange loop to cool or heat the collector. Preferably, the stagnation remediation mode does not sacrifice thermal energy previously collected and stored. | 09-25-2014 |
| 126586000 | Set point control | 3 |
| 20120210999 | SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM FOR A HOT WATER HEATER - A solar heating system for a hot water heater. The system has at least one solar heating unit that heats water contained therein and is fluidly connected to a water storage tank. The water storage tank is enclosed underneath the surface of the earth and is fluidly connected to the hot water heater in order to provide hot water to the hot water heater. An active over-heat protection system for the heating panels that tilts away from the sun when heating isn't needed. An active system that maintains proper water temperature in the storage tank during use of hot water and during reheating of water. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20150083111 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING A SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANT - A solar thermal power plant, wherein, in an intermediate superheater in the water-steam circuit, steam is heated to a settable setpoint temperature value at the outlet by a heat carrier medium which has been heated solar-thermally, wherein, for the heating of the steam to a set setpoint temperature value, a mass flow of the heat carrier medium entering the intermediate superheater is controlled as a function of a determined enthalpy difference of the heat carrier medium between the entry and exit thereof into and out of the intermediate superheater and as a function of a determined enthalpy difference of the steam between the exit and entry thereof out of and into the intermediate superheater is provided. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20160153681 | FLUID HEATING SYSTEM | 06-02-2016 |
| 126587000 | Differential temperature control | 6 |
| 20090320829 | MONITORING APPARATUS - Apparatus for monitoring a solar thermal system, the solar thermal system being for recovering heat energy by heating a heat transfer medium, the apparatus including a processing system for determining a flow rate of the heat transfer medium, determining a temperature change for the heat transfer medium, causing data to be stored based on the determined flow rate and the temperature change, the data being at least partially indicative of an amount of heat energy recovered. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100180885 | SOLAR ENERGY-BASED WATER HEATING AND POWER GENERATING MODULE - A solar energy-based water heating and power generating module includes a factory-fabricated compound module panel usable as a cover panel for building, car or ship and capable of absorbing solar energy for heating water flowing in a water chamber and a circulation pipe, and a power generator formed of a field magnet set, an oscillator and a coil and actuated by a temperature difference energy to generate heat. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20110030673 | HOT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM - In a hot water supply system having a solar heater that heats a heating medium with absorbed solar heat, a cogeneration unit that heats the medium by heat exhausted from an engine, a hot water supply unit with a heat exchanger for heat-exchanging between the medium and water supplied from a water supply source to generate the hot water, a medium circulator that circulates the medium among the solar heater, cogeneration unit and heat exchanger, an electric heater that heats the hot water with the power generated by the generator, a heat absorption amount to be adsorbed by the solar heater is estimated and operations of the cogeneration unit and the electric heater are controlled based on the estimated heat absorption amount, thereby enabling to improve energy efficiency of the entire system. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110048404 | HEATING SYSTEM - A heating system comprises a hot water cylinder having a first input coil whereby water within the cylinder can be heated using solar energy, a second input coil whereby water within the cylinder can be heated by a boiler, and a third, output coil whereby heat can be extracted from the water within the cylinder, the system further comprising a heat demand, and control means operable to determine whether the heat demand is supplied from the boiler, from the third coil, or from a combination thereof. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20120060827 | CONTROL FOR A TANKLESS WATER HEATER USED WITH A SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM - A tankless water heating auxiliary system for a solar water heating system, includes a solar collector; a tankless water heater auxiliary system; an insulated water storage tank storing the potable water; a heat exchange system for heating stored water; and piping for connecting the collector, the storage tank and the heat exchanger in fluid communication. A first sensor is connected to and located adjacent the storage tank for sensing the temperature of the stored water at an outlet of the tank. A method for controlling initiation of heating in a tankless water heater auxiliary system, includes monitoring operation of a tankless water heater; measuring water flow using a water flow sensor to determine if water flow rate exceeds a use determined flow rate; implementing a control time delay into the tankless water heater to purge water from the heater and sense the inlet water supply temperature; measuring the water temperature using a heat exchanger outgoing thermistor; comparing the temperature measured by the thermistor to a predetermined temperature; and initiating a combustion sequence if the temperature measured by the outgoing themistor is less than the predetermined temperature. