Abstract:
Delivering heat from modem high temperature solar collectors to hot water storage tanks is more effectively done using unpressurized when cold, self-pressurized on heat up, automatic air eliminating, higher temperature fluid loops. A pressurizing valve, an overflow reservoir and a vacuum relief valve are used. Non-toxic water/antifreeze mixtures are pressurized up to about two atmospheres resulting in a 265° Fahrenheit boiling point. Loss of circulation under full sun results in solar collector boiling under pressure. The steam generated in the solar collector is condensed in the pressurized liquid-to-air radiator, a steam heat pipe, and water is returned to the solar collector to keep it completely full of fluid and steam. A set of pressure-actuated air dampers on the solar collector can also be used to shed the excess solar collector heat.
Abstract:
Direct current solar electric heating elements can be powered by an array of photovoltaic panels. The direct current voltage can be low or high with proper electrocution protection. Insertable immersion heating elements can be placed into any existing, gas, propane or electric hot water tank, cooking pot or hot tub. Heating elements in air can also be used for heating ovens, range cook tops and sauna heaters. The output of the photovoltaic panel is interfaced to the electric heater element via either direct connection or using a load-matching controller which maximizes the power delivered to the heater under all sun conditions. The maximum heater temperature is regulated by a thermostat.
Abstract:
A self-lifting system for an electric mobility scooter or wheel chair into a vehicle, using only the mobility units electric motor, controls, and battery. The system uses two tension straps or ropes, attached inside a vehicle with the other end attached to capstans on the powered wheels. The forward/reversing switch allow the capstan to wind/unwind the rope or strap lifting or lowering of the mobility unit with or without ramps, with the user applying no lifting load with ramps or only small lifting and balancing loads without ramps. Only tension members and anchors are required in the vehicle.
Abstract:
A Photovoltaic powered cooking system comprised of a small solar panel array 500-1,000 Watts, a charge controller for a battery capable of storing electric power and delivering it day or night for cooking using a low voltage 12-48 VDC, low power, 500 W heater configured as a hot plate or oven capable of 240° C. to boil, bake or fry food. The heater is comprised of multiple standard resistive or positive temperature coefficient heating elements or both combined to be energy efficient and can cook and then be controlled to keep food warm. No combustible fuel needed.
Abstract:
A plumbing adapter is proposed to allow electric heating elements to be placed into the ports of an existing pressurized hot water tank. The adapter allows the heating element to be inserted into either male or female tank plumbing fittings without rotation, so it allows the use of bent or shaped heating elements. This allows a heating element to be placed near the bottom of the tank and in an inclined or near-horizontal position to improve convective heat transfer. The adapter allows electric heating elements driven by photovoltaic panels or grid power to be placed into existing or new water tanks that are heated by propane, natural gas, or electric power.
Abstract:
Direct current solar electric heating elements can be powered by an array of photovoltaic panels. The direct current voltage can be low or high with proper electrocution protection. Insertable immersion heating elements can be placed into any existing, gas, propane or electric hot water tank, cooking pot or hot tub. Heating elements in air can also be used for heating ovens, range cook tops and sauna heaters. The output of the photovoltaic panel is interfaced to the electric heater element via either direct connection or using a load-matching controller which maximizes the power delivered to the heater under all sun conditions. The maximum heater temperature is regulated by a thermostat.
Abstract:
A heat exchanger which is adapted to an existing water tank to allow it to be heated or cooled using a hot or cold toxic or non-toxic liquid. Solar collectors and heat pumps can provide hot or cold liquids. To transfer this heat cheaply and economically to an existing hot or cold, water tank requires a simple efficient heat exchange, which can be easily adapted to the existing tank. The invention recited fills this need by simply screwing into the existing hot or cold, water tank and allow heat or cold to be added or extracted via a simple fluid loop, which is single wall isolated for non-toxic heat exchange fluids and double wall isolated for toxic heat exchange fluids.
Abstract:
A long-life solar reflector includes a solar collector substrate and a base layer bonded to a solar collector substrate. The first layer includes a first reflective layer and a first acrylic or transparent polymer layer covering the first reflective layer to prevent exposure of the first reflective layer. The reflector also includes at least one upper layer removably bonded to the first acrylic or transparent polymer layer of the base layer. The upper layer includes a second reflective layer and a second acrylic or transparent polymer layer covering the second reflective layer to prevent exposure of the second reflective layer. The upper layer may be removed from the base reflective layer to expose the base layer, thereby lengthening the useful life of the solar reflector. A method of manufacturing a solar reflector includes the steps of bonding a base layer to a solar collector substrate, wherein the base reflective layer includes a first reflective layer and a first transparent polymer or acrylic layer covering the first reflective layer; and removably bonding a first upper layer to the first transparent polymer or acrylic layer of the base layer. The first upper layer includes a second reflective layer and a second transparent polymer or acrylic layer covering the second reflective layer to prevent exposure of the second reflective layer.