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120090597 | PUMP DRAINED SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM - A pump drained solar water heating system, includes a solar collector; a reversible pump; a reservoir for storing heat transfer fluid; an insulated water storage tank for storing the potable water; piping for fluidically connecting the pump to the solar collector, the heat transfer fluid reservoir; and a heat exchanger; and a controller for operating the pump to transmit fluid in a forward flow or reverse flow direction. | 04-19-2012 |
| 126588000 | Freezing prevention | 2 |
| 20110139144 | SOLAR WATER HEATER RETROFITTED FROM CONVENTIONAL WATER HEATER, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A solar water heater system composed of retrofitting an existing conventional gas or electric water heater by adding a solar thermal circulating loop, wherein a heat pipe vacuum tube solar collector, a thermal circulating pump, a computer control system with temperature sensors and relative three-way connections, valves and pipes are installed on the existing water storage tank, is disclosed herein along with the method for building the system. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20150128928 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR POSITIVE EVACUATION OF SOLAR COLLECTOR - A method and system for positive evacuation of water from a solar collector using a bypass line which diverts a portion of water from the feed line of the solar collector to an inlet of a water pump. When the solar water heating circuit is turned off, suction created by the filtration pump rapidly evacuates all or substantially all water present in the solar collector. The system should include a water level switch on the feed line to the solar collector, a drain valve that allows pool water to evacuate from the solar collector and associated piping when water is present, a control mechanism that relays information from the water level switch to the drain valve, a small drain line that connects the solar pool heater feed and return lines to a water pump inlet, and a check valve to prevent by-pass. | 05-14-2015 |
| 126590000 | Fluid level responsive | 1 |
| 20090020110 | DETECTING AND REPORTING FAULTS IN SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS - A control system and a method are disclosed for detecting and reporting a variety of faults in solar thermal systems. Detected and reported faults include a low fluid condition in a closed loop of a solar thermal system in a drain-back configuration, a pressure drop in a closed of a solar thermal system in a glycol configuration, a pressure drop in a potable water portion of a solar thermal system of either configuration. Additionally, systems and methods are disclosed for detecting and reporting power outages and heat exchanger scaling, both of which may be experienced by a solar thermal system. | 01-22-2009 |
| 126591000 | Of fluid flow | 3 |
| 20110203572 | SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM WITH OVERHEATING PROTECTION - A simple solar heating system incorporates a heat dissipater into a heat exchange circuit for bypassing solar collectors when either the temperature or the pressure in the heat exchange circuit exceeds preset limits. In the absence of electric controllers, fluid in the heat exchange circuit is caused to bypass the solar collectors using a valve which is controlled by either the temperature or pressure of the fluid. A solar photovoltaic panel energizes a circulating pump for increasing the rate of pumping as more solar energy is available at the PV panel and decreasing the rate as solar energy decreases. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20120060828 | Energy generation apparatus and method - An energy generation apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, a sidewall enclosing a perimeter of the base to define a first volume, and a tube having a first end and a second end. The base includes a solar energy collection surface. The first end of the tube is disposed in the first volume adjacent the base, and the second end of the tube is disposed in a second volume outside of the first volume. The apparatus also includes a fluid flow initiator to initiate a flow of a fluid from the first volume to the second volume through the tube when the fluid in the first volume has been heated by the solar energy collection surface to generate a super-adiabatic lapse rate. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120152232 | ENERGY SYSTEM WITH A HEAT PUMP - The invention provides a system for collection of thermal energy, e.g. solar energy. The system comprises at least two different loops for delivering the collected energy to a reservoir. One of the loops involves the use of a heat pump for increasing a temperature difference between inlet and outlet temperature of the energy collector. | 06-21-2012 |
